Fitting in…some thoughts from the road

muji_maxi

You know when you’re out of your comfort zone on the road, traveling, wondering, “do I stand out? Do I fit in? ” Whether or not it really matters, it’s something we all do- compare ourselves to the locals while buying coffee, while browsing in stores and even while working out at the gym. In LA this week, I’m more noticeably New York than I’ve ever been. Either that, or I’m getting older and more set in my ways.

Last night, I got dinner with my friend Ashley, who I initially met in London, and we got stuck on the topic of self awareness. We both travel quite a bit and are constantly dipping into varying weather reports and local cultures- while of course staying true to our basic vocabulary and stylistic instincts. There will always be the spots you gravitate towards based on familiarity (ahem, Intelligencia), but it’s so interesting to see where you stick, how others perceive you and if it feels comfortable while soaking in new situations.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you a chameleon or do you prefer to stick to your own…and if you’ve recently moved, do you think you’ll be making adjustments or recreating what you know?

April 18, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Capturing Migration Patterns

migration_captured

Walking along the Hudson last weekend, something seemed off. The birds weren’t the typical bunch. My husband, who’s somewhat of an aviary guy, started to stare in fascination- he was certain these weren’t ‘New York’ birds. As we stared at the ever-growing flock in Battery Park City, we realized that these circlers were in migration. They were making a weekend pit-stop (insert amusing NYC joke here), much like my McDonald coffee breaks along I95. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), the next day I stumbled across this fantastic mural by Kai and Sunny, measuring 20 x 26ft, entitled Migration East. It’s lively and energetic, much like the real thing.

April 18, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Tuesday's Gallery Picks

gallerypicks_patternpulp6

This week’s events shine for their vibrant use of color and texture as well as their straddling of modernity and tradition.

* * *

1. Deedee Cheriel utilizes seemingly disparate influences set within a landscape inspired by the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest at Pure Evil Clothing
2. Gert and Uwe Tobias dissolve the boundaries between craft & fine art, abstract concept & unconscious fantasy, modernity & tradition at White Chapel Gallery
3. Claire Rojas’s artwork takes a different turn at Nicolai Wallner
4. Duane Michals’s, The Painted Photograph, focuses on his current series of hand-painted tintypes at DC Moore Gallery
5. Canan Tolon’s painting appear to be purely abstract – but are they? at Von Lintel
6. Zhuang Hong Yi’s stunning textural artworks at Leslie Sacks Contemporary

April 16, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

From Venice Beach to Boston

1venice_sk 2venice_sk 3venice_sk 4venice_sk 5venice_sk

I’m out on the west coast this week, working remotely. Airbnb was good to us, as we found a lovely spot by Abbot Kinney, five minutes from the beach, complete with bikes and an oasis of a backyard. In between few-hour design bouts at the computer, I’m visiting local retail, meeting with designers and eating the colorful fresh food California’s known for. If there’s anything I should check out, please let me know- I’d love to hear your suggestions.

On another note, I just read the awful news about the Boston Marathon. It feels weird posting content while gut-wrenching reports are coming from the east coast. My heart goes out to the families of those who were killed and injured. Thankfully our writer Chelsa and her fiance, Dennis are safe and sound, though obviously shaken. What an awful thing to happen at such a positive, inspirational event…

April 15, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Friday Quick Links!

pattern-wrapup_190

1. The art of appreciating art via Miss Moss
2. Don’t lose your limbs via The Artful Desperado
3. Loving Siobhán Gallagher’s beetle desktop wallpaper via The Fox is Black
4. Really digging Deborah Zlotsky’s geometric art via design-milk
5. Pretty DIY paper garland via Poppytalk
6. Patterns with soul by Luis Alves via Patternbank
7. Decorate your t-shirt with some DIY embroidery via design*sponge
8. Maia Bergman embellishes sheer and simple silhouettes with tiny and colorful plastic beads via Honestly WTF
9. We’ve admired hanging collaged plates, why not DIY via Mad in Crafts
10. Wanting to own the results of Raw Color’s latest color research via Trendland
11. Striking sculptural net installations from Janet Echelman via The Jealous Curator
12. Amazing portrait made from a room full of objects via Colossal

Contributed by Emily Gup

April 12, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textiles: Hand Carved Block Prints

1johnrobshaw_blockprints 2johnrobshaw_blockprints

There’s an element of luxury and simple surprise when it comes to block printing. It’s the furthest thing from digital enhancement and reminds us of the human hand. John Robshaw’s a master and is forever experimenting with patterns, colorways and cloth. Here’s his latest set.