Pattern Pulp

San Francisco: Digital Embroidery




Ehren Reed‘s mixed media works have been making the internet rounds for a while now. Merging technology’s ethereal presence with the physicality of handmade craft, Reed stitches and embroiders maps, books and other found objects with the intent of solidifying pixelated media. Her upcoming show at the Edo Salon and Gallery in San Francisco investigates the interpersonal relationships society has with the internet and contemporary culture. For more info, click here.

Edo Salon & Gallery
: 601 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

Opening Reception: Sept 3, 8:30-11pm

Homegoods: Paddywax




While most have tied a neat bow around the gift fair and called it a day, our wrap up wouldn’t be complete without including the Paddywax booth. Granted it’s two weeks later, the creative stories, themes and art direction behind the product make it worth sharing. Just as fashion designers make mood boards, Gretchen Hollingsworth, the creative force behind this candle brand, applies a similar process when kicking off each new collection. After choosing a theme, be it the Journey of the Bee, Woodland or Library, the ingredients are combined, stories completed and graphics made to make a cohesive commercial package.

Our favorite collection follows the Journey of the Bee. Inspired by stops along a bee’s path to pollinate, the six fragrances – Clover, Rose, Orange Blossom, Wild Blackberry, Freesia and Raw Honey are poured into black matte glass bearing a gold bee emblem and packaged in a honeycomb patterned gift box complete with ‘b’ facts.

Twitter Influencer: Lisa Congdon




Lisa Congdon was always creative growing up, but didn’t start painting until she was 33. Three years ago, she left a career as a leader in the education nonprofit world to pursue a long-held desire to live a full-time creative life.

Painting and illustration has since become a significant part of that life, along with co-owning and curating her store and art gallery, Rare Device. Lisa also eagerly dives into creative adventures, such as her popular Collection A Day 2010 Project, among a long list of other endeavors. Her kind and jovial nature shines though as she shares her creative life and adventures through her twitter feed, allowing her many followers a glimpse into the life behind the artist.

London: Viewer or Voyeur?




There’s no question that the art of portraiture has changed immensely in recent times. First with the advent of the digital camera, then with the rise in popularity of the camera phone, it’s become much easier to take photos and pass them along to our networks. The modern “art” of self-portraiture is the subject of Columbian artist, Alejandro Ospina’s latest show, “fotolog/.”

Using found photographs of young people frequently posing naked or semi-naked for a camera, and in many cases shot as reflection in a mirror, Ospina paints the digital low-resolution amateur photographs. This method creates a thoughtful and provoking parallel between our modern pop-culture influenced method of self-exposure and the traditional concept of “the nude” throughout the whole of art’s history. The sexualization of the nude and the shifting relationship between artist and model evident in the paintings challenges the audience with debates concerning the body, image and ownership, as both our view and Ospina’s position fluctuates between viewer and voyeur. For more info, click here.

IMT
Unit2/210, Cambridge Heath Road,
London, E2 9NQ UK

Private View: Thursday 2nd September 6- 9pm

Repetition Elsewhere




Coming from a region where city meets country, it’s easy to see how these Pedlars sleeping bags are such a great alternative to the norm. In keeping with her consistent reel of wonderment, Joanna Goddard of, A Cup of Jo, recently featured these patterned gems. Have a look on this UK site, as the collection’s a true throw back to childhood and a conversation starter for any upcoming camping trips.

Customizable Kicks




We’ve all gone graffiti-happy at least once in our lives. Jeans from high school, casts from unexpected falls, even the intentional chalkboard wall you painted to jazz up your kitchen. Personal customization holds a lot of weight in consumer culture and one by one, brands are continuing to get this. One of the coolest collaborations this season comes from Converse and Utrecht Art Supplies. All-white converse high-tops are being sold alongside markers, paints and colorful laces. When you’re doing your back to school shopping, what could be better than a personalized pair of kicks? Show off your illustrative prowess and get a pair today.

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.