Pattern Pulp

Budget Buys: Wee Gallery Stationary




At my first job out of college, I worked as a pattern designer for women’s and children’s footwear. I think I must have churned out hundreds of patterns a year, and of that total, a good majority of those were filled with animals and insects . Kids love these little guys, as do parents, so you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Wee Gallery‘s sample sale on One Kings Lane today. Surya Sajnani’s lino cut style is very trend forward and quite reminiscent of Hugo Guinness and Perla Anne‘s illustrations. The cards are half off, and perfect for framing or for just letting someone know they’re special.

March 9, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Street Finds: Geometric Graffiti Mash-Ups




I spent some time walking round the meat packing district today while waiting for my laptop to be maintenanced at the 14th St. Apple Store. Though I’ve seen D*Face‘s mural close to a thousand times, it’s relevancy was elevated after noticing Generra‘s storefront. Black and white blocks stacked together comprised of Flora and Fauna were a complete parallel to D*Face’s baseline concept.  Both compositions are beautifully designed, interesting to dissect and provide social and political commentary of our current global climate. Whichever brand of culture you choose to identify with- be it historical, branded or generic, these geometric “quilts” are a thoughtful reflection of current creative styles, not to mention an interesting window into a now popularized counter-culture.

March 8, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Friday Quick Links




  1. 1. Tavis Colburn’s illustrates the BAFTA best picture nominees, via Kitsune Noir
  2. 2. Interview with Sanjay Patel, illustrator of Ramayana: Divine Loophole, via Grain Edit
  3. 3. Queen B candles made from 100% Australian beeswax, via The Design Files
  4. 4. The vibrant and punchy design of London’s Poncho No. 8 burrito restaurant via Yatzer
  5. 5. A variety of beautiful works by Sally and Peter Nencini, via Kickcan & Conkers
  6. 6. The distinctive style of Polish studio homework’s posters, via Design Boom
  7. 7. Lace fences – a spectacular idea! via Hearththrobs & Villians
  8. 8. Beautiful simple mixed media artwork by Hollie Chastain, via The Jealous Curator
  9. 9. “Delight” wallpaper from mod green pod, via Design*Sponge
  10. 10. Ethereal portraits by Serena Cole, via My Love For You is a Stampede of Horses
  11. 11. Artist Ma Jun creates objects of little worth in finely painted porcelain via World Famous Design Junkies
  12. 12. Tapestries by Zack Stadel made from pigmented ink and fabric via Art-Milk

Coverage by: Emily Gup

March 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

New York: SMartCAMP




There’s no doubt social media was created for our social endeavors – staying in touch, sharing information, etc. – but unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s no secret that this interactive medium has exploded in corporate and branded spheres.

But how does it relate to the arts? Social Media Art Camp (SMartCAMP) is a conference that focuses on the social web and its relation to the arts community. Come learn how these tools are being utilized by artists and creative organizations to build vibrant communities throughout the globe. Whether you’re new and skeptical about the power of social media or presently engaged in one or more online platforms and want to further your knowledge, SMartCAMP’s presentations aim to be insightful as the list of speakers is quite impressive.

Roger Smith Hotel: 501 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10017

March 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Gum Droppings




What could be more ordinary than chewing gum? Possibly the most accessible material on the planet, gum never fails to be graphically inspirational, whether you’re dodging spots on the sidewalk or observing them in a highly curated gallery. Interestingly, these two-toned glass sculptures from Vogue Living breathe life into this sculptural concept, merging high and low culture with a complex medium. Interestingly, this New York, New York Gum on Canvas piece by Adam McEwen, along with Dan Colen’s 2006 technicolor Untitled compilation, remind us of the infamous Rorschach Ink Blot test. Regardless of the imagery one sees in these random arrangements, one thing’s for sure, these blots are highly adaptable with timeless appeal.

March 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

The Trend Is Crystal Clear




We reported diamonds to be a shining motif in pattern design back in June and now the trend has officially crystallized.

We’ve seen the classic diamond shape shift to a crystal-like gem on works ranging from new Matt W. Moore murals to Chase Bank advertisements. The laser cut shapes are bold. Just check out these angular bangle bracelets by Patricia Field and this radiant Helena De Natalio clutch. The sassy accessories are the perfect way to flaunt some flash with a basic black get-up.

But these crystals don’t sparkle like their compressed coal predecessor. Instead, they catch eyes with their geometric shapes and powerful lines. Strong colors further emphasize their graphic feel, as evident in Phillip Low’s sculptures and Jen Kao’s angular FW10 debut. We can’t wait to see how this crystal trend will continue to rock the fashion and art world.

Coverage by: Rebecca Silver

March 3, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.