How color influences what we buy, make & feel

As color lovers who also happen to be interested in the science and theory behind behavior, spotting Colour Hunting: How Colour Influences What We Buy, Make and Feel on the shelf at our local bookstore immediately made us giddy. Touching upon everything from the frescoes and textiles of ancient civilizations to the haute couture and digitally created architecture of today, we discover that color not only plays a vital role in our visual experiences, but also subconsciously shapes our actions.

In the first chapter, “Commerce” (buying/ selling), experts cast a light on color trends and dissect the use of color in brand messaging. The following chapter, “Aesthetics” (making), offers insight into the conceptual use of color, as well as the challenges and techniques entailed when applying color to a wide range of materials. The relationship between body, mind and color forms the focus of the ‘Wellbeing’ (feeling) chapter.

Facts about color are interspersed throughout the book, tracing back to cultures throughout the globe. Additionally there are interviews with well-known professionals, including Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute, Louisa Hutton of Sauerbruch Hutton Architects, Hella Jongerius and Liz Griffiths of Missoni. Pick this up for yourself or your favorite color fiend.

January 13, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Precursor & Tatyana

On my most recent trip to Japan I made my way out to Daikanyama, an indie pocket within Tokyo where a new bookshop recently opened. The visit was pretty memorable, as the establishment known as Tatyana was an interesting spin on the brick and mortar institution of literary commerce. With impecable curation, decor and ambiance, people are already saying this institution sets a new industry benchmark. One of the books I lost an hour to was Precursor.

The compilation showcases a vast array of young designers moving fluidly between established creative titles. From graphic designer and advertiser to street artist, video director, typographer, illustrator, product designer, and musician. Despite or because of the way they work, they are profoundly innovative and remarkably determined at realizing their creative visions and personal style.

Precursor introduces outstanding young design talent from around the world. Although regional creative differences and design traits still exist, the examples collected truly speak to the Patten Pulp aesthetic.

Imagery via edhv

January 5, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Crazy Art

Perusing the bookstore, the lively cover of Crazy Art immediately piqued our interest. Paging through the book, we noticed many of the fabulously innovative artists and creations featured around the web. These works, compiled gorgeously, will be a delight to anyone interested in learning more about painting, sculpture and photography. Featuring the work of more than sixty contemporary artists, there’s an inventive and vast range of media throughout.

Each chapter is filled with well-known artists such as Carl Warner with his bizarre “foodscapes” or Nathan Swaya, creator of Brick Art, and Larry Moss with his famous balloon sculptures – alongside young practitioners like Pei-Sang Ng, an artist whose stunning matchstick designs burn brightly but all too briefly.

Each artist and subject receives a short introduction and is paired alongside illustrations and detailed descriptions. From Food Art to Body Art, Junk Art to Street and even Dust Art, Crazy Art brings their original, radical and provocative ideas to life. We love how the book also includes website links for the reader who hungers for more information.

Imagery via Junk Culture

December 15, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Emilio Cavallini: Magnificent Obsession

Emilio Cavallini is one of my favorite hosiery brands. I first discovered the label on Garance Dore’s site when she photographed Tennesee Thomas of The Like in oversized hearts.

Emilio’s abundant creativity and use of geometric cuts, optical motifs and strong colors has elevated leg wear to the level of wearable art. Since 1980, when the Emilio Cavallini brand was registered, the designer has been strongly expressing his determined style: unconventional, eccentric, ever changing.

Currently, Cavallini is working on an archive with the patterns and techniques he’s developed in his 40 years of design. He also nourishes his passion for current and ancient art.

This passion leads him to build art pieces of various forms and dimensions using tights as if they’re strings. Emilio Cavallini: Magnificent Obsession is a beautifully whimsical art book that is a true testament to Emilio’s dedication and passion for art and his creativity as a fashion designer.

Click here to purchase.

December 8, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Visual Mantras by Ana Montiel

I’ve long been a fan of Ana Montiel’s amazing artwork and her keen eye for color, texture and pattern. Her style is unique, engaging and elegant and it’s exciting to share a tangible takeaway with all of you.

http://vimeo.com/15398238

The Visual Mantras Project is a work in progress in which Ana focuses on cycles and repetition. In her repetitive compositions, she meditatively studies the cycles in life, in nature, in relations, in everything and everywhere. The book is a limited edition, with each containing a surprise watercolor drawing enclosed as a bonus. Snap one up for yourself or someone in your life – it’s sure to be a treasured piece.

I’ll leave you with an adorable photo I snapped of Ana while I was last in London. She’s a true talent to the core and as lovely as you can imagine.

December 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Pulp Fashion

All it took was one look for us to fall in love with Isabelle de Borchgrave’s immaculate construction of period paper costumes. Her exhibition earlier in the year at the Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco was a huge success and subsequently flew throughout the blogosphere. If you weren’t able to attend in person, you can take a gander at the incredible catalogue, Pulp Fashion, as it too is a gem.

In the book, author Jill D’Alessandro contextualizes de Borchgrave’s work against the rich tapestry of art and couture history, examining how the artist brings long-lost designs to life through intricate tailoring, crumpling, braiding, pleating and painting paper. Full-color illustrations of her historically inspired works reveal the painstaking detail that goes into each piece and the whimsical magic that transforms a simple material into the most luxurious of garments. Broad in its appeal, this lovely volume will fascinate anyone interested in fashion, costume history, paper, and design.

November 26, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik