Pattern Pulp

Trend: Confining Soft Geometrics




Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I’m very passionate about technology in the print, pattern and color departments. As much as I love documenting the internet’s future unfold from a visual point of view, I also love finding organic solutions to daily design dilemmas.

This leads me to today’s feature on soft geometrics. Rough-cut collages have been popping up all over ffffound and Pinterest filling mood boards and music posters for over a year now- it was but a matter of time before artists and designers started applying a commercial hand, reinterpreting their voice through this jagged aesthetic.

Cynthia Rowley’s current Fall collection reminds me of a God’s eye craft project, it also looks like a texturized version of my old portfolio site, Pixel Rumor. Ana Montiel‘s most recent collaboration with Nina Ricci reveals a stunning work in progress of diamond-cut shards, texturized into the shape of a heart. Proving the iPad can serve as a canvas, paintbrush and scissors, Nathalie Chikhi has created a series of digital designs. All beautiful, inspiring and infused with a feminine hand.

 

Trend: Modern Kaleidoscopes




This time last year we were heavily entrenched in geometric kaleidoscopes. From Arpana Rayamajhi‘s magnificent drawings to Marni’s midcentury spring line, it was easy to see where prints were headed. Fast forward and Arpana’s back in Napal tagging and beautifying walls left right and center. The above photo captures a recent work from Kathmandu.

In contrast and compliment, we’re sharing art from another Pattern Pulp favorite, Ana Montiel. Montiel has been working feverishly on her latest collection to present at her upcoming solo show at Centro Cultural Gran Via in Spain at the end of April. The prints are summery, translucent, ethereal and geometric.

Rounding out the category and reminding us how we’ve evolved, we’re including a snapshot of last year’s feature with Marni and Anna Bondoc. From brightened colors and overlapping interconnected shapes, the updates have been slight, but optimistic, a nice sign for what’s to come this season.

Twitter Influencer: Ana Montiel




Ana Montiel is quite the talent. Her love of art and patterns has been a part of her existence since childhood, where she drew patterns and textures on any and every surface. After attending an art-based high school and college, Montiel settled into work as an art director.

In 2008, she created the pop-up design studio Alan The Gallant and Pattern Tales, a neo-ornamental brand of goods. Her patterns swept the web, catching eyes and impressing many. Since then, she’s been focusing on a solo career as “some sort of artist/designer hybrid,” and creating her own stunning pattern work in addition to some exciting commercial collaborations.

Browsing through her colorful hand-drawn portfolio is nothing short of inspiring. The drive behind the patterns is evident in her twitter feed as well, where she’s friendly and full of energy. Montiel’s a great one to follow, as we could all use a little more inspiration in our lives.

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.