Meet Bonnie and Neil

Bonnie and Neil’s geometric prints are recognizable from all pockets of the globe. Bold, graphic and handmade, the brand has evolved to become one of Australia’s most popular independent textile companies. One part Bonnie Ashley and one part Neil Downie, the duo merges backgrounds in floristry, fine art, textiles and furniture making.

When we reached out to include them in our reel of incredible talent for the book, we learned more about the organic process by which each piece is made…

Everything coming out of the studio is hand screen printed on natural materials in Melbourne. To learn more and and see additional work, check out their line as well as their feature in Pattern Studio!

October 14, 2016 | By: Shayna Kulik

Playful Graphics at Arro Home

The good folks at Arro Home are newish on my radar – and their products and patterns are a complete delight. Reminiscent of Japanese shapes and Scandinavian color palettes, this Melbourne-based company combines classic styles with witty designs.

The imaginative home range includes bed linens, cushions, blankets, rugs, kitchen textiles and ceramics. Check out their site to inspect, peruse and purchase.

November 2, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Art in Motion in Australia

http://vimeo.com/90968734

I recently stumbled across this video on Facebook and absolutely loved it. JeliRAD is a surface designer in Australia and recorded this short documenting a Flower of Life installation she collaged together. The petals are cut-outs from old National Geographic magazines. If you’re in Byron Bay, pay a visit to The Template Gallery, as you’ll get a chance to experience a wide assortment of 3D geometry.

April 28, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Frankie's Homage to Pattern

Happy Monday! With temperatures swinging from 34 to 55 today, it’s another confusing day for the east coasters. Many of us still have Fall fashion on the mind, but with imminent Spring on the horizon, we’re all on the cusp. Frankie’s latest issue hits a nice balance between the seasons- complimenting this sentiment.

Focusing on pattern through design, art, photography and fashion, the latest edition pays homage to texture. Showcasing work from Dinara Mirtalipova (the cover art), Elizabeth Olwen, Kendra Dandy and plates from Crown Lynn, Mikasa, Johnson of Australia and Casual Cream, the layouts are eclectic and the DIY activities, useful. It’s fun to see how various mediums showcase and celebrate the art of pattern. Pick up a copy, I personally think this issue’s a collector’s item.

March 10, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Twitter Influencer: Gracia + Louise

Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison met while they were students at RMIT University. They soon formed a collaborative practice called Gracia + Louise, where they create artists’ book, prints, zines, postcard collages, and other small projects from their home-based studio in Melbourne, Australia.

Their work is abundantly whimsical and magical as they create a bevy of delights from their free-flowing imagination and abundant source of creativity. Their twitter feed is a great place to step into the delightful world Gracia and Louise have created together as well as get glimpses at the women behind the work.

December 2, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail: Homemade Dummy Dolls

When it comes to retail display design, I’m a huge fan of the homemade variety. After observing numerous stores in different pockets of the world, it’s safe to say I’ve seen a lot of stuffed dolls. Grotesque, pretty, sock-like, they’re everywhere, challenging the perfect beauty of their mannequin counterparts.

Here are three favorites. The blue and white blinking patient is from an indie shop in Shoreditch, on the east end of London. The inside-out doll with suspended guts is from Dagmar Rousset’s shop on Fitzroy Street in Melbourne, Australia.

Using irony and curves to sell perfume, this lumpy lingerie model kills it in Milan.

July 14, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik