Book Review: Over and Over

We’re great admirers of Mike Perry and his book, Over and Over: A Catalog of Hand-Drawn Patterns. In it, he presents a collection groundbreaking work curated from 55 of today’s most talented designers who create patterns by hand and use them in inventive and innovative ways.

While the computer has lent a certain degree of ease to designing in repetition, it is the hand drawn counterparts that resonate with complexity, organic sensibility and a meaning of what makes a pattern a pattern. The influences and styles are diverse and provide an ample amount of eye-candy and inspiration that’ll have you reaching for a pen and paper.

Images via Parka Blogs

March 31, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Fingerprint

When we first realized we could use technology to bend design, we all went crazy. After years spent in front of computer screen, a backlash has occurred, as a growing number of designers have been opting out of the digital territory for craftier aspirations.

Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design documents this change, showcasing a variety of designers that possess the versatility, variety and quality that can be acquired from tangible art. Pick up a copy and you may just be inspired to grab your pen, pencil or paintbrush.

March 18, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Papercraft: Design & Art with Paper

The renaissance of paper as an experimental medium has simply skyrocketed over the past few years. If you have a soft spot in your heart for all of the fantastic creations artists have been producing, then Papercraft: Design and Art With Paper is an excellent find.

The book gathers the most extraordinary creations ranging from small objects and figures to large-scale art installations and urban interventions. The vast spectrum ranges from character design, urban art, fine art, graphic design, illustration, fashion, animation and film. Paging through the book and accompanying DVD, it’s easy and thrilling to get caught up in all the things you can do with this budget-friendly medium.

February 23, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Simply Pattern

A great pattern can convert any surface into something special, so it’s easy to see why designers swoon when they see unique textures. For centuries, designers used patterns to inject new energy into their work. Simply Pattern is a compilation of today’s best designers and displays outstanding work ranging from packaging, textiles, wallpaper, stationery, clothing, furniture, boutiques, and dining utensils. The wide variety of applications reveal how graphic elements can be arranged randomly or thoughtfully in order to bring a modern, classic or dynamic effect to any project. Great as eye candy or as a potent source of inspiration, we highly recommend adding this to your library.

February 16, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

New York: Michael Riedel's Text Displays

Michael Riedel is known for using text as his source material and utilizing a wide range of media to examine interesting effects. His latest exhibition features silk-screened “poster paintings,” which were created by accessing websites where his works were mentioned.

By first highlighting, then copy and pasting the text into InDesign, the words appear in a linear but nonsensical order. Included are algorithmic commands, search keywords, and links, intermixed with miscellaneous sentences on the artist, copyright phrases, and contact information. The portions are affixed with circular shapes that resemble the ever-dreaded spinning wheel computers display when processing too much information at once.

The posters are hung on wallpaper covered in text from the gallery’s website creating an interesting text-based art experience. The quirky and playful title, a pangram generally used display typefaces and to test typewriters and computer keyboards, is used here to underscore the staccato relationship between text, canvas, paper, and architecture. For more info, click here.

Opening: February 17th 6:00 PM – 8:00pm

David Zwirner
533 W. 19th Street
New York, NY 10011

February 16, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Disruptive Pattern Material

When most of us think of camouflage, our minds immediately drift to military or military-inspired designs. As pattern enthusiasts, however, we know there’s more to the story than meets they eye.

Hardy Blechman took it upon himself to delve into the vast world of camouflage – charting the pattern’s history from its roots in nature, through to its adoption by the military and on to its current popularity and use within modern civilian culture. Over 6 years, he’s gathered over 5,000 images and interviewed an extensive cast of consultants. From the expected military uses to art, biology, music and fashion, Disruptive Pattern Material comprehensively examines the art and science of camouflage with a little something for everyone. Click here to purchase.

January 28, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik