Palm Springs: The Art of Deconstruction

Don Morris’ brightly colored and richly textured artworks are fascinating to behold. Though you may not notice it at first, comic books are both the inspiration and the medium of Morris’ works. These intricately composed comic book deconstructions represent a mixed amalgam of cultural and architectural inspiration.

Morris takes subliminal cues from the cartoons to create works that feature undulating compositions of color and texture, presenting pop art visual narratives of culturally familiar materials turned into an art medium. While this exhibition just closed, it’s worth exploring his other works online. Click here for more info.

Michael H. Lord Gallery: 1090 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

January 30, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Iconic Sculptures & Installations

Book Art is a stunning 220-page compilation of art, installation and design created with and from books. The content is diverse in narrative and ranges from old printed pages wound into creative threads to laborious works of art, decomposed into organic matter.

The fascinating range of examples is proof that—despite or because of digital media’s inroads as a source of information—the book’s legacy as a carrier of ideas and communication is an impressive one. Click here to buy online.

January 20, 2012 | 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

Book Review: Paper Cutting

The art of paper cutting is experiencing a renaissance as emerging artists continue pushing the boundaries of what a single sheet can do. Paper Cutting: Contemporary Artists, Timeless Craft has gathered works from 26 designers from around the globe, aligning today’s news with a historical roundup. “Paper cutting puts us in touch with the need to ‘make,’ to use our hands creatively and escape the pixelated imagery that is everywhere in our screen-dominated lives.” Pick up a copy of this fantastic book and before you know it, you’ll be reaching for a pair of scissors.

August 11, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Papercraft 2

When Papercraft was published 2 years ago, it covered the most current innovations in paper art. Since its release, the medium has flourished left right and center, from scenography and fashion design to marketing and advertising. Recently released, Papercraft 2 covers the amazing leap in breadth and level of quality since the early days of the first release. The book documents how techniques such as cutting, folding, gluing, and collage help designers craft innovative communication design, products, and artwork from these materials that reach new creative heights. Click here to watch the trailer.

June 23, 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