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

Aimée Wilder

Aimée Wilder is a pattern designer to watch. Her prints can be found throughout the homegoods and fashion worlds, adorning pillows, walls, diaper bags and most recently, footwear. Each of Wilder’s repeats are beautifully sophisticated with commercial appeal that raises the mass market ante. Applying a refined color palette, Wilder veers away from sugary pastels that are category specific. As a native New Yorker, Wilder spent her school holidays exploring fashion showrooms where both of her parents worked, soaking in trends and textiles, laying a foundation that would later influence her budding career. Keep note of Wilder’s work, as we’re certain only good things will come from this Brooklyn wunderkind.

December 19, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Lena Hautoniemi

Lena Hautoniemi‘s wallpapers first captured us with their beautifully organic, ethereal, homemade feel. What’s so wonderful about her pattern work is that most of them were indeed created lovingly by hand with paintbrushes and pens before being turned into wallpaper, textiles and other surface designs. Her first love has always been painting, a love which has followed and inspired her throughout her career. She studied industrial design with a specialization in glass and porcelain at College of Design and Applied Arts (HDK) in Göteborg and still happily dabbles in the medium in addition to her other work, frequently combining all of her passions. Living in the countryside of Sweden and the nature that surrounds her is a large inspiration to her pattern-work, but stresses that she finds inspiration everywhere. We love the story she told us about the story of Wingbud, her line of wallpaper:

“My son and I did once see a movie with incredible animations and unique characters, during this movie, I had a weird feeling of familiarity towards the animations. It struck me as the movie ended! The style is related to an English art book, an art book with mythical creatures which happens to be one of the first I ever got.
I find the book among the shelves and put it in Theo’s lap ‘you can have this’ I said. The look in his eyes was priceless. He rushed towards his drawing materials and reached for his sketchbook. Within only a moment ‘Here!’ he proudly cried in English ‘This is a Wingbud!’

Consequently, I ran for the dictionary, as Wingbud is a whole new word for me, however, it’s not there! I try the web, and the word appears in studies of insects’ wings.

The Wingbud drawing hangs on the wall for months and did frequently caught my eye as I sketched patterns for my wallpapers. When I tried to find a name for my collections, I looked up against the wall and glanced at the Wingbud drawing like so many times before, and it became clear, at that moment I knew what I wanted to name my collection; Wingbud Wallpapers!

I asked my son for his permission to use his drawing as my logo. ‘What?’ he said indignant, ‘do you mean to take my idea?’ But he approved, as long as it’s known the idea is truly his and always will be. It’s called copyright and we eternalize our agreement on papers. And as six year olds seldom apply for patent, I did it for him.”

December 19, 2011 | 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

Elena Giavaldi

Italian born, New York based designer and illustrator Elena Giavaldi and her delectable pattern work have made their way onto Pattern Pulp on multiple occasions. Her One Day, One Pattern project is wellspring of fresh geometric patterns that hint at retro and ethnic influences while maintaining a surefire modern appeal. Elena doesn’t limit herself to patterns, however; she also flexes her creative muscle designing book and magazine covers – a clear passion of hers – in addition to a variety of other creative pursuits. With a zeal for design such as Elena’s, it’s easy to imagine that she must find inspiration, well, everywhere, which is just one of the reasons she’s one of our favorites.

December 13, 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