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: Fossilized Art

We admired Greg Hopkins’ work a few summers ago, when the artist created intricate pieces that resembled layers of peeling wallpaper. His new collection of work maintains his obsession with color, process and pattern with an evolved look. Through a series of layered stencils that he’s painted, peeled, and painted over again, Hopkin’s reinvented his creative wheel. He compares this distinctive process to fossil creation, “It reminds me of the way fossils aren’t old bones from dead animals, but stone that has replaced the bone as minerals migrate through layers of sediment. My paintings begin as temporary ink drawings that are, layer by layer, replaced by a permanent material as the final image is revealed.”

The lines and patterns in this collection of work are influenced by the likes of Navajo rugs, Amish quilts, video games, wallpaper, comic books and illuminated manuscripts. While clearly work intensive and thoroughly composed, his work retains preserved drips of paint to reflect an element of decay, entropy and time.

Sloan Fine Art
128 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002

February 9, 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

Book Review: Drip. Dot. Swirl

We recently included illustrator, Von Glitschka as one of our twitter influencers and it’s not surprising to see that he’s continuing to make his mark in the design world. His most recent project, Drip. Dot. Swirl, is a treasure trove for pattern lovers. The book includes 94 original designs ranging in style from intricate knot work and subtle florals to retro wallpaper and alien-inspired mazes. He’s also included several application examples.

Additionally, the book contains a DVD with all of the EPS source files along with PDF tutorials for each pattern swatch. Beyond its technical value, Glitschka’s book is an inspirational resource for beginners and seasoned designers alike. For more info, click here.

December 24, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Kenzo

Kenzo Takada arrived in Paris from Japan in 1965 and in 1970 he launched his own fashion house. Breathing new life in print and pattern, Kenzo rode the countercultural wave, proving fashion could be wild, colorful and innovative while simultaneously appealing to mass markets. With an innate skill for merging print influences from the East and West, Kenzo broke away from Parisian haute couture rules by creating a unique vocabulary all his own.

For 40 years Kenzo directed the house and in 2003 turned the artistic direction over to Antonio Marras. Kenzo’s first book is a true collectable, filled with romantic illustrations, lush textiles and playful pop-ups. For purchasing info, click here.

November 18, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Patterned Seating

For the past few weeks I’ve been on the hunt for something I figured didn’t exist: patterned-upholstered ironrod chairs. I was convinced I’d have to refurbish an old set and take a trip north to Mood fabrics. Low and behold, two chairs surfaced last week, setting a new standard for diningroom seating. This children’s chair from Yoya on Hudson St. in the West Village presents an adorable option for patch-worked prints. Taking it up a few notches, Eva Presenhuber, a Zurich-based gallery owner reveals her Franz West diningroom set for the New York Times Home section. Whether you’re decoupaging or reupholstering, this look is fresh for any season. Hopefully the homewear houses will take note!

September 8, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik