PINEAPPLE PATTERN ALERT

It's springtime (thank goodness) and it's time to celebrate.  What better way to cheers to warmer days that with a festive pattern alert: PINEAPPLE.  I can't lie and say I have a finger on the pulse of all these trending (heavens no), but I've been seeing pineapples a lot lately, like A LOT.  I associate pineapples with Charleston, SC, one of my favorite cities, as well as Hawaii, a place I'm dying to visit.  In other words, pineapples transport me to warm, relaxing places, which probably explains why I'm digging on these pattern prints so much.  I mean, how can you not love these funky-shaped fruits?

Image Credits, top to bottom / Dan Hallett / Georgiana Paraschiv / Source / Source

PRINT CRUSH: BLOCK SHOP

As a printmaker, I get printmaker crushes.  I think it's pretty natural.  I figure most of us, in whatever industry we are in, find others in our own field and think, dang that's hot.  

When I first came across, Block Shop Textiles, it was definitely crush at first sight.  Founded by two sisters in Los Angeles, Hopie and Lily Stockman, Block Shop works with artisans and master printers in India to produce stunning and graphic scarves/throws/wraps/whateveryouwanttocall them.  As their name implies, scarves are block printed and naturally dyed, creating gorgeous patterns.  

The company  also helps employ and provide health care to its workers in Bagru, India - something I admire greatly.

So yeah, I totally have a print crush on these guys.  I think it's pretty understandable, no?  And PS, my birthday is in September.  Just sayin'.  

Images via Block Shop

A FULL PLATE AT SPRUCE STREET HARBOR PARK

To say the least, I have had a full plate the last two months.  Full of teaching and student exhibitions, full of gardening duties, full of personal studio goals.  Full of rich, good stuff.  I'm so tempted to let the word "busy" slip out of my mouth, but after some long talks with two of my closest girlfriends this past week, we decided to ban it as another 4-letter word.  We are all busy, right?  So being busy is not unique.  The word also implies that we have too much to do to enjoy life.  I want to work hard so that I have time to, say, drink too many margaritas on a friend's front lawn (which I did last weekend) or call my brother (which I need to do more often).  And frankly, simply saying the word "busy" makes me feel stressed.    

On that note, I'm happy to share a project that has been keeping my week, um, full.  Sometimes I get easily panicked when I take on a last minute gig, but I really can't complain about getting paid to paint on the side of a shipping container.  I'm working as one of several artists, curated by the shop Art Star, to create a mural for containers at the upcoming Spruce Street Harbor Park here in Philly.

The park opens this Friday and is going to be pretty freakin' wonderful.  The city is doing more and more to utilize the Delaware waterfront in fun, inviting ways.  Spruce Street Harbor Park will full of hammocks, animal shaped paddle boats, floating gardens, food & drink, and yes, murals on and in shipping containers.

Here are some in-progress shots of my piece.  20 x 8 ft. in 4 days is no easy feat, but it's been super fun.  A big thanks to the Streets Dept blog for the shout out earlier this week, just as I was getting started.  Other artists who will have murals on display include Adam Smith and Michael Konrad.

Come to the park (#sshp) this weekend to see the finished piece!  And get some waterfront r&r while you're at it.  You'll find me in a hammock.

IN THE STUDIO: PROTOTYPES + TESTS

{linen tote bag prototypes}

I've decided that my Monday posts are going to be all about the past week's work in my studio.  I figure this is a good system for a) making sure each week is productive in the studio, b) constantly sharing my work and, c) starting the week with a blog post that will get my creative juices in gear.  Well, at least, this is the hope.   Wish me luck.

{neon screen-printing ink tests}

The past few weeks in my studio have been all about prototypes.  I've never made many bags before, but I'm having a blast making some linen tote samples with little printed elements.  I didn't realize how many decisions there are to make when designing a bag ... width, height, depth, length of straps, pockets, etc, etc, not to mention fabric, colors, print.  There are a lot of variables which makes it pretty fun.

And then there's testing out prints + ink.  I inherited some neon screen-printing ink from a friend, so I decided to burn a screen with some of my recent block prints.  I'm kinda in love with the pop of neon on these neutral fabrics.  I think they are super playful for spring and summer so it's a nice incentive to hustle to get some of these products out as soon as possible.

Since I leave for vacation (Austin!) on Saturday, I have a huge list of items to accomplish before I step foot on the plane.  Time for another cup of coffee.  Let's do this.

IN THE STUDIO: PATTERN PLAYTIME

Now that Spring is here, I feel way more productive - probably due to not freezing to death 24/7 and having more daylight.  This means more time in the studio, more energy to be creative.  I thought I'd share some block-printed patterns that I've been working on in my print sketchbook.  You'll see I quickly transitioned from abstract to florals.  Pretty soon, they'll be turned into screen-prints for easy printing onto fabrics.  That's right, I'm getting ready to launch a new line of printed textiles!  
(Check out my former textile business here.)

Any favorites?  I'd love to get some feedback!

RIFLE PAPER CO. GOES LETTERPRESS

My favorite go-to paper shop, Rifle Paper Co., just released six lovely letterpress cards last week.  Welcome to the world of letterpress, Rifle.  This is so exciting!  They look so pretty -- and I bet they feel even better.  

In case you live in a printmaking hole, letterpress is a relief printing method that inks the surface of an image on a flat bed, then presses the paper onto the inked design.  The pressure of the printing allows for the print to be embossed.  This video by Naomie Ross sums up the old school process in a beautiful way.   

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo

It's a pretty sexy way of printing, with some pretty seductive results.  I wish I had done more letterpress in grad school, but it's never too late, right?  Until then, I'll grab some of these Rifle cards.  

JUCO'S PATTERN-INFUSED PHOTOGRAPHS

Check out these crazy, cool photographs from LA-based duo JUCO (Julia Galdo and Cody Cloud).  In this shoot, they've created a stunning medley and fusion of pattern + print, fashion + background, identity + environment.  To check out more of their fashion and editorial photography that incorporate a super fun mix of color, pattern, and texture, go to their website.

Photos by JUCO

WALLS THAT SPEAK

This summer, I'll be working on my first large-scale mural project here in Philly.  Yikes.  I gotta start thinking big, really big.  As a way to prepare, I've had a lot of fun recently collecting some awesome wall inspiration.  I mean, these are walls that speak - full of pattern + color + magical scale.  From block-printing or writing directly on the wall to creative cut-outs, these walls make bold statements.  And if I don't end up incorporating these ideas into this project, you better believe I'll use them in my apartment.

Sources, top to bottom, left to right: Printed Anchors, Colorful Triangles, Handwriting, Cut Wallpaper, Printed Embroidery, Watercolor, Folklore Flowers, Chevron Stripes, B+W Flowers

ARIELE ALASKO'S PATTERNS OF WOOD

I'm so in love with these simple patterns and compositions created by Brooklyn-based Ariele Alasko.  She and I share the same alma mater (Pratt Institute) but clearly I was holed up in the print studio too much to cross her path.  Boy is she rockin' it with her work.  Using wooden lath pieces, collected from old Brooklyn brownstones, she creates her pieces without the use of stain, including tables, headboards, and wall pieces.  She also carves spoons and bowls out of wood.  I can't wait to see more from her studio.  Stunning. 

Images via Ariele Alasko's website

DONNA RUFF'S PAPER CUT

I am completely in love with these works by artist Donna Ruff.  They are cut by hand.  That's right, you heard me.  In a technological world of laser and die-cutting, I truly appreciate anything done the good ole fashioned way.  I discovered her work a while ago, and to me, these intricate patterns reveal the beauty and humanity of an often too trouble world.  They also create a contrast between the zen quality of the designs and the harsh reality of news.  I could stare at these for hours. A true meditation on the written word.  Beautiful.

Images via Donna Ruff's website

AUSTIN-BOUND INSPIRATION

Last week, I reached my max of winter.  So my husband and I found a warm spot / cool city on the map and booked plane tickets to Austin for April.  Funny enough, even though I grew up in the South (the ATL-area), I have never been to Texas.  I'm so excited to see what the Austin scene is all about.  But even though I've never been, I've been enjoying the work of Austin-based artists for a few years now.

Here are my favorite Austin artists:

Works by Callen Thompson / Beam
   

Quilt Drawings by Alyson Fox

Prints + Textiles by Leah Duncan (who is moving BACK to Austin!)

SUSAN CONNOR LAUNCHES

Earlier this month, Brooklyn-based designer Susan Connor released her first collection of printed home textiles, mainly linen pillows and throws.  Her block-printed geometric patterns have a beautiful balance of simplicity and intricacy, and the color palette is soft yet fresh.  I'm especially loving the Natural Facet pattern and the copper-colored linen.  It's clear that Susan has an eye for pattern and design - since 2007, she has been designing paper products, including notebooks and recipe cards, under the name Susy Jack.

Congrats on the launch, Susan!  Can't wait to see more of your work in the future.

Images via Susan Connor's website

SEEING GREEN + IN THE MOOD FOR SPRING

It's been a ridiculous snowy winter these past few weeks here in Philadelphia.  "Snow" has unfortunately become a new four-letter word in our home.  What can I say, my husband and I have Southern blood pumping through our veins.  Needless to say, I have springtime on the brain, and I can't wait for the first signs of green.  Until then, I'll lust over these patterns and patiently wait for the snow to melt. 

  

From the top: 1/ Marina Molares  2/ Sian Keegan 3/ via Pinterest 4/ Charlotte Trounce

PATTERNED OXFORDS FOR FALL

I'm a super big fan of oxfords and these patterned shoes are just the trick to get me excited for Fall.

Here's my favorite lineup for this season.

1/ Elise Oxfords via Anthropologie 2/ Flower Power Oxfords by Goodbye Folk 3/ Naranja Ikat Oxford by Osborn 
4/ Sydney in Camel via Need Supply Co. 5/ Fantastic Finds Flats via Modcloth

~ Bonnie

FILM STRIP QUILTS BY SABRINA GSCHWANDTNER

Yesterday, I was completely mesmerized by Sabrina Gschwandtner's film strip quilts, currently on display in her show, Sunshine and Shadow, at the Philadelphia Art Alliance.  I had been meaning to check out their other exhibitions, including “LTextile”: Contemporary Textiles from Lithuania & Emily Spivack: Sentimental Value, in addition to Sabrina's work, all on display until the 18th of this month.  And I was so glad I went.

I already can't wait to go back to one more time to view the quilts, each consisting of hundreds of tiny de-accessioned 16 mm film strips acquired from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology.  Sabrina has taken these films, all documenting craft and technique processes, and sew them together in typical Pennsylvania quilt patterns.  In addition to sewing the strips, Sabrina alters them through beaching, painting, and scratching - adding her own sense of labor to the pieces.  On the walls, the works are displayed in framed light boxes, providing illumination to each and every frame and stitch.  The quilts evoke a monumental sense of the labor of craft, as well as layers of a rich history of textile production here in Philadelphia and the quilt-making tradition of the Amish & Mennonite further outside the city. 

 

If you are in Philly between now and August 18th, I highly recommend a visit to this show.

Images ~ Top collage images via Sabrina Gschwandtner's website, Bottom 3 close-ups were taken by myself

~ Bonnie