Patterns
Pattern exploration and surface designs reminiscent of a place.
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Wanderlust Patterns: A Day at the Shore
Summer is around the corner and what could be better way to spend the day than at the shore, or on the Cape for that matter! Here’s my latest summertime, seaside inspired pattern collection called “A Day at the Shore.” Lobsters in nets, colorful buoys, seashells, fishing boats and stripes come together for a collection that transport you to Cape Cod even for those who live in a desert. If you are interested in licensing the illustrations or patterns in this collection, please contact me for details.
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Wanderlust Patterns: Bali Om Surface Design and Illustrations
A yoga retreat in Bali is one of those dream vacations I would love to take some day. I will admit, I’m not that adept at yoga, and have only taken a few classes, but the thought of learning more about the benefits of yoga while practicing in a gorgeous location as Bali sounds blissful. While dreaming of this trip, I created some surface design patterns that capture the essence of this location. A colorful print of yoga positions with iconic Bali scenery such as the rice terraces, a meditative hut and the beautiful Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi; iconic lotus flowers; meditative mandalas; and a rich tye dies fabric…
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Wanderlust Patterns: Frida Loteria Surface Design Collection
Having just finished a biography about Frida Kahlo I was eager to illustrate a portrait of her. She is by far one of the most iconic artists in history, most likely from her very progressive yet challenging life she lead. From a severe accident when she was young that lead her to a lifetime of disabilities and ailments to her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera and vivid art work it’s no wonder people honor her. I loved pairing Mexican loteria cards with her portrait. The symbolic nature of the cards seem to pair nicely with her mystic. I also enjoyed creating the serape-inspired striped pattern. It is the perfect complement to…
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Pattern+Place: Colorful Kente Cloth from Ghana
Known for it’s bright, bold colors and geometric patterns, Kente cloth is one of the most recognizable textiles from Africa. Kente cloth weaving originated from the Ashanti Kingdom and Akan people of Southern Ghana. Historically it was worn by royalty and prestigious people for important occasions. With the advent of commercially woven cloths, it is now seen on everyday clothing and items which some feel has diluted the cultural importance of the art form. Traditional weaving of Kente cloth is done in very long 4″ strips. Then, the strips are then sewn together to make fabric. The pattern and color usage are are highly symbolic. For instance, black represents maturation…
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Pattern+Place: The Graphic Tudor Timber Framing of Shrewsbury
I learned at the ripe old age of 8 what Tudor style or timber framed architecture was. Seems pretty young to be studying architecture, huh? Well, really I wasn’t studying it, it just happened to be the style of house we moved into. This is the same house my parents still live in today, many, many years later. My childhood home is in California, not really the place you’d expect a lot of Tudor architecture. Our home is rather old by California standards (it was built in the 1930’s), but by European standards, it’s just a baby. So, when I traveled to Shrewsbury, England, I was so excited to see…
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Pattern+Place: The Art of Andean Weaving, Peru
While traveling in the Sacred Valley of Peru, we were lucky to meet a group of local traditional weavers and have a demonstration of their talents. The demonstration was put on by an organization called The Center for Traditional Textiles. Their mission is to not only promote this traditional Incan art form to tourists and stimulate economy to local artists, but also to educate the local community to continue their weaving traditions and pass it on for generations to come. Their weaving is a beautiful art form — not to be missed. They demonstrated the process, from spinning the wool to thread and making their colorful looms, to actual weaving…
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Pattern+Place: Computer History Museum, Silicon Valley
It’s hard to believe some of the beginnings of computer technology as we know it today happened in my own “backyard.” I grew up just blocks away from the famous garage of Hewlett and Packard… and of course, Steve Jobs was not far away in Mountain View dreaming up a simple to use computer with his pal Steve Wozniak. Recently my family and I headed to the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California for an afternoon outing. This museum is a must see for any computer geek, of course… but for me, I couldn’t get over the great patterns of all the vintage hardware and circuit boards. Rows and…
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Pattern+Place: Geometric Exploration in Redwood City
It wasn’t really apparent at first, but once I was home and processing my photos from my outing in Redwood City, California, did I see all the geometric patterns. Window lines, storm drains, grates, balusters, bike racks and more… quite graphic and a great look when all together.