Patterns in Paintings and Textiles
My second dress prototype is now in the collection of interior designer Vicki Simon.
Red Hair Curly and Straight is a life-sized scroll on silk crepe de chine. There are four in this series.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE SCARF
Don't you always need to get better at tying a scarf? I do. I make them, collect them, and wear them. But I still have "French person envy" when it comes to styling my scarves...So I've searched for some helpful tips. There are loads of them, including demos. Great for travel. And ideal for extra warmth, a splash of color, and a pop of style. Here are two helpful links on more ways than you might imagine: http://www.instyle.com/how-tos/how-to-tie-scarf-gifs
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeC2ZC6Us_8
THE ART SCARF
Have you seen my art scarves yet? Each one is unique and is made of microbatch fabric. I create the original single digital drawing from a model, then I design the repeat pattern, and have it printed on silk. The scarves are all finished by hand. I sell them at occasional pop-up shows and my art show receptions. They're available online here too. "Buy it and tie it".
Kat needed to buy a scarf for her upcoming trip to Paris. So French!
Another friend bought that scarf, pictured to the left (all one of a kind) and she wore it out that same night, tied in this unique way.
I'm wearing this long 2-sided scarf wrapped once around.
One of my silk infinity art scarves, worn by jewelry designer Sunday Tirio.
Ava Doppelt wears a newly acquired scarf.
"When I discovered making art on the iPad, my world changed."
Never a techy, I've been enjoying re-learning my art making process by navigating new tools, apps, and online resources. Working as a digital and figurative artist I can create an original that has multiple variations, like monoprints, and I can abstract the images further using layers of colors, paintings, drawings, and photos, making complex digital collages. What freedom!
At some point I realized I could also make patterns (using online apps) that I could turn into microbatch textiles and papers. So I started making scarves, dresses, and cocktail napkins you name it. Beginning with small prototypes, I morphed my textile ideas into large-scale single image scrolls and soft sculpture. All the while learning how to design, make, and sew.
Eventually I created a site-specific installation piece composed of four huge sheer, hanging panels of nude female gesture drawings in colors cascading and overlapping – from chrome yellow to indigo violet (pictured below).
Installation at the Troll House, Pier 26, SF, Aug. 2017
Textile design has changed so much and become so accessible. At some point I also discovered that art on fabric can become body art. Maybe you saw my lycra legging art in a previous blog?
Pure Barre West Portal instructor Kelly wearing my art leggings.
MAD ABOUT PATTERN
I remain fascinated by patterns. They add a stunning complexity to art. At present we are enjoying a Klimt (& Rodin) show at San Francisco's Legion of Honor which presents a wonderful example of the rich use of pattern in painting.
ARTISTS I KNOW
Three contemporary artist friends come to mind when talking about patterns in art. Pola Wickham is highly skilled in drawing and painting gorgeous patterns, people, and objects. We used to draw together occasionally in her Barcelona apartment on her beautiful old Spanish tile floors. Two artists I worked with as a creative director and who both have a wonderful and whimsical use of pattern in their illustration, design, and fine art are Ilene Lederer and Julie Paschkis
Julie is a pro at turning a little square scarf into a functional headband/sweatband. She wears her scarf rolled tight on her hair (with friend at right wearing a cut paper art crown by Julie).
DISRUPTIVE Patterns
I've heard that there's something disruptive about wearing my nudes...a sort of discrete secret that might or might not be noticed. I love this!
"My subjects are naked but are completely comfortable in their skins. Are you? Do you want to be? There should be something liberating in seeing my work. It's blunt. Nudity is not an issue. Body love is."
The drawing in the pattern is easier to make out on this art fabric!
One of my fav color palettes - I use it often in my work.
This pattern is waiting to be made into wrapping paper or fabric.
An image from my design studio. I made this pattern into wrapping paper but not fabric (yet). From my Red, White, and Blue series.