Keith Haring

If I had to pick a favorite artist of all time, I’d have to choose Keith Haring.  I remember growing up in New York in the 80’s and seeing his murals, iconic people and animals all over the place.  I didn’t know where they came from, but I knew they were somehow connected; they were all so engaging, so recognizable and so different from everything else in my visual field.  With my adult perspective and interest in patterns, it’s Haring’s surface work I admire most: his ability to take any surface, any wall, ceiling or canvas, and completely cover it with his art.  A lot of the challenge in wallpaper design lies in balance and composition- making the pattern interesting and busy, but not to crowded or dense, giving it room to ‘breathe.’  Haring was a master at striking this balance.  His surfaces radiate energy with active lines, but somehow it all works together with a calm, balanced restraint.  I know I’m not the first to say it, but let’s give credit where credit is due: the man was a genius.