Some close-up shots from Cavern’s Artist Edition Wallpaper series:
‘New York City Watertowers’ by Tom Slaughter
‘Houndstooth‘ by Julia Ziegler-Haynes
‘Golgi’ by Dr. David Stark
‘Chain Quilt’ by Julia Ziegler-Haynes.
Eric Nyquist is an illustrator/designer who was commissioned to work on the walls of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory- the Pasadena branch of NASA. I’m surprised and impressed that NASA would take a leap with his colorful, graphic, humorous visions. How cool!
Check out more of Eric’s work here. Thanks for the tip, Kathryn!
An amazing image of Miky Fabrega, one of the artists in Cavern’s Artist Edition Series, with a window display he designed for Life furniture store in Panama. Stunning!
I am pretty much obsessed with the New York design team Diamond and Baratta. Their bold style, whimsical exuberance, and use of pattern are remarkable, whether they are working on a Miami apartment, a Hamptons cottage, or a Western ranch. From rugs to wallpaper, pillows to fabrics, their spaces incorporate so many geometric patterns, stripes, and other repeats. Most of the design elements are designed by the duo and custom made by artisans for each of projects, so you can’t really buy this stuff anywhere (unless you hire Diamond and Baratta!) but if you are interested in patterns and how to use them in a space, look these guys up — their portfolio is the best lesson book in how to do it. A few photos from their website are below, but check more out here. Truly inspirational!
Last month I posted about Damien Hirst’s work, and I just realized (via one of my favorite blogs, The Year in Pictures) that he has done wallpaper! I don’t know how I missed it when I was at the Gagosian gallery shop; maybe it’s relatively recent. In any case, talk about graphic wallpaper- wowzer. The pattern seems perfect for a retail or public space; I can’t really imagine it in most home environments. But it’s nice to see digitally printed wallpaper in a high-end context. Well done Mr. Hirst! (And thanks for taking the on-the-sly pictures, James!)
More drawings by Edward Gorey, who my friend described as “the Tim Burton of illustration.”
William Morris is perhaps the single most important figure in the history of wallpaper. A writer, artist, and political activist, Morris was truly a renaissance man, but his achievements in fabric and wallpaper design stand above the rest. Championing the British arts and crafts movement, Morris merged his interest in patterning with his lifelong fascination with nature. The results are timeless patterns, rich in color, elegant in design.
It’s striking to me how relevant Morris’ work and philosophies are to wallpaper today. His fundamental belief that surface design depends upon intentional lines and silhouettes is undeniably true; Cavern’s “Blackbird” pattern is a great example. And his interest in hand-made art and abstracting the natural world all seem very modern, very “now.” I’ll post more eye-candy from Morris in the upcoming weeks – his patterns are truly exquisite.
I just dropped by Gagosian Gallery NYC and became aware of some Damien Hirst paintings that show a beautiful interest in patterns and mirroring. Inspired by butterflies and stained glass windows, his 2007 show “Superstition” exemplifies the vibrancy that can come when complex patterning combines with vivid color. I wish I had seen it the show in person!
Richard Wright just won this year’s Turner Prize, awarded by the Tate to a contemporary artist under fifty who has shown outstanding work in the last year. Wright’s work exists somewhere on the border between installation art, painting, and wallpaper. His style is sometimes bold, sometimes subtle- always intriguing. Check out more of his work here. Very cool.
This photo is one of many gorgeous works by Jen Gotch. Her work exudes a playful, colorful spirit that I can’t help but fall in love with. In this photo, I love how the torn wallpaper and ethereal lighting make this room look like it exists in a memory or dream. Check out Jen’s website, flickr and new online shop with fabulous Polaroid prints (below). Amazing work Jen!
