Patterns at the New York Armory

Intern-at-Large Karli Hendrickson visited the New York Armory show last week and took these pictures of some fantastic patterns there.  Thanks Karli and congrats on your new job!

Kusama, ‘Fires, Acryic,’ 1987. ( Love her! )

Steven and Billy Blaise Dufala, ‘Fog, Watercolor on Paper,’ 2010.

Rachel Hounanian, ‘Memory of the Narcissus # 12,’ 2008

Frost Work, March 15, 2004 by Emily Feather (Bruce Conner) Ink on Paper

Frost Work, February 8, 2004 by Emily Feather (Bruce Conner) Ink on Paper

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.

Cavern’s New Artist Edition Wallpapers

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.

William Morris

More eye candy from William Morris, wallpaper innovator for the ages.

Wallpaper in Saratoga Springs

Intern at large Karli Hendrickson just sent me these photos from her jaunt to Saratoga Springs, NY.  First, in a women’s bathroom at restaurant Max London’s, we see lipstick on the walls — real lipstick.  Karli says, ‘the idea is for every woman who goes in to leave a kiss to add to the decor, but the walls are getting pretty full!’  (I hope the walls are clean!)

And then next store to the restaurant is Mrs. London’s bakery, where the wallpaper is as intricate as the fresh baked desserts.  Very Marie Antoinette.  YUM.

Thanks Karli!

A Good Taste in the Mouth

Just got these installation shots from the most styling dentist’s office I’ve ever seen.  Well done Dr. Tanz!

Blackbird in New Zealand

Just got this installation shot from Auckland, New Zealand.  (Those blackbirds are really quite international.) I really like how wallpaper functions at the top of a staircase, expanding the space and revealing itself as you walk closer to it. Thanks for the photo Natasha!

Vintage Wallpapers from Better Homes and Gardens

Eye candy from my favorite design source, the Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Books from 1961 and 1975.  There’s something about these images that really grabs me.  Whether the room is spot on perfect, hilariously dated or even flat-out hideous, I can’t help but enjoy their unique visual attitude and charming vintage quality.  For better or worse, they always make me think, “I can’t believe people actually lived like this.”  Enjoy!

1961:

1975:

Installation Inspiration

Some of my favorite installation shots from the Cavern gallery…

State of the Wallpaper, Wallpaper of the State

Watching the State of the Union last night, my eye kept going to the wallpaper!  I sent a research inquiry to the art and history division of the Capital — they have lots of information online about the stuatues, friezes, and paintings in the building, but I didn’t see anything about this pattern.  Will let you know what I find out.

[photos from nytimes.com]