What better way to start 2014 than in a playful mood? Let's kick off the new year with the delightful work of Chilean artist Santiago Salvador, whose powerfully simple portraits are fantastic studies in composition and color. His application of paint is judicious, but it pays off! He loves repetition, and I appreciate that he pushes that even further in the paintings where he creates true patterns out of his colorful characters. And something about the way his people move always makes me smile. The year is off to a good start! See more of Santiago's amazing work here.
One of my many loves as a textile junkie are woven wall hangings - there is something so simple and humble about them, yet the possibilities for creativity are endless. Within the parameters of a few inches of yarn, any manner of color combinations, patterns, and texture changes can be made. I find these weavings by Brook & Lyn, the work of partners Mimi Jung and Brian Hurewitz, to be particularly stunning, hung delicately on copper rods and incorporating areas of heavy fringe. They make me miss my days on the loom! I would love to have some of these hanging in my apartment, but with two fiesty cats it would be more likely to end up as the world's largest yarnball on the floor. See more from Brook & Lyn here.
The new spring/summer 2014 show from London fashion house Orla Kiely is definitely getting me. It's one part Suzy Bishop from Moonrise Kingdom, one part Anna Karina, and one part outdoor sock hop. I always appreciate the retro-inspired, feminine details that she puts into all her pieces along with her signature patterns. Clothing aside, I also love the styling of the set which is reminiscent of a natural history museum diorama. Looks like it's time to buy a beret and some pointelle knee socks for my next safari. See more from Orla Kiely here.
Happy New Year everyone! Hard to believe that it's already 2014, but here's hoping that this year is going to be the best one yet. Also, if you need to keep track of the coming year, it's not too late to get a 2014 wall calendar from my Etsy shop here!
