Robert Roth‘s landscape paintings make me feeeeel things. Lots of them remind me of my time spent here in Oklahoma, where I’ve witnessed some of the most brilliant sunsets and driven through beautifully vast plains. I won’t even get into the thunderstorms, just know that they’re pretty epic.
Tie-dye is experiencing yet another comeback, but not just any tie-dye – shibori. Shibori is a Japanese process for resist-dyeing cloth by binding, folding, twisting and compressing. There are tons of ways to manipulate fabric for shibori, each one creating different designs and patterns. And right now it’s showing up everywhere in the home and on the runway.
I’m thrilled to see Susan Connor of SusyJack fame branching out into the world of textiles! She’s a self-taught pattern designer whose new new shop – Susan Connor New York – is full of textiles that are both modern and relaxed. Most of the pieces are being created in limited runs to afford Susan the ability to consistently explore and create new and exciting things. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this line evolves!
In 2011 Alessandro Puccinelli decided to buy a 1983 Hymer motorhome and drive it along the south coast of Portugal to some of his favorite places. Every night he took a photo before going to sleep, A Van in the Sea is the beautiful end result.
I’ve been a fan of Austin-based Son of a Sailor since their start, and as they release their third handmade collection – LAND – I’m just as enamored as ever. William Knopp and Jessica Tata found inspiration for their latest work in the geographic forms and colors of the western frontier, leading to brass geometric forms and bold color choices. The collection features a variety of gems, intricate beading and metalwork, and an exploration of the lines and patterns found in nature. So perfect for spring and summer.
You see it, right? Peter Wenger has created negative architectural space in the midst of the hustle and bustle of New York City in Buildings Made of Sky. He’s turned the cityscape upside down to reveal an invisible construction space that dazzles and delights, once again proving life is all about perception.
I look forward to Warby Parker‘s seasonal frames like some kids look forward to Christmas morning. After years and years of contact lens wearing that began in the 7th grade, I’ve reverted to wearing glasses most days. My eyes feel incredible, more relaxed than they have in years even after hours behind my laptop screen. And let’s be honest, I love all of the affordable stylish frames.
The spring 2014 collection features six everyday frames and three pairs of sunglasses. I went with the Marcel in Aurora. The frames are large without being too large, and round without being too round. In other words, they don’t overwhelm my face. And the dark tortoiseshell is a great dappled whiskey brown that makes my hazel eyes pop. It goes without saying that they’re become instant favorites – I’ve worn them every day since they arrived! Now I’m eyeing these Absinthe green Quimby frames for sunny days this spring.
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Warby Parker eyeglasses. As always, all words and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!
The work of mixed media artist and designer Kristi Kohut resonates with me, when I saw the above piece it popped into my mind for days. Maybe it’s our shared love of symmetry or something that can’t be explained because it lives on a deeper level, but whatever the reason I’m happy Kristi left her career in advertising to create something more.