by kate on October 3, 2012
Meg, Alexis, and I had a wonderful time working on the most recent “Market Report” for Issue No. 9, which will be coming out soon. We had been eager to try out a trompe l’oeil technique for a while, and when we were brainstorming for the shoot it kept popping into our heads, so we decided to try it. Meg printed some really large-format prints and we went to work in my studio; I won’t spoil the rest, but we’re hoping you’ll like the result.
Trompe l’oeil has been a popular trend in recent years, and I think my favorite iteration of the technique has to be the work of Deborah Bowness. These wallpapers have the elegance that I equate with traditional trompe l’loeil, but her use of color and composition really give the effect a contemporary twist. I love that her papers can be hung alone as a single sheet, or en masse to cover walls. Both looks are stunning, and I am always excited to see what her next design will be. You can see her full collection, and admire more images, on her site. Do you have any trompe l’oeil favorites? We’re all ears.
by kate on October 2, 2012
We often work with illustrators for Anthology, not just for “Making the Magazine” and other small sections, but also for feature articles. We do this because we love turning the page to discover a fully illustrated story, and it can also be a nice visual break from the photographic spreads. Plus, it’s a real treat to collaborate with other artists and see how they develop a concept.
Despite all of this, I still somehow manage to take for granted how much of our visual world belongs to illustrators, especially when it comes to prints and patterns. As you can see in the work of Aino Maija-Metsola, the woman behind many of Marimekko’s most stunning textile prints, the strongest patterns work successfully in all iterations: flat on a canvas, stretched over a sofa, or cut and sewn into a blouse. Big or small, flat or fluid, these illustrated designs are lovely in all forms. Seeing her work, I’m reminded to take greater notice of the patterns around me, and appreciate the hands that first took pen, pencil, or paintbrush to paper to make the design come alive.
by kate on September 26, 2012
I know it’s a bit premature to be thinking of the holidays and winter so soon, but I can’t help it. Working in retail and print media has hammered a certain schedule into my brain, and as soon as fall arrives, I’m already pulling out the blankets and cider, and planning my winter crafts. Silly, I know, but it also means that I get a jump start on feeling the childlike excitement that accompanies the holidays. I promise not to bombard you with these kinds of posts from now until March, but I do have to share just a few bits of winter inspiration that we’ve picked up during our winter editorial brainstorming. Hopefully they will provide just a small spark of anticipation for the cozier days ahead, but whether you continue in the holiday spirit or tuck them away for a later date is entirely up to you. Enjoy!
{Images above: Katie Miller shares a simple tutorial for making rustic snowflake ornaments out of branches and winter greens.}
{Images above: An ornate reclining chair receives a new silvery grey coat and beautiful faux bois upholstery from Barb at Knack Studios.}
{Images above: Mimi Thorisson of Manger shares a recipe for these heavenly chocolate swirl meringues.}
by kate on September 25, 2012
It’s happened a few times on photo shoots: after constructing a styled vignette, tinkering with the lighting and tilting objects just so, a seemingly perfect shot will be achieved—only to discover a pesky speck of dust or mysterious smudge once the shot is complete. You would think with such careful attention paid, an errant blemish such as this would never occur, but occasionally it does. Until discovering the work of Akihiko Miyoshi, I would consider the only acceptable condition for a camera lens is an immaculate one. Akihiko has opened up a flood of ideas in my head.
By manipulating that invisible and typically unexplored space between the subject and the eye of the camera, Akihiko has exposed a new world of depth and dimension in his self-portraits. I appreciate how the fields of abstract color in the foreground relate to the body behind, but also confront the viewer so immediately as to seem entirely separate from the image, as if the kaleidoscopic patterns actually exist on the walls of our own minds. Who’s to say whether you see the same things that I see? It’s such a cool effect, and I am so thrilled that I’ve discovered Akihiko and his innovative techniques for picture making.
{All images by Akihiko Miyoshi}
by kate on September 21, 2012
After our team meeting last week, Meg and Anh-Minh paid a visit to the Makeshift Society, a clubhouse in Hayes Valley established by creative wonder women Victoria Smith, Rena Tom, and Suzanne Shade. When we spoke with these ladies at the Curiosity Shoppe/Target party a few weeks ago, they were in the midst of pulling together the space and finalizing the details on this ambitious venture. From these pictures, it looks like they pulled it off marvelously!
The concept is genius: create a space that is equal parts library, clasroom, office, lounge, and studio; invite creative professionals to become members and use the space to suit their needs; offer business workshops and one-on-one consulting sessions for members; and host exhibits and events to grow and support the local creative community. Not only did these ladies fill a huge need in the area for a co-working/communal space, they also managed to make it vibrant, lovely, and awesomely multipurpose.
I can’t wait to see how the clubhouse changes as the community continues to grow. If you live in the Bay Area, check out the membership options here, but do not despair, non-locals: there are day passes available as well.
{All images by Victoria Smith for Makeshift Society}
