May 13

Lift Up Those Skirts and Check Out Those Fabulous Legs!

By pattisays In blue and white, contemporary fabrics, contemporary interiors, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom furniture, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, fabrics, focal points, good design, hardwood floors, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, investment pieces, lifestyle, modern interiors, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, re-upholstery, remodeling, reupholstery, sofas, Subscribers, trending design, trends, up-cycle, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design / 1

Woo Hoo – sound a tad risqué? Well, to get your attention, the title seemed apt. We continue to find hidden treasures and here are a couple examples that we have discovered and unveiled during this time of limited mobility. And a special feature piece that we had previously presented a while back – but warranted re-visiting for this blog.

Many sole-proprietor upholsterers and seamstresses work alone – all the time. So limiting their activities now is unfortunate for everyone. YOU might want to utilize this time to spruce up around the house since you have had this extraordinary time to observe and critique the function and flavor of your interior (and exterior) spaces.

Walking through the spaces of your immediate world, in and out of sunshine penetrating the shadows of stationary units of furniture placed with purpose and function, if not a design aesthetic – pondering the possibility of why not both? Can’t we have function and a great look? Does anything you see look as though it might need a re-make? Why not enhance the function of your interior space by re-thinking how it works or at least enhance the flavor of your interior with texture, color and various values of those harmonious hues or even discordant contrasts of the same?

Re-upholstery is a fabulous tool to salvage good frames and have a near instant-gratification for the results of changing the entire look of a favorite piece of furniture. Often the focal point of a room arrangement, re-covering the piece can exponentially change the entire look – feel – flavor of the room.

Re-upholstery can change the personality of a piece. It can transform the attitude and express an entirely different mood. With feet already exposed and no discovery required, some pieces benefit from minor modifications as well as new fabric.

This “find” in a consignment shop a couple of years ago sported loud chrome feet that seemed to scream they wanted to take flight – yet decked in a rather dull, dirty neutral velvet. Hmmm…

The transformation with a classic blue and white cotton stripe from Scalamandre made this piece stand up and be counted! New feet, in warm cinnamon-colored wood, maintained its original design with an entirely new, grounded style.

However, on the subject of great legs…it’s the discovery that there is something quite fine beneath the modesty panel that was intended originally to limit dust accumulation…the modesty of concealing that which should be celebrated, complimented and enjoyed – great legs!!!!!!

Sometimes it is just a modification and not necessarily complete re-upholstery . Here is a perfect illustration of a classic design elevated with the removal of this traditional skirt.

The treat here is lifting the skirt on a sofa or chair and revealing fabulous feet – legs to showcase! Yes, featuring these great legs can give a lighter look to a tired piece, elevate a bit for a clearance off the floor or rug. And the bonus is great features worth exposing!!!

Still concealed behind the gusset of the skirt’s corner, the leg has yet to be revealed.

Perfectly lovely legs in need of a little “lotion” touch-up – to the finish is all.

Tired upholstery can so easily be replaced. The idea is to know that you have “good bones” with which to work. But even if the bones are less than stellar hardwood, lesser frames can be reinforced to create a good piece for years to come.

New foam, Dacron, down and other fill and wrap all are fluff upon the frame to give the desired loft, density, give, luxury, stability, comfort and over-all look. Collapsed cushions, and worn fabric come to life with new fill and fabric.

This piece was new in 1978 covered in a neutral flaxen damask. In 1997, an intentionally selected down-filled seat cushion, once a desired relaxed, shabby chic look, in a second covering of this classic piece in a luxurious mohair, now looks deflated and tired.

Deflated and tired…this piece covered in a fine, timeless mohair needed help…

The new look elevates the sofa, creates a cleaner style and refines the lines from the collapsed, relaxed look of the shabby chic!!!

The new seat cushion fill and removal of the skirt exposing the legs is a radical transformation without completely re-covering the sofa. The classic mohair fabric is timeless.

Here, another pair of loveseats had skirts that when raised revealed fabulous legs ready to show! The project is not yet finished – move-in, unpacking and re-upholstery on-going…while new furniture pieces and rugs continue to arrive.

A dramatic transformation of a tired piece into a lovely statement piece.

Another detail worth noting is that contours and lines read differently with different fabrics that will conceal or highlight the lines.

This once jewel-toned tapestry fabric (25+ years ago) was a popular chenille for both design and durability. But over the years it has broken down and faded – yet this pair of loveseats remained favorite pieces very worth salvage.

The graceful lines of these pieces were not nearly as evident with the heavy tapestry as they now are with the clean woven linen neutral.

By changing the fabric and exposing the legs, these two pieces are exquisite and remarkable in their amazing transformation.

Consider re-upholstery. It provides the opportunity to select any fabric on the planet that is suitable for the purpose – resulting in an exclusively custom piece. The cost to do so is off-set due to you owning the frame. You don’t have to buy a frame and can therefore put more into the selection of the fabric. The labor and fabric are often less than purchasing a new piece. However, the custom satisfaction is personal and priceless!

The expected wear on the piece and daily use will direct the selection process for wear-ability. Color and abrasion tolerance will be key to selecting the right fabric for the piece. Don’t pick white if you tend to enjoy red wine on a regular basis. But even that is not insurmountable. An extra piece of fabric used as a daily cover will protect the primary piece of upholstery and maintain the desired appearance. Remove for special occasions and Voila! This works too to protect from that prima donna cat who has free run of the house and finds the new upholstery to be the best place for a feline to recline. YOU know who I mean you hairy beast!

Gotta love this magnificent feline! Shown here, Disco inspects the newly upholstered loveseats…wondering “what’s happened here?”

Apr 18

Isolation Invites Innovation

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, bathroom remodel, before and after, built-in bookcases, ceiling lighting, chairs, cleaning, clutter, Color schemes, color trends, commercial design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, construction, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, Covid -19, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, custom furniture, custom lighting, decorative accessories, decorative mirrors, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, drama of color, education, expanding spaces, exterior - outdoor design, furniture finds, good design, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, home office, how to select colors, illusion of space, illusions of space, indirect lighting, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, landscape design, lifestyle, lighting, master bathrooms, mirrored walls, mirrors, modern cabinets, modern interiors, multi-generational design, office furniture, open floorplans, paint colors, patio, patio design, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, remodeling, residential restrooms, reupholstery, room arrangement, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Subscribers, throw pillows, trending design, trends, update design, updating, upholstery, workplace design /

Here, today, find designer focus and pro-tips for improving our living spaces. Most of us have spent more time at home than we have in years. Sure, we usually wake up, prepare for the day and return in the evening, to end the day. Weekends are usually that bonus time around the house – unless we spend them on road trip excursions. However, being at home every day is unusual for many and has provided opportunities to critique and take stock. Go from “making-do” to making better, with a little focus on the details and some professional help!

New catch-phrases like “shelter-in-place” have become part of our vernacular. Staying home has resulted in massive numbers of internet orders, cautious home improvement store visits and related activity. The shared anxious energy and creative energy spawned, from our restricted living and working regimens, is “going viral!”

Well, we certainly never really considered that trendy term of something being popular being a REAL virus spreading across the planet – but the humor, common complaints and simple joys, of this surreal modification to our lives, are “going viral” all over the internet. From the vantage point of the design world, we are seeing a multitude of comments about people going stir-crazy and making plans for needed home and office improvement.

HOME DEPOT – Pick-up in the store or have it delivered FREE to your doorstep!!

We are finally – and I say finally, after nearly everyone else we know has done so – ordering storm doors. Yes, to leave open and let in the light of day!!! It has taken being around the house for so many consecutive days that has geared us to the circadian rhythm that our orientation provides and illustrated the need to avail our interior of a significant missed opportunity for natural light! Just never seemed that important…until now! We have labored over having lights (glass) in new primary doors, but after weighing the options for light, security and transparency have opted for clear, full-panel laminated glass storm doors with interchangeable screens, for fresh air – weather permitting.

Yes – Anderson DOES do double storm doors – but try finding that information on their website or even through Home Depot – they’re terrific – you just need to inquire!!!

This unique opportunity to be quarantined inside our homes has given us an opportunity to evaluate the flow, function and lifestyle within our private environments. Have you noticed any things that you want to change as a result of this confinement and forced, close-up evaluation?

Here are a few topics and tips that have come-up in recent conversations from both consumer/clients and designers:

More perceived space: Perhaps open a wall or completely remove a wall(s) and connect two rooms for better communication and visual enlargement of the floor plan.

Adding mirrored walls or individual mirrors add depth and also expands a space to give it a perceived increase in size.

Add cozy color and texture with area rugs, throws and accent pillows.

Add skylights for more daylight.

Change paint colors for a refreshed feel.

Remodel kitchens and bathrooms – people have been sharing intimate spaces and preparing meals significantly more than regular lifestyles dictate and now recognize limitations in their current designs.

Re-upholstery of existing pieces that function well, but need to be refreshed and modernized.

Purchase new furnishing to improve the comfort, function and visual appearance of the interior.

Desires for additional lighting or replacement fixtures, to improve and enhance the quality and color of light inside all rooms for tasks, ambiance, accent spots, indirect illumination, decorative fixtures and even landscape lighting to highlight the features of the plantings and exterior structures, have been heightened.

Workplace design has migrated into homes prompting consideration for a more efficient permanent pocket of living spaces designed for that specific purpose of home-offices. A few from our website portfolio are illustrated here…

Before – this cluttered space was serving as an office – but without organization or pleasing aesthetics.

After – this same space reorganized furniture placement, added new work-surfaces and cantilevered shelves to match existing teak pieces, creating an atmosphere of organization, enhanced workspace and display of personal hobbies and memorabilia.

Before – this room doubled as a sewing room and home office – but the lack of organization made it inefficient and unpleasant.

After – by adding storage, cutting a steel trundle bed (found in their storage unit) down to window-width, and rearranging the workspaces, this same room can now comfortably accommodate a guest, organize work and sewing spaces and pleasantly display art and memorabilia.

For both working from home and schooling from home – the needs, for this space, have become critical. Imagine, down the road, more on-line courses might be considered and even more opportunities to work from home now that the practice has been proven!!

Even a pocket tucked in the corner of a room can be ample space for quiet focus and an organized workspace.

Areas designed for study can also be used for arts and crafts and other projects.

Office spaces will reflect this modification in the working environment, by creating more flexible workspaces allowing a variety of scenarios for performing tasks between home and office and an increasing appreciation for a more fluid arrangement of office layouts and furnishings.

During this isolation, I have enjoyed several ZOOM continuing education classes offered by Knoll that have centered on workspace layout and furniture both at home and in corporate settings.

Here are more helpful tips from Knoll for your consideration when planning a home-office. https://www.knoll.com/shop/work-from-home/home-office-setup-guide

Patio perk-ups to expand the enjoyment outdoors – at both home and office – maximizing the livable exterior areas of either small balconies to expansive spaces, backyards, decks, improved landscaping, outdoor kitchens and fully-furnished furnished living spaces – are seeing increased attention to detail.

Woodard furniture – one of our favorites – has been designing and fabricating for well over a hundred and fifty years. Since 1934 they have perfected the art of metal furniture design and fabrication. As industry leaders, their expertise brings a collection of superior craftsmanship and a wide variety of materials and styles to accommodate both commercial and residential applications.

Let’s keep moving forward through this pandemic with positive vibes for creating enhanced living spaces – both inside and out – for more productive and enjoyable living!

Apr 11

Finding Peaceful Places

By pattisays In ambiance, bathroom remodel, beach, beauty behold it, cocktails, context of interior design, Covid -19, design, design details, design tips, dining rooms, expanding spaces, exterior - outdoor design, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, home spa, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, joy, landscape design, lifestyle, parks and recreation, patio, patio design, peace, peaceful places, personal expression, personal taste, private places, public spaces, Refresh, spa, Subscribers, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, window dressings / 1

Where are you finding comfort, peace and a reprieve from the crazy of it all? I’ve been checking in with people from around the country asking where they are finding peace and tranquility during these unusual times. Sharing their peaceful places has been fun and thoughtful.

Isabel sends greetings from “The Beach” – Standley Lake in Westminster, Colorado.

Discovering comfort in familiar and new places is the name of the game during this time of uncertainty and isolation. Some are more isolated than others. Some are surrounded by real or virtual workmates, others family, some have the companionship of a pet while others find themselves living alone and feeling a different kind of isolating solitude.

Several sunsets submitted…seems that is a restful time for most. Jan finds peace, at the end of the day, from her backyard. Nice.

Snuggling up with music or a good book, watching movies, playing games and exercise are all a part of our daily lives, but in this current situation they are magnified with importance. Technology has certainly broadened our reach. The information we can access is nearly limitless and connecting platforms to video chats have facilitated the way we communicate over the miles. Activities and focus on our senses heightens our physical and sensory benefit and enjoyment .

Whether a tablet, paperback or hardcover – nothing says escape like a good book.

Solitaire or a battle of gin…with a little gin.

Interiors are our haven. Finding peaceful places within your realm is a new adventure of discovery that is occurring as a result of a resourcefulness to stay comfortable and balanced. It’s a great time to pamper yourself. Who doesn’t like to take a bath? I don’t. But these days, that tub and inviting bubbles and fresh scents are intriguing. If you don’t have any bath salts or bubbles…find some fresh rosemary sprigs or pine needles…lemon juice or grated rind…perhaps a little ginger powder or grated fresh…put it a cloth pouch so as not to clog your plumbing.

Light a scented candle, make your own fragrances, play a little music and escape for a bit.

I usually feel too rushed – and that’s ironic because taking a restful soaker is supposed to be a perfect stress-reliever. How awful is it not to have time to decompress? Well…we all have a lot of time on our hands – albeit time being utilized differently.

Roll-up a few towels to set the stage – make it like a vacation spa – if only for an hour until the world catches up again!!!

Curling up with a good book. We know that getting up and getting dressed in the morning provides a normalcy and participation that keeps us from feeling less reclusive. Preparing for the day! And inasmuch as it is a rarity for most of us to stop in the middle of the day and read a book – it is a luxury we should allow ourselves. It is an escape, a reprieve. Discovering new places and positions to enjoy a good read is another way to find peace. Places where daylight filters in is restorative.

Tracking daylight through your interior…you might notice the orientation, time of day and penetration of light with more time spent at home.

Outside, weather plays a big part in how we can expand our isolation beyond or interior walls. From quiet garden spaces to hiking and exploring nature’s playground – the ability to enjoy exterior spaces is prime. Having warm weather on the way broadens that area of our safe shelters.

Hi Zoe in Northern Virginia!!!!! Families are having lots of outdoor time. “What a GREAT backyard you have!!!!!!!” “The better to stay isolated and still have lots of adventures,” says she!!!!!

Wowee from Maui – thanks Linda for this shot from your window- some people have it rough!!!! Isolation in paradise!!

A quiet corner of a garden can be a new discovery now that we have the time to pause and focus on the details around us.

Biking and walking trails are being explored, in these new times, and revealing great resources within our reach. One of the positive outcomes of this “down time” is a desire to get out and move – the restlessness is prompting a newfound need and satisfaction gained from exercise.

New growth brings new promise as spring peeks through….taking walks is great for both body and mind in the high desert of Albuquerque.

Hello Heather over there in Arlington, Virginia – running over the Rt 66 trail!! Not much traffic!!!!!

Shelley sends this scene from their lovely Lake Keowee neighborhood in the secluded woods of northwestern South Carolina.

My friend Jeannie, who usually works at the now very enormously lonely Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, writes that her Peaceful Place is “on one of these benches in this jewel of an oasis called Carl Shultz Park here on the Upper East Side overlooking the East River. Nice breezes to enjoy and usually lots of pleasure boats. Been doing a lot of reading here and a fine place to get a whiff of fresh air.”

Hobbies and projects have flourished. Weather permitting, outside gardens need tending and indoor projects/hobbies have truly been re-vitalized with renewed appreciation and interest.

A recently added potting table on Cathy’s deck provides a perfect area to focus on preparing patio pots and new growth!!

Adjacent to her potting area, Cathy has a perfect place for repose. Reading or playing cards, enjoying a morning coffee, evening cocktail or a quiet meal – this area provides a perfect retreat.

More fun and games as Bonnie attacks her 5th jigsaw puzzle since the quarantine started just a few weeks ago…with a little refreshment and plenty of early evening sunshine! Love that the days are getting longer!!!!

Plump your pillows and prop up your feet – inside or out – a healthy combination of rest and meditation, healthy eating, brain work and physical exercise is the recipe for success during our surreal pause. Find your peaceful place – find your joy.

Mar 29

Creativity Ignited

By pattisays In artistic talent, artists, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, Covid -19, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, custom furniture, design, design challenges, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, drama of color, fabrics, furniture finds, good design, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home decor, home improvements, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, lifestyle, paint colors, planning a new home, planning a remodel, practical design, re-purpose, recognizing signs, Refresh, room arrangement, Subscribers, textures, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design / 1 Comment

These are amazing times that are truly testing our creativity and ingenuity. We are challenged to alter our work-modes to operate remotely, utilize time very differently to balance work and family, find new ways to communicate and share and even radically re-direct manufacturing for purposes far different from their original intent…these are all very stimulating, creative challenges.

Isabel works from “home” in Denver managing the daily business of PATRICIAN DESIGN.

Where do the masses flock now that they are confined? Craft stores, home-improvement warehouses and on-line instant gratification pick-me-ups.

Don – in his Home Depot orange shorts was a joke that we enjoyed for several years coining the phrase “Everywhere we go – we got o Home Depot!” From China to Albuquerque we took photos of Home Depot, often in his orange shorts! Couldn’t keep us away!

While most people are home-bound and businesses are fallow – wondering how they will survive this down-time and loss of income and the means to play catch-up with their debts – there are those who have been able to re-invent their talents to manufacture items very different from their norm that are in high demand at this time. Re-purposing has taken on a whole new meaning. Where we were re-purposing an old door into a headboard or bicycle parts into wall art, we are now transforming entire production facilities that made widgets of all manner into plants of workers learning how to manufacture masks and ventilators… gowns and gloves.

The creativity is so broad-reaching it will change the way each of us behaves moving forward. It will change policy and priorities in government. It will alter thinking and spawn new ideas and procedures everywhere. It will have global impact and consequences unlike anything we have known. It will prove uniting and divisive, for differing reasons.

Less public displays of affection between casual connections with more formal respect for personal space are certain outcomes. Perhaps a combination of suspicion and respect at the start…but how long will it take to wear-off? When will the guard be dropped and behavior relax? What will be the definition of our new normal? Circumstances – certainly do – alter cases…

Interior design is tactile. It is comprised of textures and colors difficult to replicate over the computer screen. Before off of this we recognized that viewing fabric collections over the on-line portals was a way to get possible candidates for consideration – but more often than not, there were greater numbers of rejects once the actual samples arrived.

There is much we can do remotely. We can send drawings, send photos of fabrics (providing we have felt them and know them, in order to honestly recommend them), do video walk-throughs to view a space and make recommendations remotely. We can place orders and arranging shipping and receiving, coordinate sub-contractors and make things happen.

Many tradespeople such as upholsterers, seamstresses cabinet-makers can continue to work in the privacy of their own workrooms providing the have the material. Many fabric sources are still shipping orders. We have two sofas and two benches currently being upholstered – the fabric having been ordered, shipped and delivered all last week. With several other fabrics on their way, our seamstress will be very busy creating custom throw pillow, bed dressings and draperies. We can keep many of our talented, local people busy.

Artists in their studios are eager to express their thoughts and feelings and even bring YOUR interests to life in paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture…self-quarantined by their own habits – now is the time to commission a custom piece – pottery centerpiece, focal painting, personal jewelry piece, pet and people portraits by sending photographs!

The dynamics and demographics of our communities will be radically changed as a result of this crisis. Remember how upset many were over Walmart coming into towns displacing, if not eradicating small local businesses? Well, watch what’s happening with large national businesses today and their smaller, local counterparts. We will lose so many and replaced by whom? What? How? How will this change the look and feel of Mainstreet?

The interior design profession is so intimate and personal. It is about hands-on…to be there to move furniture, adjust groupings, share the experience of balancing textures, temperatures of color, size and scale… it’s hard to do from your laptop on a remote beach.

So while the ads on TV promote the home decor sites for instant furnishings and decorative accessories – remember that they don’t always look as you expected once they arrive. Many offer returns, but often with freight and re-stocking charges.

During this unusually unprecedented time when anxiety instigates spontaneous purchases, designers can still consult to advise and direct, offer ideas, consult about choices and decisions. They can help make decisions and assist in finding the right pieces and making the best purchases.

So call them. Show them your finds. Discuss your choices and ideas. Get their opinions and make better decisions due to their experienced advice. It might and should save you money and headaches in the long-run.

Mar 01

Hidden Talent Exposed

By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, art and food, art and interior design, art custom commissions, artistic expression, artistic imagery, artistic talent, artists, bars and restaurants, beach design, beauty behold it, coastal, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial interior design, commissioning an artist, Contemporary Art, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design and marketing, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designs in nature, Discovering Art, discovering artistic talent, drama of color, element of surprise in design, fanciful design, fine art photography, floral designs, flower power, flowers in design, focal points, good design, good taste, Graphic art, graphic designs in interiors, handwriting, hidden talent, hiring an interior designer, home decor, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior design, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, large format photographs, lifestyle, marketing the story, Modern Art, modern interiors, murals, nature, orchids, personal expression, personal taste, photography, public art, Refresh, Regional design, restaurant design, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Set design, Subscribers, travel and design, trending design, trends, tropical flowers, urban art, value of art, value of good design, vintage cars / 1

Hidden talent – that remarkable artwork that appears (seemingly) out of nowhere, on a par with great masters of the medium. I considered this element of surprise – looking back several decades to a local painter, Wilson Hurley, who had more than one very different, distinguished career and diverse life experiences before he delved deeply into his passion for painting in his 40s. Once exposed, his paintings revealed his extraordinary talents and he become a nationally recognized treasure for his sweeping landscapes and a variety of other subjects.

On that note, I have just gotten off the phone with a very good friend, in Florida, Houston Evans. I have recently learned that he is a passionate weekend photographer! An amazing photo appeared in a Facebook post and I was astonished by the enchanting image, color and composition. I was instantly captivated – and curious. Upon closer inspection, his stylish swashbuckling signature made me realize that this hobby was subtly becoming more than that – yes, he had his mark digitally mastered and is probably THE perfect brand for his diverse and stunning work.

“Star Power” is the luminous celebration of a pineapple.

As I quizzed him about his interest in photography, I learned that he attributes his eye for art, color and design to his mother who’s side of the family has spawned other talented artists, in his generation. He has been posting on Instagram for quite some time – hundreds of images. I didn’t know. I didn’t “follow.” He is modest about his photos and does it for his own amusement, pure pleasure and personal enjoyment – that he likes to share. “I don’t do it to imagine it on someone’s wall.” Yet this observer believes that there is where it absolutely should be! Many walls…many places! #houstonevansphotography

He plays with the medium and all the tools and tricks of the trade. He enjoys the freedom of experimentation. The results are controlled, yet spontaneous. From high resolution to fuzzy pixels that require distance to assimilate. Up close for precise detail and soft smears for imagination to take hold, the variety of clarity or lack thereof are a part of the experience and expression.

“Makin’ Hay” has an enhanced pointillist treatment – a Van Gogh-esque subject with a twist.

From my interior designer’s perspective, his bold images would be key focal points in the drama of architectural spaces – interiors from Miami to Honolulu and on around the world!!! I can see the towering orchids in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants and swanky condos everywhere!!! I am eager to find a project, for which his work would be the key to the scheme, unveiling a spontaneous design resulting from the inspiration of the image.

“Oblique Orchid” screams floral superiority as a commanding focal image.

“Shooting the Bird” speaks to paradise revisited!!!

In the beginning, the photos stood on their own merits. Evans keeps his originals – some of which remain just that – in their original form, while others are tweaked or more radically manipulated to create stunning subjects and compositions.

This brilliant, fresh simplicity of “Aqua Eye” observes the droplet’s reflection in the center of the cheery chartreuse petal.

Coming upon a cool caddie “Daddy Long Legs.”

I can see his limitless fantasies contributing to the imaginative narrative of Meow Wolf, gracing hotel lobbies with larger-than-life orchid explosions and commanding condo walls with magical statements of tropical color, subject and form. Translucent installations of LED illumination could result in magnificent walls of design influence.

“No Flies on Me” is a fantasy of oozing colors and form melting and melding around the psychedelic dragon fly.

The digital age is advancing with such a pace that we are all caught-up in photos of food, whacky selfies and sunsets on fire…but having an artist’s eye, to truly see the potential and master the tools that are now available – using them to create valid and valued masterpieces of art, is extraordinary.

“Copy Cat” reflections mirror a chorus of color from sky to watery impressionistic likeness.

This “Roadside Attraction” must have been a startling scene to distract dazzled drivers.

I truly believe that his work is exceptional – full of heart and soul – and spectacular fun!!!!!!!! I’m thrilled to learn of these images and now enjoy the continued progress of his discoveries and creations. Let’s see where this goes!!!!! He just might be coming out of hiding!!

Feb 16

A Designer’s Eye

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architect, architecture, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, art custom commissions, artistic expression, artistic imagery, artistic talent, artists, beauty behold it, color trends, colors, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, decorative accessories, decorative arts, design, design details, design process, design trends, designer fabrics, discovering artistic talent, drama of color, fabric design, fabrics, fanciful design, fashion and design, fashion design, floral fabrics, flowers in design, good design, Graphic art, graphic arts, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home decor, home improvements, interior accents, interior design, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, Lilly Pulitzer, Marimekko, Modern Art, paint colors, painters, patterns, personal expression, Subscribers, textile design, textiles, travel and design, trending design, trends, value of good design / 1

Hidden genius can be found amidst seemingly redundant arts and crafts. Walking by you might not notice. Passing by many beach stands, they begin to look alike – very repetitive. The colorful wares and handcraft are striking and eye-catching and full of fiesta, yet if you pay attention you will notice the nuances. Discovering the true designer/artist.

An escape to the tropics and especially to another country offer a reprieve from the cold and add an exotic element to getting out-of-town. Discovering the many indigenous art forms that come from all over Mexico is fun and exciting. Getting to know the makers and the distinctions in their work is another exciting level of appreciation.

As is true with so many things, detail and design matter. I buy a smattering of things for my gallery/gift boutique. I like to support the local vendors and makers that produce these fantasy-filled folk-art pieces. From fabrics to stuffed animals, painted pottery to murals and mosaics, the art is abundant and deserves to be examined.

As an example, I am focusing on Victor Rivera. Victor is an artist and more so, an incredibly gifted designer. His sense of pattern and imagery is exquisite. It reminds me of my mother’s love of Marimekko and Lily Pulitzer in the 60s and 70s. Her appreciation was a tremendous influence on me. The joy of color and pattern was a exhilarating celebration to wear and accessorize your home. Victor seems to possess a like-kind of innate sensibility and talent for devising and executing sensational color, pattern, motif and resulting design. He is currently creating, from a modest beach stand, what I believe is clearly different from others doing what might be thought to be similar work.

Like Maija Isola – a peer of my mother’s, having been born in the 20s her designs transcend the many decades in which she influenced color, pattern and bold imagery. Her work continues to live and influence the evolution of Scandinavian artistic direction and its impact on the world of design. https://www.marimekko.com/com_en/world-of marimekko/design/designers/maija-isola

Similarily, architect Josef Frank contributed greatly to the design world through his architectural work and also his love of his limitless artistic expression through color and pattern. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/josef-frank-fabrics-london-exhibition

Watching Victor select his brushes, for the various applications and control on his designs, is fascinating and amazing.

The sense of pattern and design is a different category of artistic talent, in my observation and estimation. A master, of pattern, form, design detail and art, is an artist. However, the focus on the repetition and integral connection of patterns – for this purpose in a one-dimensional application – is an intensely different pocket of an artistic brain.

And this brings me back to Victor. I want someone in a position to embrace and promote him, in the world of fabric design and influence, to catapult him to the level to which he can and should aspire. Shout-out to Alegreea and the fabulous designers at Pineda Colavin!!!!!!!

His hummingbirds begin with a pencil drawing and basic “fill” colors at the start.

Working on both clay and wood prefabricated bowls by other artisans, his many layers of colors and details take shape.

With myriad, mostly monotonous, Mexican street/beach artists, Victor is a beacon of light that stands out among the throngs. Once you stop to notice – the work he is creating is astonishingly unique and beautiful. His designs are laced with meticulous detail, outstanding color combinations captivating and beautiful.

He will paint expeditiously simple works to satisfy the tourists and keep an inventory at the ready for spontaneous purchase – but when he has quiet time and is caught-up on his table of offerings, he creates amazing pieces that are truly remarkable. It is important to note though, that his more expeditious pieces still have a color combination with strokes of accents that still are above and well beyond the common.

He will paint commissions all day long – but left to his own devices, his creativity is boundless. And, referencing back to the Scandinavian designers, his floral designs are outstanding!

Taking time to examine the world around you and the beauty of detail that awaits, is a joyful experience of great discovery and satisfaction! Not to mention great fun!!!

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