It's been a while since I blogged and even longer since I have blogged consistently. I will try to make this a habit in the future.
I am no stranger to print-on-demand websites, as an artist for years I looked for ways to easily make my artwork accessible to everyone, all over the world. As much as I enjoy making art the traditional way it was hard for me to feel satisfied that only one person gets the privilege of possessing that sole piece. Furthermore I feel anyone should be able to own art. Some cannot afford a painting that was painstakingly made that is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The digital world has made art accessible, in an over-whelming sort of way, but also in a way that anyone can enjoy art on a sticker, a t-shirt, an art print, an umbrella, etc. It's magical, really!
I've always loved the idea of art on the walls, but loved showing everyone the art I am into at this point in time. Some individuals choose to permanently tattoo a piece of art to share their taste, and I have no problem with that, especially if you have a passion for something, know what you want and want to show that off, though I am constantly evolving my taste and interests so I often choose to show my art style through what I wear. It is easier to shed if I realize it's not entirely my taste but if I like it I can wear it again and again. For a long time it was just graphics on t-shirts, but after a while I began to show interest in patterns.
I had always liked the classic plaid pattern, growing up in the 90's and experiencing the grunge era really helped with that. Bands like, "Nirvana" and shows like, "My So-Called Life" made that pattern famous in my teen years. As my teen years progressed I recall seeing Toile de Jouy patterns on a lovely dress on Monica from "Friends". That show had a plethora of other awesome patterns, and graphics on their clothes, but it was often worn by Phoebe, one of my favorite characters. Other shows I watched like "Gilmore Girls" inspired my fashion desires. Sometimes Lorelai would wear classy pieces, but a few quirky pieces she flaunted in her every day life would often show up. I was also delighted by a damask skirt Rory had worn to one of her Grandparent's dinners and how she made such a regal pattern look youthful and fun! Later on when I was told to watch "The O.C." I really found Seth's style to be quite fun and charming. He made argyle look chic.
My style in my 20's was ignoring the styles at the time and I would often pair graphic t-shirts with a pageboy cap, (otherwise known as a paperboy cap to some) knee-high socks or boots and a plaid, pleated skirt. That look had everything I loved, a mod style, mixed with a fun, graphic, artist flare. Eventually I (like many other women) had the deep fascination with the store "Modcloth", mainly because I was into retro-inspired clothing and everyone being into the fashions on "Mad Men" and "New Girl" I started getting an interest in classic patterns throughout fashion. I looked at some of the classics, like the damask, plaid, argyle, polka dot, stripes, houndstooth, etc, and re-imagined them as having a secret. Something quirky, hidden among the pattern, a Rorschach test if you will, from afar you see a plain, classic pattern, but up close there is something fun about that polka dot. Some of the prints became more obvious in nature, but others like the Musical Cherries pattern could be appreciated as a retro cherry pattern but also if you look closely you could see they take shape as musical notes.
So I started as an artist/illustrator but evolved to be a textile designer specializing in taking classic patterns and twisting them into something whimsical. You could be at a stuffy work gathering but your dress could tell the story of your secret passions or interests, if someone were to come up close for a chat. I love how fashion can be used as a conversation starter and a way to express one's personality. Do you wish to wear your art on your sleeve or do you prefer it mixed in your plaid skirt? Only you can decide.
