Textile Designer: Cathy Hunt Featured on Pattern Observer

I am very excited to be featured on the Pattern Observer blog, where I share a few snippets of what inspired me on my last three collections. 

I am often asked where I get my inspiration for my work. It seems like the answer is different for each collection. But three things I always keep in mind:

• What product or category is in mind?

• Who will be buying it (target audience)?

• How can I make it unique and marketable?  

You can read the full article here. 

Pattern Observer offers wonderful workshops and courses through their online community, The Textile Lab, and I highly recommend them to textile and surface print designers of all levels.

Nelson Mandela had STYLE.

For me, watching the many news stories reviewing the life of the late Nelson Mandela conjured up many thoughts, but the thought that kept bubbling up for me was: "That man had STYLE."  In more ways than one. So in addition to the many things he will long be known for, I would like to celebrate his fashion sense, his choosing to have a signature look.

To read more in depth about the philosophy behind his style choices, here is a great article in GQ about The Madiba Shirt.

The Art of Hermes. Right in my own backyard.

Anyone who knows me, knows what a scarf addict I am. So when I heard that Cleveland Museum of Art was hosting a presentation on how Hermes make the Hermes scarves, I couldn't miss it. Plus, any excuse to head over to the museum, which if you have never visited–you should–it is absolutely WORLD CLASS. This event is a perfect example. I wasn't sure what to expect – would it be a slide show or video with a narrator? I was amazed to discover that, in fact, actual artisans form Hermes, master printers, as they referred to them, presented a hands-on demonstration of the silk screen process right there in the Atrium. It was a very interesting "show" with lots of inside scoop on the culture over at Hermes and how their standard of excellence drives every detail. Quite inspiring. I know Hermes is a luxury brand, but I had no idea that each scarf is literally made by hand, each color of ink silk screened with precision. A very informative, entertaining and inspiring presentation. 

You can read lots more about the details of the process at Cleveland.com. 

Henri lines up the screen, using his 26 years of experience to "eye it up"

A screen for every color, plus one solely to print the Hermes name and copyright.

Of course, they make their own inks in the "kitchen" in Lyon.

Good thing they weren't giving away any scarves, I would not have been able to choose!

the path to inspiration is lined with leaves

Walking on this beautiful fall day I was stopped short by the "found patterns" in these leaves. I immediately started imagining a textile design with hand-painted elements. I am seeing it in a palette of yellow-green leaves on a gray background, or maybe turquoise-blue. If I get to this project soon, I will post pieces/parts as they come to life...

More about Oberlin

There were a lot of cool shops and gallery-type places in Oberlin. I didn't take a lot of pictures because I was kind of busy browsing. But I snapped a few at this one shop that had the most gorgeous textiles. It seemed like most of the items were African, masks and such, but I was mostly focused on these fabrics. A lot of batiks and absolutely beautiful patterns and colors.

Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd & Duralee Fabrics!

I keep seeing this ad. I loved it the first time and it keeps stopping me, so I finally clipped it and pinned it up on my wall. The color combinations and the design of the textiles are gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd and Duralee!
http://eileenkathrynboyd.blogspot.com

http://www.duralee.com

I want to go back to school!

Back to school used to mean fresh, new notebooks and binders with color-coded dividers, pink erasers and spiral notebooks. Today, in late July the back-to-school store flyers cater to the college student, and feature ipods, Tide and bedding sets.

I want to be a college kid again, for many (many, many) reasons, one of which is playful choices like this Peace Sign Comforter! I would definitely get some shag carpet remnants to go with it.

Comforter from Garnet Hill.

Pantone Announces Turquoise 2010 Color of the Year

Hmmm, not sure how I feel about this.

If you know me at all, you know I have embraced turquoise for a good 5 years now. My house is decorated around turquoise, I have a wardrobe full of the color. I spent well over a year of my life creating a series of watercolors based in aquas, blues and greens. And a line of textiles. (see both above). In fact, my next post will feature my Christmas card which I designed and created using, yes, turquoise!

So I am glad turquoise is having it's day. Let's celebrate turquoise!

Then, what's my problem? I guess I am just ready to move on. Maybe not leave turquoise behind, but I am ready for a new master. Maybe apple green, maybe a cornflower blue, paired with a cooler charcoal, instead of the warm brown.

Stay posted, I think I have just been inspired for a New Year's post on Cathy's Color of the Year.

For more info on Pantone and the 2010 Color of the Year go to www.pantone.com