Dots Downtown

March 6, 2014

Seen on the street in San Francisco. I love this girl's boldness—zipping around the Financial District in polka dots, amidst the gray and suits.

Doors of The Outer Sunset

March 1, 2014

I've hung out in the Sunset district of San Francisco many times. I've driven the streets—past the side-by-side pastel houses and tangle of overhead wires. But walking these streets takes things to another level. Although pockets are becoming more popular as of late, this has not typically been a destination neighborhood. Areas like this one should be visited more often as they encourage you to LOOK a little deeper to see the beauty in the everyday. Plus, you just might stumble upon some awesomeness such as these doors.

Feeling Bold Today

February 26, 2014

Clockwise L to R: Patricia Van Der Vliet, Antoni & Alison, Celine (x2)

Perfect Light

February 24, 2014

I was driving down the street heading to Ocean Beach for my weekend walk, and out of the corner of my eye I saw this amazing blue color. I had to circle back so I could take a picture. If the light hadn't been hitting it just so, I probably would have driven right by.

B&W Abstraction

February 13, 2014

I'm all about abstract art in any form, and lately I've been noticing it more and more as a fashion trend. Here are some fabulous splashes, swirls and spatters in simple shades.

Clockwise from top left: Preen 2014, DKNY 2014, Kenzo 2014, &other Stories, Carven 2013, Tibi NY

Happy blooms on a rainy day

February 9, 2014

Enjoy some color on this grey day.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

January 30, 2014

My new walk to work takes me through Chinatown and it is such a change from my quiet jaunt down Bush Street. Yesterday, I saw live fish being delivered off a truck, women selling vibrant red gladiolas and cherry blossom branches, fruit stands being loaded up. The sights, sounds, and smells are so unique. It's definitely a different way to wake up in the morning! I just love the red and orange everywhere as they begin celebrations of the New Year of the Horse 4712.

Typographic Patterns

January 28, 2014

Interesting patterns made from typography. You almost can't tell these patterns are created using letters or fragments of letters.

Sunset on Ocean Beach

January 22, 2014

It was my father's birthday a few days ago and I always like to honor him in a place that makes me smile. No better place than Ocean Beach at sunset. Missing you every day, Dad.

80s Inspired

January 3, 2014

Time for another trend I've been seeing popping up on Pinterest. There are lots of bright colors, fragmented bold shapes and squiggles. Very reminiscent of the 80s I grew up in. A few represented here are from the 80s and some are new. Can you tell which is which?

From Top Left: Sunny Todd, Frank Stella, George Sowden, YokoHonda, Swatch, Grassland & Geometric

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2014

I woke up early this morning and drove out to Ocean Beach. Had to make a stop up at Grandview Park for a look at the city on the dawn of the New Year. It was perfectly misty and glistening and fresh.

A tree grows in Sonoma

December 29, 2013

Sky Study

December 28, 2013

December has been downright balmy (as far as winters go) here in SF and we've had the most incredible sunsets every night. I kept meaning to post one, but have now accumulated so many pretty snaps, I decided to combine a few ultra vibrant ones for your viewing pleasure.

Sunsets taken from my window. No photoshop used here.

Geo Projection

December 27, 2013

I came across these amazing photographs by Javier Riera. They combine nature with geometric light projections. So intriguing!

Serenity Now

December 18, 2013

What a lovely color palette I see out my window. Makes me feel like I'm at a spa.

Going, going…Nah, there are plenty left!

December 14, 2013

Now here's an awesome gift idea...a snazzy iPhone or Kindle case with one of my designs on it! It's a great time to place an order in time for the holidays. Use GIFT30 at checkout to receive 30% off this week only. Click here.

Fairytale Youth

December 10, 2013

I just love going to the public library. With the diminishing number of bookstores in the city, there are fewer places one can sit among books, lolling on a rolling step stool, perusing attractive covers and being inspired by an unfamiliar author or artist.

One such artist I happened upon is Ivan Bilibin. He was an early 20th century illustrator and set designer (did work for the Ballet Russes) who was inspired by Slavic folklore.

I was struck by the folk nature of the illustrations that called to mind my youth and the hours I spent poring over old books of German fairytales. I would beg my mother to let me color in the black line-drawn illustrations of my books. Once, she did (and I think we still have the book). When I saw these colorful Bilibin illustrations, I felt these were exactly what I had envisioned in my child's mind's eye. Although the outcome of my renderings was quite different!

I feel completely transported and satisfied somehow, staring at these amazing illustrations—especially the patterns and elaborately detailed garments of each scene and character. Here are just a few examples.

Playtime

December 8, 2013

Well it's my birthday on Monday and I had grand plans for a spa weekend getaway. But alas, I have been struck by the killer flu bug. So instead of being outside enjoying the glorious December weather up in Sonoma, I have been confined to my apartment in the city. What to do to brighten my mood? Watch some super cheesy holiday movies, get out some favorite Christmas decorations and have a little playtime in the studio!