Inspired by: Miguel Mesa

This Colombian designer's work totally caught my eye. Not only is it rich in method, texture and color, but has a powerful background story as well. The collection is called "Potosi" named after the richest silver mine on earth (located in Bolivia). The colorful torn strips of paper running through each piece are meant to recall the destructive paths that are made to the land when mining the silver. He says "In the garments those scars are the ripped paper...I home-dyed over 40 colors of a textile cotton waste and used PET to generate the headpieces."

Hearing the inspiration behind a collection or piece of art always makes it that much more interesting and beautiful to me. Whether it's to make a political statement or just translate a simple idea that comes to mind—on the vast spectrum of inspiration, isn't that what art is no matter the medium? What inspires you?

Quotation, info and images are from a Trendland article written by Anna Canlas May 2014.

Makeup Artist

If you are in a slump because of the winter weather, just bring in some color! In this case, it's in the form of makeup. I collect images of colorful people on my Pinterest board here because they are all just so strikingly vibrant. It's another form of artistic creativity and these have made this gray day feel brighter already.

Clockwise from upper left: Miguel Riveriego, M Magazine, Ellis Faas, Elle Greece, F. Gomez/De Maria

December Instagram Fave: Charlotte di Carcaci

My latest obsession on Instagram is a feed by Charlotte di Carcaci. It is mesmerizingly beautiful and I could spend a LOT of time looking at it. If you can't make it to the museum today, just spend some time here instead. Indulge in this gorgeous array of close ups of mostly 18th and 19th century portraiture. She captures details in silks and satins that range from blush to scarlet and back again. Swoon... 

Glimpses

Here is a sneak peek at some designs I've been working on. The "storm of the century" has kept me indoors the past few days so I've had tons of time to play. 

Thoughtful Tuesday

What do these designs have in common?

Can you tell what these designs have in common? No? Well that's the point! I came up with six different designs from the same original photograph. Pretty cool, eh? See how many different designs you can get from one original layout or motif by using different filters, adjustments and colors. Some of them may be throw aways, but it's more about the process and what you might stumble on along the way. Like I always say: Have fun and keep playing!

Aaaand...Here is the original photograph I took and cleaned up, laid out and fiddled with! 

A Positive Look to the Week Ahead

I've had such an amazing amount of inspiration this week. Lots of "art dates" with friends, and many solo jaunts around town too. Saw the Keith Haring exhibit at the DeYoung museum, spent an afternoon perusing books in Japantown at the most awesome bookstore around: Kinokinuya. I took a few beach walks, had lunch with friends and basically just fed my creative soul.

I've really been getting into my illustrations lately, and feel like I've hit my stride. You know things are clicking when you can't wait to get home to finish a painting or project. Creative juices don't always flow like that, so when they do, I take advantage!  Here's a piece I've been working on colorizing. I painted it a few weeks ago in black, and have had some fun trying out different color ways. Here's one scheme I kinda love. Thoughts?

Instead of getting the Sunday blues tonight, I've decided to end the week with gratitude and positive vibes for more inspiring days ahead. 

Painting Plein Air

Nothing is more enjoyable than sitting outside in the fresh air and sunlight with paints. Happy Monday Friends!

Needlepoint anyone?

I'm sure you've heard the expression "Fake it til you make it", well I overheard someone say "Keep making til you make it" and I like the sound of that so much better. That's exactly what has driven me to stay focused and positive about the work I'm doing and the direction I am going. I think if you just keep doing what you do, you can never go wrong! 

Just when I felt like I had hit a slump with my work...my illustrations have brought me some luck! The Art Needlepoint Company has picked up a selection of my designs and they are currently selling them on their website. How fun!  

Wouldn't you like to try your hand at the popular craft using one of my folky animals as your guide? Check them out! They are really great for all levels and the kits come with all the thread and materials you need so they make awesome gifts!  I remember my Mom and German grandmother teaching me how to knit and embroider at a young age. Let's keep these traditions and crafts alive!

Art prints available!

Hi Friends!  Happy Sunday. 

I have posted a new batch of illustrated prints online. They are for sale through my Etsy store (and if you prefer to buy a canvas print or pre framed, you can also get a selection from Society6). I hope you enjoy them. I had a whole lot of fun drawing them.

These prints are all created from original drawings or paintings, and then digitally enhanced in Illustrator or Photoshop. 

Keep Playing

When I design, I always tell myself not to stop at the first pass. Sometimes I create a motif and set it aside to come back to on a later day. Other times, something happens that makes me want to keep playing and I go on for hours in one sitting.

For myself, I have discovered that I should never stop at the first layout. Adding in additional motifs, changing colors and design layers will almost always get to a much more dynamic result. I believe in sticking with it to see what happens.

Here's a very simple example of how I kept moving a design forward and got to three different looks in the process.

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And for another example, head on over to the Surface Pattern Design Guild to see more!

Première Vision São Paulo 2014

I have been a busy bee the last few weeks— working on designs for the Première Vision Textile Show in Brazil. The fabulous Sisters Gulassa will represent my work at the show which takes place in São Paulo from Nov. 4-5, 2014. I'm super excited and hope that something of mine might catch a few eyes? 

I worked with a fantastic and very talented group of designers from around the globe who were all very supportive and inspirational. What a great experience! Keeping my fingers crossed for all, that the show is a big success. Here is a sampler of a few vibrant designs I contributed:

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In the Studio Sunday

I've decided to post a design at the end of every week. I create many designs over the course of a week, but this will help me to showcase my work regularly, because I'm pretty bad at that!

I often start on motifs and then set them aside to create a pattern later on. It's a trial and error thing until I hit on a layout that makes me feel content. I don't think I'm ever completely satisfied because the possibilities for a design are just endless. I design in a very loose style, so I tend to go back again and again and tweak colors or positioning until I force myself to stop. Does this happen to you too? Below is a design that I went round and round on but feel somewhat satisfied with now. What do you think?

To see a glimpse of the painting of the motif, see post from Sept 3rd. I started with a watercolor design and scanned it so I could manipulate it in Photoshop. I did a lot of playing with color shifts and layout—but we'll get to those details another time. :)

Feeling Blue? Well You Should Be!

But please don't shed any tears. These graphic blue and white numbers are meant to bring a smile to your face. 

Clockwise from upper left: Sass and Bide, Kenzo, Lela Rose, Daniela Gregis, Mina Perhonen, Ungaro

Sun Spots

This post is inspired by Mara Hoffman's gorgeous new 2015 collection. The sun peeks out throughout her line, in bright rainbow colors. These other colorful spots couldn't help but come to mind. My eyes are so dazzled by all these bright rings of color I need to put my shades on!

Mara Hoffman 2015 collection

Clockwise from top left: Kenneth Noland 1962, Vernor Panton rug, 1962 flower postcard, Sonia Delaunay,  Maya Hayuk, Mandy Barker, Floris M. Neususs, Mara Hoffman 2015

And while we're basking in the glow of the 2015 runways, here are a few more sunshiny rays as depicted by HollyFulton, DSquared2 and Trina Turk. 

Katja Art Prints for Sale

People have often asked where they can buy my art. Well I'm happy to say that I have opened a Society 6 store online with a selection of my designs as art prints. I do hope you will stop on over and take a look. Check out my Artwork tab on this site for more info, or just head straight to the shop by clicking here. It's time to bring some color into your home!

Colorful Concepting and Live Music to Boot!

It's been rather foggy this week and I always seem to gravitate to brights the grayer the sky is. I've been using one of my favorite mediums, Dr. PH Martin radiant concentrated water colors. They are so vibrant and saturated and thoroughly satisfying.

I included a short video of a bit of my work in progress. The music you hear (way off in the background) is actually my upstairs neighbor. She happens to be an accomplished jazz singer and her piano is directly above my studio. I got to enjoy some fabulous vocal rehearsals the other day which were the perfect accompaniment  to my dabbling. 

Flicks & Flecks and Dots & Daubs

I find these variations on the standard polkadot very appealing—who doesn't love a dot? Especially when they are made of paint flecks and daubs in happy colors.

Clockwise from top left: Suz Sanchez, William Edmonds, Brook Moyse, Ashley G, Natala Stuetz Ma and Grandy, Ayelet Iontef, Ashley G, Ann Wahlstrom, Satsuki Shibuya

Guess Who's a Featured Artist!

I'm the latest featured artist on the Surface Pattern Design Guild blog! Check out the interview here.

The SPDG Blog is a great resource for anyone in the textile and surface pattern design field. It offers many invaluable business and networking tips, and is a great forum for asking questions and sharing ideas with other designers from around the world. They also offer great monthly meetings featuring a wide variety of guest speakers in the industry. Get in touch and stay connected to the community. 

It's Dahlia Season Dahling!

I spent the afternoon at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. The dahlia garden is in full bloom and it's spectacular! If you want to be surrounded by color and beautiful blooms, it's a must-see.