Tape from my tape drawer

Pattern Factory

The other day an exciting parcel arrived at my door – a copy of Pattern Factory (aka ‘Pattern Department‘ in Japan) by Ayako Terashima, published by Collins Design.

It’s a beautifully selected and put together book, showcasing patterns by contemporary artists and designers. I know Ayako has been working hard on this project for some time now. I’ve been waiting to see the results ever since she invited me to shoot the designer & director Mike Mills in his studio, for the book’s chapter on ‘Ideas, Process + Output’ back in February.

‘Pattern Factory is a colourful showcase of outstanding contemporary patterns by the worlds leading artists and designers, including Takeshi Murakami, Julian Opie, Keiichi Tanaami, Perks and Mini, So_Me, and many others. In addition to an archive of more than 150 vibrant and distinct patterns, this visually stunning volume includes exclusive interview pages – featuring Mike Mills, Eley Kishimoto, Lizzie Finn, Sousou and Fabrick/Medicom Toy – which unveil the artists’ working processes and sources of inspiration, along with photographs of their studios and factories.’

A refreshing collection of unexpected and unusual pattern designs; be ready for a lot of nice surprises in this book!

Salvia (‘Mori’ – detail)

Will Sweeny (‘Metal Storm’ – detail)

Peter Jensen (Illustration & Print design by Kathryn Dale – detail)

Lizzie Finn (featured in Chapter 2: Ideas, Process + Output)

Mike Mills (featured in Chapter 2: Ideas, Process + Output). Studio photography by Lucinda Newton-Dunn.

Fabrick’s screenprinting workshop (Kyoto)

Eley Kishimoto – A/W 2005

Plate by Lizzie Finn

Mosaic stickers

Waiting for action

Linen-Cotton blend – new!

Some limited edition space-to-think yardage just in!

Handprinting

Embarking on some new experiments … not yet to be revealed!

The Tower Tomamu, Hokkaido.

Images taken from ‘-FUL, Klein Dytham architecture’

Getting distracted today, I’ve been browsing through ‘-FUL, Klein Dytham architecture’ book (published in Japan). One project that I haven’t seen before particularly caught my eye: The Tower Tomamu, a hotel in Shimukappa-mura, Hokkaido. Remodeled by Klein Dytham in 2008, what could be a pair of really bland tower blocks in the middle of the mountains, has been transformed into part of the landscape. The segmented colours (much like lego blocks or coloured pixels) that cover the towers from head to toe, create a beautiful camouflage at a distance. You can see how the building could blend into a snow covered winter landscape or a lush spring green landscape. A nice solution to what could be a terrible eyesore!

KDa have designed a lot of great projects – playful yet sophisticated. It’s always fun to see what they come up with next. There is a lovely looking bath house (Moku Moku Yu) on their site which I’d love to visit! Without sounding too sentimental, and probably without their knowing it, KDa had quite a significant impact on some aspects of my life in Tokyo. They held lots of great parties and Pecha-Kucha Night (of which we witnessed the birth!) was a highlight of the month at superdeluxe in Roppongi, and is now enjoyed worldwide.