A new magazine for surface pattern designers

A Little Magic in My Mailbox

I've been following Bonnie Christine for years - back when we were both newbies to the Instagram scene, sharing our love of textiles and finding each other organically in that beautiful way the socials once worked. Bonnie has gone on to do amazing things in the world of surface pattern design with her own line as well as a hugely successful course on how to get into the field. So, when I heard from her team about her new magazine Pattern, I was already excited. But when they asked me to be part of the first edition? I was absolutely honored.

Since so many of you are here because of your love of art, textiles, design and all things nature, I thought you'd want to hear about this great new publication.

As creatives it’s inevitable we lose momentum from time to time, I'm finding that community with fellow artists is more important now than ever. Whether its a zoom life class (thanks Gayle Kabaker), coffee with a friend and your notebook or just dm camaraderie, it all helps to keep us afloat and inspired. What's so great about this magazine (much like Bonnie herself) is that it's a very generous place of sharing information for like-minded artists and designers. Bonnie is true to her name, an absolute joy, and her success mirrors her vibe.

“Filled with artist interviews, licensing tips, brand strategies, trend forecasts, and heartfelt inspiration, this issue is your seasonal guide to creating with lightness and purpose. It is an invitation to rediscover the joy of making, without pressure, without rules. “

It's funny how in our follower-count obsessed world, being featured in a magazine feels so much more meaningful to me. Maybe it's because someone took the time to curate, to choose, to say "this work matters enough to put on paper." When I opened to my three pages, I got a little teary-eyed seeing what a lovely job the team did with the graphic design and attention to detail. It feels very special.

Absolutely thrilled to see one of my favorite textile artists, Diane Hill featured (a fellow Brit)and to be introduced to more designers like Oana Befort in the mag.

I talk about how this collection ‘Twilight Flora’ came about. Mixed media on watercolor paper

I've been designing textiles for over 25 years now, and the game has changed so much from when I started painting on silk in a studio in New York City to where I am now, creating bodies of work that sell to collectors and seeing my hand-painted pieces come alive in ways I never imagined.

Circa 2000 at my first textile design trainee job in NYC

An acquaintance once said to me quite sternly “Helen, you must let people celebrate you!” And to be honest, I have always been a little too British to take compliments graciously without downplaying or awkwardly brushing it off. So, I hope you’ll indulge me sharing this because I do feel very tickled to be celebrated.

A big thank you to Bonnie and her team for including me in your inspiring new mag!

If you’d like to get your hand on this first edition, you can order the magazine here now!

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Other bits I’ve been up to…

It was such a delight creating this packaging design for the Blake Brown team and their new hair and body mists. There's something deeply evocative about translating scents into visual art – it taps into memory and emotion in the most beautiful way.

Creating around and from scent opens up endless possibilities and can add new depth to the story behind your art. I was recently looking at photos of my nan’s garden and immediately could smell fresh cut grass, the exhaust from the 80’s lawnmower, orange popsicle and Sweet William flowers. Man, do I wish I had a perfume of that combo but instead I’ll use that to aid in my paintings based on the imagery.

Ways to explore scent-inspired creating:

• Revisit scent memories from places you've loved – ocean air, pine forests, your childhood home. Sometimes the most powerful art comes from trying to capture something you can no longer physically experience.

• Close your eyes and really breathe in a familiar fragrance… what colors, textures, or shapes come to mind? Let those first instincts guide your next piece.

• Take a "scent walk" through different spaces and jot down quick visual notes about what each smell evokes. Try your local bakery, a flower shop, even the cleaning aisle at the grocery store.

• The connection between our senses runs deeper than we often realize. Next time you catch an interesting scent, pause and ask yourself: if this were a painting, what would it look like?

A painting from 2018 based on scent and memory.

Speaking of scents, it just rained outside so I think I’ll pop my head out to the porch for a deep whiff and inspect the garden. Trying to drink more water and get up more from the crone position, you know how it is. I highly recommend you also get up and have a stretch, right after you leave me a little comment below ;)

Besos,

Helen