Some of you may know this, but the waiting list to be featured on Pattern Observer is very long. I believe it is about six months out, which means that by the time I sit down to write a feature I am able to review the artwork with fresh eyes. My genuine excitement and amazement of the talent in our industry frequently overwhelms me and I have to stop myself from using exclamation marks at the end of each sentence. I often want to end each sentence like this!!!!!!!
Today’s featured designer, Rachelle Roberts, is no exception. Her breathtaking patterns welcomed me to a world filled with expressive texture, vibrant colors and sophisticated layouts. Rachelle recently graduated with a Masters in Textile Design from Philadelphia University and has been freelancing and interviewing since this time. The pieces that you see above, entitled “The Garden Spot,” were completed as part of her thesis. The collection is much larger, but I pulled a few of my favorites to share with you today. Rachelle explains her thesis here: “The first collection was based on the style of Naive artists such as Bill Traylor and Henry Darger who used a primitive and childlike approach to making artwork. They would use basic materials such as poster paint, chalk, charcoal, and pencil and would paint on cardboard and paper bags to make artwork. I applied this style to record animals and plants I was observing on farmlands and backyards around me.”
To see more of Rachelle’s work and to contact her please visit her website!
P.S. Rachelle is a recent graduate of The Ultimate Guide to Repeats. If you are interested in improving the professionalism of your artwork, now is a great time to get started!
