March 17, 2010

LULU | TRAIL OF INSPIRATION


Cover: Twister - graphic circles of childhood
I was so happy yesterday when LULU arrived in the mail. LULU from Ammo Books, is a collection of wonderful collages from artist Lulu de Kwiatkowski, designer and founder of the textile/wallcoverings company LULU DK. The book takes viewers on a voyage and a trail of inspiration [see blog] from Lulu's extensive travels—India, Morocco, Columbia—to growing up in the Bahamas, living in Paris, to summers spent on Long Island. As a child of the seventies, Lulu is greatly influenced by David Hicks, Pucci, and "the bold stripes and oversized geometric florals of that hippie-esque decade."


Stephan: Happy Cheeks


Ode to Frida


Left: BonBons Right: Sicily
I've wanted this book since its debut in 2007, and can't believe I took so long to buy it! Lulu's collages are colorful, organic, personal, life-affirming, and stunningly beautiful. You can clearly see the inspirations of her life in these original artworks, assembled from pieces of journals, drawings, fabric sketches and photographs. "The first things I look for when I land somewhere new are the properties indigenous to that place, whether it be the rice patties in Vietnam, sunflower fields along the roads of the Italian country side or the bustling bazaars of Istanbul."


Left: Red White Shutters Right: Introduction
LULU is a must-have for any art/design library. I suddenly wish I had been keeping years-worth of journals, sketches, and all things inspirational. But, it's never too late to start. And, this book provides a great beginning.


Note: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to iSeeMaasai.org. You can buy LULU here.
Written with permission from Ammo books.

20 comments:

  1. very cool. very inspirational stuff for one's "tear book," you know? thanks for sharing!

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  2. Jg... Just an amazing book!! DT Deb and I are going to come out and meet you for a drink one day. ;) Barbara

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  3. Yes we are Barbara; I hope that day comes. I do know if life goes anything as planned we will be back to San Diego. I'm glad you featured LULU's book. I love her walllpaper but for now a book is much more obtainable. I'm drawn to her child-like, bright images. Hope you are having a great week and I'm penciling in that drink-date in the near future! xx

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  4. Deb... that day will come. This book is such an incredible gem, it's ridiculous that I did not order a copy before now! I know that today has been difficult for you and your family and all thoughts are with you... ox B

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  5. Isn't this a fun inspiring book! I am a fan of her fabrics.Her blog is aptly named, I have been impressed with her creative process and her openess in sharing that.

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  6. Hi Tish, I'm impressed with her sharing, too. And, I really enjoy the blog. The book is just brimming with collage beauty. Amazing work. Have a wonderful afternoon! Spring!! ;) Barbara

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  7. I've been wanting to get my hands on this book for a while now; it looks fantastic! I currently have a picture from Lulu's blog as the background on my laptop. It's very inspiring!

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  8. S & S, I agree and you must buy a copy. It will inspire you always! ;) Barbara

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  9. Very very cool! love the cover.

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  10. Hi Jaime! Lulu says in the book that these are "the graphic circles of childhood" [Twister-esque] and that her "gouache and pantone-painted "color-wheels" still interest her years later in her "desire to understand how colors play off one another."

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  11. I adore Lulu's designs and she is wonderful!! Bright cheerful, amazingly creative!!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  12. Thank you Casey and Karena!! Lulu's book of collages is full of emotional depth and artistic genius. I find something new each time I open it. ;) Barbara

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  13. Love the flower images, the tiger lilly especially...and thank you for bringing this to our attention. All of us who lived & loved the 60's & 70's appreciate this work. xx's Marsha

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  14. Hi Splenderosa! Thank you for your comment. Lulu writes in her book that florals became a hallmark of her work, especially after visiting India. ;) Barbara

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  15. One of my favorite books! It's like getting a dose of happy when you run out of inspiration.

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  16. Such a gorgeous, colourful & inspirational look at life. Collage is my very favourite mixed media style.
    Millie ^_^

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  17. Darn Bear, I wanted to give this book to you for your birthday! So glad I don't have too! You are the gorgeous face in my collage of life!
    Boo

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  18. Boo! You are SO sweet... love you! The book is fantastic. Have the kids make some collages on vacation!! ox B

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