BLACK & NATURAL - An Inspiration Board

Stephanie Seal Brown recently sent out a card with an image of her classic hand-woven linen tapes.  I've been so into color lately, but the image really arrested me with the simplicity of the palette: just black and natural linen.  So I decided it was time for a new inspiration board.

Here is a detail of an ensō created by the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. The piece was a gift from my mom after she attended one of his retreats.

A postcard of the Rosetta Stone that I have had since my first visit to London at age seven. Such a beautiful object!

I recently came across this very old study I made in gouache, inspired by Kay Nielsen's work. It's amazing how early inspirations stick with me —I still adore Nielsen's romantic illustrations.

I'm sure I am not the only designer who takes inspirations from the various bars and lounges around her home town.  Here is a terrific napkin from Zam Zam, a wonderfully broken-down cocktail bar in the Haight.

And finally, the impetus for the board.  Thanks, Stephanie Seal Brown!