Y'all. I have a new obsession.
I've definitely seen Charley Harper's work before, but my obsession really began when I saw TONS of products featuring his designs in a boutique in Bend, Oregon. Matt and I took a little weekend trip to Bend a couple of weeks ago, and I fell in love with Mr. Harper's designs in that little boutique. Sadly, I didn't buy any products (I was desperately trying to control myself) but I now have another designer to add to my list of favorites.
Charley Harper was a Cincinnati-based modern artist who lived from 1922 to 2007. He grew up on a farm, and this influenced his choice of subjects for his art; that's why he designed mainly animals and foliage. He described his style as "minimal realism" because he mainly focused on the shape of his subjects rather than the details. (source)
His style is very inspiring; I love the idea of creating designs with few details. A lot of my work has very flat, basic shapes, and I want to channel my inner Charley Harper as I create my design for this week.
I mean....just look at that dog with the cat on its head! And the little raccoons on the pillow? Adorable. His Christmas tree print (#11) is probably my absolute favorite design of his. It's so simple, yet it evokes the feeling of nostalgia, excitement, and happiness when you find that perfect Christmas tree (and it's aptly named Perfect Tree, by the way.)
