Virtual Reality: April and August
Helen Kulstad explores patterns, graphic lines, and ladylike measurements on Etsy.
Posted by: Saba Sulaiman on Aug 23, 2011 at 07:00AM
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SLIDESHOW The Seattle Etsian behind April and August, and her work. “I like using dress patterns because—well, isn’t there something about a dress that makes you feel pretty and special? Like you want to sit up a little straighter and watch the curse words? Maybe it’s just me,” says Helen Kulstad.
View Slideshow » Illustration:Helen enjoys escaping to her workspace in the basement, after a long day with the kids. “Besides my supplies for my pattern panels, I store old magazines, paints, pastels, loads of rubber stamps, and old photographs.”
View Slideshow » Illustration:“The graphic lines and typography make it seem like a work of art in itself to me. This divine paper can guide you in creating your destiny. By which I mean a darn fine outfit.”
View Slideshow » Illustration:“Displayed alone, I think you’ll find a pattern panel collage is eye-catching. A series of three or four? Simply fetching.”
View Slideshow » Illustration:April and August’s pattern artist, Helen Kulstad.
Playing with patterns is serious business for Helen Kulstad, who constructs delicately-modeled, charming mixed-media collages in the basement of her Ballard home. Layers of gauzy garment pattern elements (think: the McCall dress instructions your grandmother used—only Kulstad prefers Vogue’s) over Ponderosa Pine harvested from sustainable forests in Idaho and Oregon make up the original line of artwork in April and August.
Kulstad’s creations echo her own personal style—simplicity embellished subtly with fine detailing. “I think the tissue-thin, distressed pattern paper evokes a sense of time gone by. But the clean lines of each pattern are quite avant-garde in form.” she says. A sophisticated palate of contemporary pastel shades ups the swank on her elegant dress patterns and gives them a modern edge.
What keeps her going? Being around other creative people, reading fashion magazines and blogs, shopping, cleaning the house, and listening to a favorite streaming radio station, Martini in the Morning.
Check our slideshow to see how crinkly pattern paper becomes enticing art and craft.
Tags: Locally Made, Etsy.com, Seattle Etsy, Virtual Reality
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