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Low on Energy? These Pillows Will Give You a Blast of It!

11/30/2016

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One of the favorite aspects of textile design for me is my ability to create something that makes others happy. I believe we all deserve beautiful moments and things in our lives. I have the privilege to design fabrics that convey my passion for this beauty. And since our homes are often places of beauty and connection with our loved ones, I could not be more excited to share my Energy Blast collection of pillows with me. They are sure to add positive energy and color to your home! 

But let's step back in time and take a look at how this collection of throw pillows came to be. My family lives in Prague and this summer I spent a month hanging out with my loved ones. In the midst of adventures and travel and great family meals, I snapped a photo of a flower in my parent's backyard. A simple color scheme of yellows and greens turned out to be perfect inspiration for a painting. 
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As a designer, I constantly document the world around me through art and photography and so I took a photo of my watercolor. After a few computer-generated alterations, I ended up with a collection of textiles turned home decor items that overflow with texture, color, and energy! Fun, right? 
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As I mention, I consider it a privilege to be able to create textiles and to bring joy to people in the form of my infinity scarves or my throw pillows. If you like what you see, hope over to the shop. I also love customer orders - I am here for you :) 
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Tuesday Dose of Joy

11/29/2016

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Magic of a glass ceiling. Chihuly Museum and Gardens. Seattle, Washington.  

Photo taken in November 2016. Credit: Martina Sestakova.
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Fashion #tbt: Bouchra Jarrar

11/24/2016

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Outstanding animal print in a dress design by fashion designer Bouchra Jarrar from her Fall/Winter 2014 collection. 
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National Gallery of Art Looks Into Advancements in Photography and There Is a Lot To Learn

11/23/2016

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The reopening of the East Building at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. has indeed been a great moment for art lovers. I made my way to the gallery last weekend and strolled through the impressive interiors (and the new terrace) so excited about all of the art I was surrounded by. So much to see and so much to learn!

But first, let's take a look at one of the current exhibitions - on view until March 2017 - that you may want to go check out. As a photography lover I am always eager to see the latest in the field and "Photography Reinvented: The Collection of Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker" showcases some wonderful pieces. Scroll down and see for yourself. 
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Cindy Sherman
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Marina Abramovic
I like pretty much any kind of photography and it seems that this exhibition provides a nice array of topics and techniques. Cindy Sherman steps in with portrayal of herself in customers - as she takes on different personalities, we learn about the power of photography to capture identity (even when it is artificially crafted). Marina Abramovic is captured levitating in one of her live shows. And then, as you stroll through the halls, you are taken to photos that capture the beauty of architecture and that of pattern as seen below in the image by Andreas Gursky. 
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Candida Hofer
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Andreas Gursky
It's so exciting to see photographers of different topics and techniques come together in one exhibition. I appreciate how eye opening it can be to see their works side by side. It indeed teaches us a lot about the importance of diversity and variety in our life. Check the photography exhibition out!
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Tuesday Dose of Joy

11/22/2016

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Sail on. Harness Creek, Maryland. 

Photo taken in November 2016. Credit: Martina Sestakova.
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Fashion #tbt: Anna Sui

11/17/2016

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Intricate textile prints in a 2014 collection by fashion designer Anna Sui. Ohh! Ahh! Lovely!
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What Difference a Lemon Can Do! Check Out These Pillows!

11/16/2016

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I love me some lemons. In videos where babies make sour faces as they taste their first lemon. Floating in iced tea. And of course, in home decor! What do I mean you ask?

I enjoy buying fresh lemons and one rainy afternoon, as I cut one up, I thought how fun would it be to lemon as inspiration in a textile pattern! And I was indeed inspired. I patiently waited for the lemon to dry out. Days went by until my lemon was ready to be ... a stamp!

Below you can see the lemon stamp take shape. I dipped the lemon halves into yellow paint to honor the fruit's color and made a bunch of attempts to capture the texture and shape. One of them turned out lovely - it was both recognizable and abstract at the same time. 
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Once I scanned my art work in, I got to clean up the imprint. I placed in on a rectancle and tested out a bunch of backgrounds only to arrive at a clean modern palette: white and black. Both of these showcase the design clearly and in unique ways. The pillows are a great addition to a space together or on their own. 
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What's next? I need to take a trip to the grocery store and see what other yummy foods could be used in textile design. It's all about fun and joy, right? So, off I go. 
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Tuesday Dose of Joy

11/15/2016

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Fall is in love with color. Hillwood Estate, Washington D.C. 
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Photo taken in November 2016. Credit: Martina Sestakova.
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Fashion #tbt: Sarah Burton

11/10/2016

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Exquisite textures in textiles in Sarah Burton's Spring 2012 collection for Alexander McQueen. 
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Windows Are Eyes of the World. Do You Agree?

11/9/2016

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They say eyes are the windows of the soul. I say windows are a way to learn about the world around us. There is so much so see!
My World's Windows collection originated in August 2016 when I took a trip to Prague, Czech Republic, my hometown. As I strolled through Old Town Square I looked up to admire several buildings beautifully nested next to each other. I took a photo and went home. A few days later I thought of the sight and decided to study it for textile design inspiration. I thought of using the shape of the buildings as a basis for a pattern. I thought of using the color scheme. I thought of studying architectural styles. ​
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And then it dawned on me - I need to use the windows in this photo and create a collection that honors the beauty of windows from different times in history. Like our eyes tell the stories of people, windows tell the stories of their times. I sketched three different windows and took photo of three different stone walls. These elements would become part of my textile collection.
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I computerized my sketches and played around with color scheme and textures and finishes. Below you can see the final collection of infinity scarves. My World's Windows collection comes in three fun colors: blue, pink, and purple. 
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I find that I enjoy paying attention to people's eyes. They tell stories of their lives. And these days I equally enjoy peeking at windows and wondering of the tales they would tell. I will continue seeking out inspiration for my textile design work but will admit that this collection may be one of the closest to my heart. 
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Tuesday Dose of Joy

11/8/2016

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Fall adores reds. Bethesda, Maryland. 

Photo taken in November 2016. Credit: Martina Sestakova.
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Fashion #tbt: Vivienne Westwood

11/3/2016

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Wonderful prints in Vivienne Westwood's Red Label Spring/Summer 2014 collection! I enjoy the abstract feel to these floral patterns and the graffiti-like finish. 
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Sky Reflecting on Water Acts As a Source of Inspiration for My Pillow Collection

11/2/2016

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Water is just so fascinating to me. I love swimming and could spend hours soaking in the waves of rivers, seas, and oceans. Water is inspiring me on many levels and you have probably seen my textile designs inspired by sailing and life on boat. And this inspiration does not seem to be slowing down ...

As I travel, I bring my camera along with me. Whenever there is water nearby, I will be sure to snap a photo of it. One particular aspect of water that attracts my attention is its ability to reflect whatever surrounds it. Take a look below. The photo on the left is just from a few days ago: the lovelies of reflections of Maryland foliage in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. So much color and texture! The other photo is from Amsterdam where, as I strolled along its famed canals, I admired the reflections of houses in the water. Both nature and city scapes can be even more lovely once imprinted on water's surface. But why am I talking about this? 
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I am writing about reflections as they became the idea and inspiration behind my collection of throw pillows named, not surprisingly, Reflections! I enjoyed working on this collection very much. It was a fun exercise in texture and color and depth. I first created the blue version below. It most sincerely resembles what we can often witness with our eyes. But then I kept on going ... I mean one can never go wrong with silver/metal and bright pink, right? These go well together as a set but will also brighten up your sofa, bed, armchair - or whatever space - in your home. 
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My love for water is going nowhere. I know myself and am pretty sure I will continue seeking bodies of water and enjoying their beauty and mystery. Come back soon to see what I may be up to next!
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Tuesday Dose of Joy

11/1/2016

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After a rain storm. Deep Creek, Maryland. 

Photo taken in July 2016. Credit: Martina Sestakova.
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    RADOST™ BLOG

    Welcome! My textile/fashion design brand RADOST™ (Czech) is all about JOY (English). 

    In the blogs, I bring you thoughts on textile and fashion design, art, and travel.

    Check back often, as creativity never sleeps (well, almost never) and surround yourself with joy!  ​​

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Contact Martina Sestakova at connect@RadostByMartinaSestakova.com