amy butler_hapi_analysis

Inspired by the bold colors and patterns of Egypt, this collection by Amy Butler is an ode to theEgyptian god of the Nile--Hapi. His is the energetic force of creation that instills an inner desire to move forward and take action. Anchored in rich colors, this collection is a mix of ethnic graphicprints and kitch motifs that invite one to play, to move, to create.

a story of color + pattern

s.torres | spring 2015

TEMPERATURE

HAPI COLORWAYS

ANALOGOUS

COMPLEMENTARY

MONOCHROMATIC

Individual motifs within thepattern are grouped throughuse of complementary colorschemes.

The three patterns in this collection are identical, however, use of bothwarm and cool color ways support ashift in temperature and mood.

Analogous color schemes unite thecollection, while a range of valuesfrom low to high keys ease the eyeinto the transitions from the colordesaturation with tints and shades predominantly applied.

Desaturated green and red huescreate a vibratingboundary.

The cool tones echo the dusk of theevening sky, creating a calm vibe.

In contrast, the rich clay hues of thesand and rock add vibrancy to thewarm colorway.

The backgrounds use either a monochromatic or achromaticstrategy.

Two distinct colorways have beenapplied to the collection.

PROPORTION

NON FOCAL POINT DESIGN

BALANCE

Notice how the lighter tints of violet suggest a light source iscoming from left;, creating a highlight e�ect on the rose.

LIGHT TEMPERATURE

Color gradation indicatesthe light source.

The �oral motif is balanced through use ofa triad color palette.

Violet, orange and green compose the �oralarrangement, while pops of blue serve as anaccent, providing visual interest through contrast.

Two dominant colors are used in this ethnic inspired graphic:orange and violet. Neither is more prominant than the othercreating an equally proportionate pattern.

Intermixing the two colors leads the eye to explore the wholepattern. Optical mixing is usually evident with complements, buthere analogous colors give the same muted quality from a distancebut up close, you can see the distinct hues.

Two dominant colors and two accent colors in equal weight.

UNITY + VARIETY

MOVEMENTDIMENSION SPACEFree space is achieved throughuse of overlapping lines and through the pale blue quality ofthe background color.The soft blue opens up the pattern.

Notice how the “tiger stripes” of thebackground establish movement.

The V formation of the stripes leads the eye both up and down.

Look closely and you’ll notice that bothmotifs are actually the same! The darkblue pulls the motif down, giving it a sense of being layered beneath theviolet, green and muted tones of orange.

When seen together, it becomes obvious that these patterns are intended to be used in a single collection. Cohesion is establishedin the color palette, the mix of organic form and graphic in�uences and yet, each has its own feeling and expression.

I have long been a fan of Amy Butler’s textiles for their sense of whimsy and inspired freshness. It’s onlynow that I have the tools to fully appreciate and understand the amount of work that goes into each collection that my appreciation has turned into respect.

Hapi was intended to inspire andignite the creative forces within all of us and this collection fullydelivers on that promise.

This is truly a love a�air of color and design.