Block printing is at the heart of my creative work. It's a process full of inherent limitations, which can be both a source of inspiration and frustration. While constraints often spark creativity, they can also make a desired design feel impossible.
This year, I've been exploring the beauty of simplicity in my block prints, often challenging myself to work with just a single color and block. This minimalist approach led to the creation of my new "Seashell" print. It's a whimsical mix of hand-drawn flowers, seashells, and little visual surprises—a joyful design that brightens my studio every time I see it.
"Seashell" feels like a close relative to my older "Garden" print (which I still produce, usually with an iron dye). I'm finding real joy in revisiting my archive of drawings and design concepts, building upon earlier ideas rather than constantly searching for something entirely new. It's a more sustainable approach to design, and often leads to unexpected discoveries.
The "Seashell" print perfectly embodies this commitment to simple, sustainable design. It demonstrates how limitations can actually enhance creativity, and how powerful it can be to revisit and reimagine existing ideas. It's proof that sometimes, the best creations come from the designs we already have.
I've included a behind-the-scenes image of the fabric printing process—after printing, the fabric is sun-dried. I love that—no big machines, just the sun. I like to think that each PO-EM piece is infused with sunshine and positive energy.
