In early 2025, designer Svea Tisell founded Kryss, a studio that takes an expansive approach to a single material and experimental processes. From lengths of rope sometimes measuring thousands of meters, she creates unique furniture objects in which craft traditions and contemporary design converge.
Kryss is named after a sailboat that belonged to Tisell’s great-grandfather, intertwining notions of tradition, function, and innovation. The artist is currently focused on creating furniture objects using a technique called MultiWeave, developed by Estonian textile artist and teacher Kadi Pajupuu. Using reclaimed climbing ropes or surplus from the production of shoelaces, Tisell incorporates a rigid framework of warp supports around which weft threads—or sturdy rope—are guided.
The grid, consisting of conduits for threading the material, offers structure and support during the weaving process but is removed once the piece is finished, allowing it to be reused. Whether a seat or small table, the knotted rope then adjusts to weight and movement and subtly adapts to use over time.
For Kryss, Tisell is fascinated by the possibilities of translating textiles into three-dimensional forms that interact and provide different functions. She tells Colossal that the project concentrates on the fundamental characteristics of the material, “where textile is the main character, keeping its soft and receiving qualities,” while also supporting itself independently.
From swimming guillemots and sun-dappled Scots pines to a coy seal and ravenous pigeons, the winners of this year’s British Wildlife Photography Awards celebrate the diversity of animal life across Great Britain.
Jurors considered more than 13,000 images submitted by amateurs and professionals alike, with the top award going to Simon Withyman, who captured a striking portrait of a female fox in his hometown of Bristol.
British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 and Winner of Urban Wildlife: Simon Withyman, “Urban Explorer.” Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Bristol, England
“I had been photographing this vixen for three years,” Withyman says. “This streetwise fox was a successful mother and had a family of young mouths to feed. I was instantly drawn to the interesting perspective effect of these railings and wanted to showcase some beauty in this everyday urban scene.”
Additional impressive images include Drew Buckley’s dramatic view of Scotland’s Monadhliath Mountains with a white hare in the foreground and a troupe of ravenous pigeons headed for a bag of chips, captured on a GoPro by teenager Ben Lucas. See even more in the BWPA 2025 winners gallery.
Wild Woods Winner: James Roddie, “Storm Light Over the Caledonian Forest.” Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Glen Strathfarrar, ScotlandHabitat Winner: Drew Buckley, “Kingdom of the Hare.” Mountain hare (Lepus timidus), Highlands, ScotlandCoast and Marine Runner-up: Ben Porter, “The Seal Cave.” Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), Bardsey Island, WalesUrban Wildlife Runner-up: Paul Goldstein, “Bus Pass.” Swan (Cygnus olor), Mitcham, EnglandAnimal Behaviour Runner-up: Paul Browning, “The Rain-Deer.” Red deer (Cervus elaphus), Surrey, EnglandBlack-and-White Winner:
Mark Kirkland, “Guillemot Kingdom.” Guillemot (Uria aalge), St. Abbs, ScotlandCoast and Marine Winner: Nicholas More: “Blue Shark.” Blue shark (Prionace glauca), Penzance, Cornwall, EnglandAnimal Portraits Runner-up: Ben Hall, “Red Grouse Coming in to Land.” Red grouse (Lagopus lagopus), Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Green isn’t the most common bathroom color—but it’s quickly gaining popularity. From soft sages to deep emeralds, green adds freshness, personality, and versatility to any space. Whether it’s a bold statement or a subtle accent, green can completely transform a bathroom’s look and feel.
Green Tiles
This contemporary bathroom by Jigsaw Interior Architecture stands out with its bold contrast. Glossy deep green tiles extend seamlessly onto the ceiling, creating a striking focal point, while the marble walls and tub surround add subtle texture and elegance. The clean lines and thoughtful material mix keep the space minimal yet visually rich.
For a lush and dramatic look, E and A Interiors went with glossy emerald scalloped tiles and light grout to highlight the pattern.
Gold accents—like the basin sink and mirror—add a touch of glam, while marble countertops and a herringbone floor ground the space in elegance without competing with the bold green walls.
This bathroom by Cobalto Studio uses dark olive green tiles set vertically to draw the eye upward and add a modern touch. The tiled wall includes a built-in cabinet for added function, while its bold color contrasts beautifully with the clean look of the walk-in shower and marble tub.
Green tile even works with historic-style bathrooms. For example, consider this bathroom from FG Interiors. They used a variegated jewel green subway tile. The subway tile gives the room a traditional style, but the color green keeps the look current and exciting.
The classic historic style is further emphasized by the footed marble vanity and brass hardware.
Paint
Instead of tile, this bathroom by Laura At Number Twelve uses bold Kelly green paint to make a statement. Paired with potted plants, rattan accents, and geometric flooring, the space feels vibrant and full of life—without overwhelming the eye.
Mint Green Bathroom
You don’t just have to use green to create a look of drama; you can use it to create a bathroom design that is calm and fresh using a light green color.
Mint green is one of the shades of green that has this effect. Try it on textured walls and with aqua accents like this beautiful bathroom.
For good measure, accent with marble countertops and brass fixtures to create a luxurious style. Chan and Eayrs designed this serene space.
White and Green Color Combo
If you are looking for a green bathroom design with a modern twist, try painting your walls with a split wall effect. This designer chose to paint the white walls with a bottom layer of dark green. This is a simple way to create an interesting effect.
The designer, Chelsea Hing, kept the other bathroom features simple like the thick wooden countertop and the wood surround mirror.
All of these together give the bathroom a look of rustic but also sophisticated simplicity.
Green Bathroom Decor
This bathroom does not shy away from the dark and moody atmosphere. Rather, it goes full steam ahead with the dark greens on the walls and trim and pairs it with the metallic gold chinoiserie wallpaper.
In addition, notice how the lighting in this bathroom combines ambient recessed lighting with the brass wall sconces.
This way, no corner of the room is left dark. This stunning bathroom is from Anna von Waldburg.
Green Bathroom Vanity
One of the most popular ways to use green in the bathroom is to paint the vanity.
Painting the bathroom dark green will create an effect that is dark overall, but painting the vanity dark green and keeping the walls white gives the room dramatic character but keeps it bright in appearance.
Hunter green is a bold color, but it looks right at home in this bathroom. The green walls are balanced by the gold highlights and the warm wood textures. You would not expect it, but the contrasting red rug works well with the design to warm up the tile floors and provide a pop of contrast to the green walls.
Adding paneling to a bathroom wall is a wonderful way to add texture and interest to a bathroom; paint the paneling green, and you create a look that is current and looks more expensive than it is.
This dark green looks amazing with the wood textures and sets off the warm colors to perfection.
There are so many shades of green that look beautiful in the bathroom. In addition, green is an amazing complement to many styles from traditional bathrooms to modern bathrooms.
When paired with colors like pink and gold accents, green walls look refreshing and on-trend.
If you are not interested in a dark green, you can try a light color green like sage or sea green. Consider the variegated scalloped tiles that the designer used as the backsplash in this design.
This tile varies from dark sage to almost white which creates wonderful visual texture.
Placing many shades of green together is an effective design style. Consider this bathroom with the olive green walls, the natural green flowers, and wall art. Rather than lighten the bathroom with brass accents, this designer chose to use dark fixtures to keep the style understated.
There are so many ways to incorporate green into the bathroom including the floor. These dark green herringbone floor tiles are a bold statement and provide a pop of color in this otherwise neutral bathroom. Pair green with white and black to balance the dramatic color with a simple design.
“I was among the first in my family to go to college,” artist Salvador Dominguez says. “Years after graduating, I began to realize the biggest challenge was going to be sharing the work I make with those closest to me.”
When art is so deeply intertwined with identity, a profound irony can form when trying to share it with loved ones who haven’t had access to the same resources or lessons in Western art theory and history. Even when the work itself is rooted in shared culture and family connection, how do artists bridge this gap?
The Chicago-based artist confronts this question in a series of hand-woven vessels titled Mano de Obra. Paying homage to a nostalgic vibrancy from his upbringing in southern California and Mexico, the brilliant colors within Dominguez’s work serve as cultural markers. Memories of vividly painted houses and colorful statues inside corner stores and carnicerias, or butcher shops, guide the artist’s use of color and pattern, each component tethered to his sense of identity.
Pipe cleaners—which are fairly accessible and easily recognized by both children and adults—proved to be a clear choice as Dominguez contemplated different materials to work with. Weaving each slender, fuzz-covered wire into functional vessels greatly alters the value of the material in a fascinating way and evokes a familiar environment in which the artist was raised, where trade and craft were used interchangeably as currency.
Recently, Dominguez has begun to teach his mother, Silvia, the weaving techniques he developed with pipe cleaners. He shares:
Her labor within domestic life often went unseen, but her imagination came alive through craft and embroidery. By involving her in this creative process, I not only honor her contributions but also try to maintain our connection, transforming her labor into a visible and valued part of the work. I remain curious about how this collaborative effort has the potential to bridge the gap between generations, particularly since we live in separate parts of the country.
To stay inspired, the artist also collects a slew of domestic items. From his mother’s hand-embroidered tortilleros to household textiles like pillowcases and table runners from Indigenous artisans from Mexico, Dominguez’s collection of precious goods influences form, pattern, and palette in his own work. Though he has encountered these articles since early life, turning to them for research has established a new, unique relationship with the familiar objects.
Dominguez is anticipating a group exhibition in Antwerp, Belgium this May with de boer gallery. Find more work and updates on the artist’s website and Instagram.
Photo by Ian Vecchiotti. Courtesy of the artist and ANDREW RAFACZ, shared with permission
The black and white bathroom design embodies sophistication and a timeless aesthetic that combines a modern look with vintage charm. This iconic color scheme has distinct advantages over others; it has a crisp and clean feel, and it allows for endless versatility in styles from sleek contemporary to retro.
The mix of the black hexagon tile floor and the white subway tile walls is a bold design choice that provides a modern yet simple style. The design kept the other elements of the room understated to allow the contrasting tiles to take center stage. The only other textural elements in the room are the organic textures of wood and greenery.
White bathrooms have the advantage of being light and bright, but they can also appear overly sanitary. With the addition of the black tub and gray grout lines, the designer of this bathroom breaks the white theme. The bathroom has a more approachable style thanks to the nature-inspired elements that contrast with the white.
Black and white bathrooms are very popular in contemporary designs. Modern bathrooms frequently emphasize clean lines and minimalist elements. For the most effective modern style, choose simple fixture lines and shapes. Avoid ornate details and clutter, as they detract from the style’s simplicity.
A black and white tile floor with small shapes like hexagons, round, or square tiles evokes classic and timeless elegance. This is a great way to add a nostalgic touch to a black and white bathroom. Vintage style black and white tile options include checkerboard square tile, encaustic black and white tiles, geometric and floral patterned tiles, and white tile floors bordered with a black pattern.
Compact Black and White Bathroom
Black and white in a small bathroom is a smart way to maximize the visual impact of the space while also elevating the look. The designer of this bathroom decided against using grout lines to divide the visual space and instead used black panels along the walls. They also chose to maintain a straightforward but practical design. It is critical in bathrooms like this to maximize available light, which this designer did with the addition of a large window.
Black and White Wallpaper
Midwest Home
When it comes to adding personality and a distinctive aesthetic to a bathroom, using black and white wallpaper can be a bold and fashionable choice. To prevent damage from moisture, make sure you look for waterproof wallpaper options if you plan to use it in a bathroom with a shower or bathtub. Consider small, patterned black and white wallpapers for small rooms, and scale up for larger bathrooms.
Fixture Finishes in Black and White Bathroom Designs
Fixtures and other small details are particularly noticeable in black and white bathrooms because of their minimalist color scheme. Silver, brass, and black are just a few of the fixture finishes that work well with this palette. Gold or brass fixtures, in particular, give minimalist bathroom designs an air of refinement and luxury. The brightness and purity of black and white contrast beautifully with the warmth of gold.
Black and White Encaustic Tiles
Encaustic tiles give white and black bathrooms an eclectic aesthetic and an eye-catching artistic flair. Modern encaustic tiles can also be made of ceramic, although traditional encaustic tiles are still made of cement. The intricate printed patterns on all types of encaustic tile vary in complexity and color. You can create interesting and varied patterns by combining black and white encaustic tiles of different designs.
White tiles with black grout create a bold grid pattern with a modern, urban aesthetic. This design highlights tile shapes while concealing dirt better than white grout. It pairs beautifully with subway, herringbone, and mosaic tiles, enhancing their patterns.
A classic design element that elevates the appearance of any bathroom is inlaid black and white marble tiles. This elaborately designed black and white marble floor mirrors the curved wood molding and mirror shape in this Moroccan-style bathroom, giving it an exotic feel. Black Nero Marquina and white Carrara marble varieties are used in the most common black and white marble tile designs.
Wainscoting can add a look of sophistication and texture to bathroom walls. It can also add a level of durability to bathrooms because these wall coverings are more resistant to wear and moisture than standard drywall. Shiplap is a type of wainscoting made of horizontal wood planks. Studio McGee painted the wide shiplap in this bathroom a flat black. This wainscoting style and color give the bathroom walls a subtle texture rather than an obvious one.
Many Victorian-style bathrooms are characterized by rich and varied color schemes, but you can still create a vintage bathroom style using a black and white color palette. Reimagine the possibilities of a historic bathroom by updating the look by pairing ornate fixtures with graphic black, white, and gray 3D cube mosaic floor tiles.
A simple way to add some flair to a plain white tile bathroom is to paint the ceiling and walls black. This style works best when there is plenty of natural light. You can also add texture and other colors to add interest, such as wall art, greenery, and warm wood elements.
Designing a black and white bathroom with brightly colored elements can create a dynamic and visually interesting space. The classic combination of black and white serves as a neutral backdrop that allows the colorful walls to become the focal point of the design.
Large-scale patterned floors are an excellent way to create a bathroom with dynamic movement. There are many floor pattern options that may fit the style of your bathroom, including geometric patterns, arabesque designs, oversized florals, or unique abstract patterns. While black-and-white patterns provide the most contrast, you can also choose patterns with similar tones, such as gray, to soften the contrasting shades.
Black and White Marble Slabs
Using black and white marble slabs in your bathroom design creates a smooth and elegant backdrop. Unlike tiles, which are separated by grout lines, slabs provide a continuous expanse and give the bathroom a more opulent and refined appearance. White marble dominates this bathroom design, with a striking black marble feature wall composed of slabs that mirror each other.
Black and White Mixed Tile Bathroom
Effective bathroom designs frequently include a variety of bathroom tile sizes and shapes. This black and white bathroom features three different types of tiles: large hexagons on the floor, subway tile on the walls, and penny tiles on the shower floor. This is a great way to add interest to the bathroom while also customizing each area to your specific needs and preferences.
To avoid grout line confusion, the designer of this bathroom chose a similar colored grout for each tile type. Additionally, they utilized a single tile type to clearly define each specific bathroom section.
Black accents in a white bathroom create a contemporary look. White marble, cabinets, and walls set the backdrop, while black fixtures with gold touches add warmth and glamour. For a similar style, pair an all-white design with black shower heads, faucets, hardware, light fixtures, and wall art.
A corner bathroom vanity combines style and function, making the most of unused space while adding character to your bathroom. Whether in a small powder room or a spacious master bath, it creates an elegant focal point that enhances both flow and efficiency.
This corner vanity is a good example of how to maximize space without sacrificing style. The curved front creates a soft, elegant look, while the Carrara marble top and vintage-style fixtures add a touch of luxury. Thoughtful details, like the deep blue walls, striped Roman shade, and eclectic artwork, make this small bathroom feel curated and inviting. This design proves that even compact spaces can be both functional and beautiful.
Triangle Corner Bathroom Vanity
This corner vanity’s triangular shape makes the most of the available storage in the space and serves as the centerpiece of the bathroom design. This vanity, made of dark wood with a white marble top, perfectly reflects the bathroom’s contemporary and sleek style.
Custom Corner Vanity and Mirrored Cabinet
This bathroom’s designers used a corner vanity with straight edges to fit perfectly in the space between the two windows. The white cabinet bottom blends seamlessly with the wainscoting on the bathroom walls. The stained wall bench and wooden top provide a warm contrast to the white trim. An upper mirrored cabinet increases the storage potential in the corner.
Corner Vanity Extension
You can maximize the use of the corner space in a bathroom in other ways than with a single vanity. In this bathroom design, the designer added a tall corner cabinet with a vanity extension. This allows the homeowner to use the corner space while also mirroring the shape of the vanity on the other side of the room.
An L-Shaped Corner Bathroom Vanity
This L-shaped corner vanity has one sink and a perpendicular countertop area. This design is ideal for tailoring storage to a single person’s preferences and needs. It is beneficial to add specialized corner storage to maximize storage in this style. The upper level has two mirrors and open shelving tucked into the corner.
Vintage-Style Corner Bathroom Cabinet
Builders can customize a corner cabinet to fit your storage and style preferences. In this bathroom design, the corner vanity is footed and features inset shaker door panels. The lower cabinet features two vessel sinks, which enhance the vintage bathroom style.
Some bathrooms have very limited space. In this bathroom apartment, the designers wanted to incorporate a bathtub, toilet, and sink into the small space. They added a compact corner vanity that fits in the space beside the toilet.
A floating double-sink corner bathroom vanity is a contemporary space-saving option. This design combines the modern aesthetic of a floating design with the functionality of two sinks. Because floating vanities do not have as much storage as vanities with lower cabinets, other storage options must be considered.
A matching double-sink corner bathroom vanity is a good way to make the most of the wall space in bathrooms with long, perpendicular walls. This bathroom features two sinks with spacious lower drawers and cabinets. A full corner cabinet takes advantage of the space between the perpendicular sink sections.
A well-designed bathroom balances functionality and style, creating a space that feels both refreshing and relaxing. Whether it’s a statement bathtub, bold tile choices, or elegant vanity upgrades, even small design changes can make a big impact. These designer bathrooms offer inspiration for transforming your space, no matter your budget or square footage.
Leisure and Luxury
This bathroom is designed for pure indulgence, with a freestanding tub as the focal point. Chrome accents, a champagne bucket, and a sleek side table elevate the soaking experience, making it feel like a spa retreat. Even in a smaller space, a small table or cart can add both function and luxury.
Dark Drama
This luxurious alcove bathtub is framed by dark, veined marble, creating a bold and moody atmosphere. Thoughtful accents like sculptural candles, a textured vase, and a plush chair add warmth and contrast, proving that even windowless bathrooms can feel stylish and inviting.
A Perfect Powder Room
This elegant powder room blends function and style with a two-tiered marble vanity, brass fixtures, and a striking geometric wall pattern. Muted green ceilings add depth, while thoughtful details like fresh flowers, a woven basket, and embroidered towels bring warmth and charm.
Upgraded Alcove
This bathroom transforms an alcove bathtub into a striking focal point with a clawfoot tub set against bold geometric tiles. A dramatic baroque mirror enhances the space, while the curtain’s window-style draping adds elegance and intrigue.
Modern Earthiness
This bathroom blends modern fixtures with an earthy, global aesthetic. Grasscloth walls, a tribal rug, and natural-material accents soften the sleek black vanity and toilet. A black-and-white patterned curtain unifies the space, adding texture and warmth.
Black and White
Black and white is a classic color combo but this bathroom certainly gives it a modern twist. Two bold patterns are used on adjoining walls and created a dramatic space. A cube occasions table in an abstract design adds some extra workspace as well as a third pattern. This mix shows how three very different patterns can go together if the color palette is the same. If you can’t retile your bathroom walls, you can still achieve the same look by using wallpaper, which these days is available in some amazing patterns and designs.
Thoroughly Modern
This bold black-and-white bathroom masterfully combines three distinct patterns for a striking, modern look. Contrasting tiled walls create visual depth, while a sculptural cube table adds another layer of design. If retiling isn’t an option, wallpaper can achieve a similar statement effect.
Showy Bathtub
This deep purple clawfoot bathtub commands attention, set against a striking mural and illuminated by dramatic lighting. Placed on a marble tile section for stability, it creates a bold focal point. The jungle-inspired theme extends throughout the space, with an antique cabinet repurposed as a vanity, adding character and elegance.
Tile Mix
This shower showcases a bold contrast between sleek marble and intricate patterned tiles, proving that a mix of designs can elevate a space. The accent wall’s geometric tilework adds depth and visual interest, while the complementary marble ties the look together, creating a dynamic yet cohesive feel.
Pretty Details
When you can’t change the major elements in a bathroom, the easiest was to transform it is through the details. This retro bathroom has some fixture upgrades but the overall layout is the original. Things like the rattan-framed mirror, flower planter on the tank and custom skirt around the vanity dress up the space. Draping your bathroom sink in a tailored or frilly style is a budget-conscious way to hide storage and add a pop of pattern and color ad the same time. It’s an old-fashioned technique that is coming back into favor.
Terrazzo Style
Terrazzo is hot for home decor right now so this bathroom with its terrazzo tile shower is completely on-trend. The speckled look is quite versatile and in this space, it is a great moderating influence for the pink-hued vanity and wallpaper. A glass door and enclosure are ideal for showing off the lighter shower space and the barndoor-style sliding mechanism is perfect for ease in a tighter space like this one. In the shower, a slim stool is just right for setting down a sponge or bath accessory.
Boldly Hued Vanity
This bathroom blends trendy terrazzo with warm pink tones for a stylish, modern feel. The speckled shower tiles contrast beautifully with the soft-hued vanity and playful wallpaper, while the glass enclosure and sliding barn-style door keep the space open and airy.
Framed Tile
This bathroom turns tile into art, using a delicate marble floral backsplash to frame the sculptural freestanding tub. The soft gray wall covering complements the intricate tilework, while a patterned ceiling subtly ties the space together. A perfect example of how tiles can serve as a striking focal point in a stylish, moisture-friendly way.
Between 1966 and 1970, a San Francisco-area photographer captured thousands of images documenting civil rights demonstrations, protests against the Vietnam War, Grateful Dead concerts in Golden Gate Park, and so much more. Their archive is a veritable treasure trove of the era’s counter-culture and evidence of their willingness to put themself in the middle of the action to get the perfect shot.
The problem, though, is that no one knows who the photographer is.
Bill Delzell, of the nonprofit SpeakLocal, encountered the archive in 2022 after a friend introduced him to its then-owner, who was looking for a buyer. A commercial photographer and collector, Delzell found himself enamored by the images and compelled to become their new custodian. “I have no interest in owning the work,” he told Colossal. “I just have an interest in discovering who the photographer is.”
In total, the collection contains 2,042 processed 35-millimeter color slides and 102 rolls of black-and-white film, meaning there are around 8,400 images in all. Alongside moments of angst, outrage, and joy, there are glimpses of critical happenings, like the seconds before Muhammad Ali burned a draft card while speaking at an anti-war rally.
More than half of the film is unprocessed, meaning the photographer never even saw much of the collection. Delzell thinks this suggests the person was a student or hobbyist, rather than a journalist or artist who might be motivated to develop the images to sell or utilize in their work.
This is the second unidentified photographic archive to come out of San Francisco in recent years after a similar Kodachrome collection was discovered in 2023. Anonymous works like these inspire questions about worth and merit when so often, we ascribe value based, in part, on the creator. “This work really forces us to look at all of that and question what is the value of the work. Is the value the expression of the photographer? Or is the value the amalgam of all parts and pieces?” Delzell asks.
The image with Katy in the foreground with her family
Although many questions about the archive remain, a few clues have surfaced. Early in the discovery process, Delzell texted a handful of images to his friend Katy. She responded saying she could see herself in one of the photos. “She was five years old, wide-eyed, and walking with her family while holding onto her sister’s stroller. She was crossing in front of people marching against the unjust treatment of migrant farmworkers,” Delzell writes. “It was 1968 on Dolores Street.”
When he shared a different selection of photos with another friend named Amanda, he was similarly surprised. “She was on her way to visit her friend Stanley Mouse,” he says. Amanda called him quickly to say that Mouse, who designed the Grateful Dead’s iconic skeleton and roses poster, was in the background of the image of people sporting blue and green body paint in Golden Gate Park. “It’s fun that these little coincidences that remind us of how history continues to touch us,” Delzell adds.
The project, which is now called Who Shot Me—Stories Unprocessed, surpassed its goal on Kickstarter, although there are still opportunities to access some of the rewards. This funding will allow Delzell and the SpeakLocal team to develop the rest of the film and establish a broad platform for disseminating the images.
Plans include a database, book, immersive exhibition in San Francisco, and a documentary. If they act quickly, sharing the archive will hopefully bring more people forward who can help identify the photographer and offer insights into its creation. “People’s living memories might still be able to help us,” he notes.
Several theories have emerged, but one of the most compelling is that the images belong to French filmmaker Agnès Varda. A black-and-white image of a storefront captures a reflection in the glass windows, and the person behind the lens appears to be a woman with her signature bowl cut. “Varda was a wonderful collaborator,” Delzell says. “She’s pretty much grabbing every neighbor, every friend she’s got to help her tell her stories. She’s inspired me to think of this as a community project.”
Even if Varda isn’t behind the shots—her daughter claims she isn’t—Delzell says it’s possible these images were taken by a group of people or as visual notes for a potentially larger project. Perhaps they were part of a research process for a film or a novel that we have yet to connect. Or maybe, he speculates, the photographer utilized their camera to immerse themself in a variety of situations and be introduced to communities they might not otherwise.
Whatever the answers, the focus at the moment is on garnering interest from those who might have a connection to people featured in the images or be able to offer context. SpeakLocal intern Amari Kiburi is hosting a short exhibition of the project this week at Natomas Charter School in Sacramento, and Delzell is looking for curators and enthusiasts interested in doing the same. “We get to try to imagine what inspired this person to spend five years (amassing this archive) and then to have lost it, which is what really baffles me,” he says.
There are many more images from Who Shot Me—Stories Unprocessed in the video below. If you’re interested in getting involved with the project, reach out to SpeakLocal. (via Smithsonian Magazine)
While Heather Rios’s slices of layer cake look ready to stick a fork into, you may want to think twice. Formed of polymer clay and finished with embroidery, the artist pairs the sweets with a vintage plate—and sometimes a fork—in playful trompe l’oeils.
Enveloped in realistic frosting and decorated with berries, blossoms, and sprinkles, each work evokes pieces you’d be ready to dig into at a birthday or wedding. Rios meticulously embroiders each sponge element, fashioning patterned layers in thread on a hoop before transferring the finished panel to the sculpture.
In addition to freestanding forms, Rios embellishes small paintings with shallow reliefs of cakes on canvas, emphasizing vibrant color and the fluffy texture of the exposed interiors.
Many of Rios’s cakes would be exceedingly difficult to achieve in reality, like detailed floral designs or motifs from blue-and-white porcelain. Lucky for us, we can have our cake and keep it, too. Find more on the artist’s Instagram, and purchase a slice from her Etsy shop.
Since the 1800s, hitching posts have shaped a history anchored in utility and community. Scattered throughout towns and outside common areas, the sturdy objects offered a secure point to tie down horses, especially during social events or gatherings. San Francisco-based artist Windy Chien reinterprets this functional object in her ongoing Hitching Post series.
Interdependent forms are particularly fascinating to Chien. “If the object around which the hitch is tied were to be removed, the hitch collapses and loses its integrity,” she says. Just as the presence of the knot relies on another element to remain intact, social spaces and gatherings rely on collective presence.
Having received commissions for the projects since 2019, Chien creates unique pieces for a wide range of communal areas, such as airports, offices, houses, and ranches. Cutting wooden supports to various lengths and fastening rope by wrapping and knotting, the flowing and geometric compositions stretch across walls and exterior facades.
Combining motifs from her Circuit Board series with other techniques, Chien recently completed a large installation in a Los Angeles office stairwell comprised of four works, each spanning 20 feet wide in a gradient of six hues. In April, the artist is looking forward to Ruth Asawa’s retrospective at San Francisco MOMA, where she will be showing several works alongside the exhibition. Find more on her website and Instagram.
