For the latter, a steady stream of inspiration comes from her own California-based surroundings. “Floral and foliage have always been important to me,” says Justina, who, equipped with watercolors, acrylic paints, or a simple Sharpie, unleashes a jungle of botanicals into her patterns. Equally prevalent in her work is color. “The brighter, the better,” she insists. In lesser hands, Justina’s bold hues and dense compositions might read as excessive, but—as evidenced by over a million followers she’s acquired on Instagram—she skillfully walks the line between harmony and cacophony.
She illustrates this controlled chaos best in some of her most recent work, including the next generation of Justina Blakeney x Loloi textiles. The rugs, in Justina’s words, are “supposed to be colorful and jungalicious.” Done and done. Indeed, the three new collections— Gemology, Kahelo, and Kalliope—encompass everything from polychromatic yarns to graphic patterns, the latter on a dramatic scale.
She illustrates this controlled chaos best in some of her most recent work, including the next generation of Justina Blakeney x Loloi textiles. The rugs, in Justina’s words, are “supposed to be colorful and jungalicious.” Done and done. Indeed, the three new collections— Gemology, Kahelo, and Kalliope—encompass everything from polychromatic yarns to graphic patterns, the latter on a dramatic scale.
The pillows, on the other hand, take cues directly from Justina’s patterns, with her aforementioned botanical prints taking form in three dimensions. “When Justina showed us her portfolio of patterns, it was like hitting the jackpot,” says Amir Loloi. “I knew we had to use them.”
Amir’s reverence for Justina doesn’t stop at her portfolio. Much like Amir, what Justina lacks in formal design education she makes up for with a hustler’s work ethic and a wealth of raw talent. “It took me a long time to be okay with calling myself an artist,” admits Justina. “But now I own it.”
Amir’s reverence for Justina doesn’t stop at her portfolio. Much like Amir, what Justina lacks in formal design education she makes up for with a hustler’s work ethic and a wealth of raw talent. “It took me a long time to be okay with calling myself an artist,” admits Justina. “But now I own it.”
