NEW YORK - Groundworks, a Lee Jofa to the trade brand, has joined forces with Neo-Expressionist artist Hunt Slonem to create an exclusive collection of vibrantly colored and dramatically patterned fabrics, wallpapers, and carpets.

Slonem's inspiration for his frequent subjects, as well as his vibrant color palette, can be traced to childhood visits to Hawaii and Nicaragua. His empathy for nature can be seen through both his home and studio which house hundreds of birds, both in and out of cages. For the Groundworks' collection, several of his most popular themes and iconic works have been translated into prints, embroideries, weaves, wallpapers and carpets.

Vibrant and varied species of birds, butterflies, rabbits, tropical leaves and orchids are all utilized in creating dynamic patterns in this art-meets-design collection. His paintings are layered with thick brushstrokes of vivid color, and are often cut into in a cross-hatched pattern, adding texture to the overall surface of the painting. This technique has been replicated in the fabric collection through intricate jacquard weaving and digital printing techniques, resulting in a look that is graphically stunning.

Slonem's spiritual connection to his recurring themes elevates the simple paintings to something more significant. To Slonem, repetition is divinity. Just like the act of repeating a phrase creates a mantra, the object is elevated and the act of repeating these forms becomes an act of worship. The process of painting is sacred to Slonem, and as a result, his body of work represents so much more than what's painted on the canvas.

Through enhanced stippling effects and the use of New Zealand wool and bamboo silk, carpets in the Hunt Slonem collection are intricately textured to mimic the unique painting techniques of the artist. His series of paintings, Guardians, featuring the repetitive pattern of monkey eyes and mouths, is recreated into fully customizable, woven-to-order carpets.

Woven by artisans in Thailand, the carpets may be specified in wool, silk, artificial silk or combinations. All Eyes and Plan represent the Guardians series of monkey eyes. Hop Along, a limited edition pattern, mimics the look of Hutch, with large scale bunnies grouped together. The enhanced stippling effect of the design creates a beautifully textured heirloom-quality carpet. All three designs have the option to feature the artist's signature hand-tufted into the corner of the carpet, making each carpet a one-of-a-kind collector's item.

Founded in 1823, Lee Jofa is the industry leader in high-end, to-the-trade home furnishings, including fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, carpet, trimmings. Lee Jofa specializes in style and luxury, offering products distributed under exclusive brands such as Lee Jofa, Groundworks, GP & J Baker, Mulberry Home and Cole & Son.

03.16.15