TEMPEST

THE PATTERN STORY

THE SHAPE OF A STORM

Tempest is a large-scale pattern of rolling waves, made for both wallpaper and fabric. It captures the energy and motion of the sea—waves dipping and crashing. Inspired by the movement of water and the force of nature, Tempest is a pattern full of emotion and momentum.

A RESPONSE TO UNCERTAINTY

This design began during a time of change. A search for a way to express something real and unsettled, rather than simply decorative. Initially it was intended to be a design ofcalm water, but it felt too quiet. What came instead was a pattern shaped by turbulence and motion - influenced by Hokusai’s Great Wave and other woodblock prints that captureboth beauty and force.

INSPIRATION & THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Tempest was carefully constructed and mapped out using drawings and digital tools, thinking about the flow and placement of each wave. The pattern was then hand-painted using a negative-space technique, where the ink fills in around the wave shapes. This gives it a feeling of contrast, much like woodblock prints. Layers of ink were used to build tone - letting water and pigment move across the page with a natural, uncontrolled softness.

STRENGTH AND EMOTION

Tempest isn’t only about water - it’s about resilience, emotion, and facing challenges. The sea can be calm or wild, peaceful or unpredictable. In Japanese symbolism, waves represent strength and the ability to endure. This pattern holds that idea at its core. It’s a reminder that storms pass, but they leave something meaningful behind.

ATMOSPHERE AND IMPACT

Tempest brings power and feeling into a room. With its sweeping gestures and layered textures, it suits spaces that welcome a bit of drama- whether a study, hallway, or dining room. It’s a design that transforms a space in the same way a storm transforms the sea.