Photo of Vanessa S. Reed standing in front of an ocean scene

About

Vanessa S. Reed, a licensed artist and freelance surface pattern designer, is known for her bold use of color and whimsical designs that captivate and enchant. With a playful spirit and a passion for vibrant hues, Vanessa creates patterns that breathe life into everyday objects, infusing them with joy, wonder, and a touch of whimsy.

Drawing inspiration from the kaleidoscope of life's experiences, Vanessa carefully balances intricate motifs and whimsical elements, weaving them together into harmonious compositions that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Her designs burst with energy and personality, embracing the power of bold color combinations to create visual narratives that spark curiosity and ignite the imagination. Whether it's a riot of bold primary colors or a harmonious blend of contrasting shades, she knows how to create a visual feast that leaves a lasting impression.

While her patterns exude a sense of whimsy and playfulness, Vanessa also possesses a keen understanding of the balance between aesthetics and functionality. Her designs effortlessly adapt to a variety of mediums and applications, from textiles and wallpapers to home decor and accessories. By seamlessly integrating her bold patterns into everyday objects, Vanessa adds joy and liveliness to people's lives.

As Vanessa continues her artistic journey, she remains committed to crafting patterns that ignite the imagination, provoke smiles, and add a touch of whimsy to the everyday. With each new creation, she strives to remind us all to embrace joy in the world and live life colorfully.

Flos Aquae - Cherry Blossoms, photo collage

“Flos Aquae - Cherry Blossoms”

The collage that inspired a design studio.

The name of my studio - Flos Aquae Designs - came from artwork I created during the pandemic of 2020. I was traveling Europe at the time and became stranded in Bosnia & Herzegovina when all the country borders started to close. The house I rented had a huge garden with fruit trees that bordered the Buna River. I spent my days in lockdown taking photos of that garden and creating art from them. A photo collage series made using images of flowers and water came out of that time. In Latin, flowers are “flos” and water is “aquae.” As I created more designs, flowers and water continued to dominate my work. So it seemed natural to create the brand Flos Aquae.