A Colorful Life: Gere Kavanaugh, Designer

I had the pleasure to work briefly with Ms. Kavenaugh, and though I'm sure she won't recall me, she has been a large influence to my work in graphic arts. Her designs for a multitude of different and distinct projects are truly remarkable. Her sense of color, her main interest from what I have seen, is spot-on. She has an amazing career and I wish her well. Her book is a must have for anyone interested in design, COLOR, and a view on the life of a woman who challenged and succeeded in a field, at that time, dominated by men.

I thought I knew a thing or two about the design notables of the 60s-90s, etc. --- but somehow the name"Gere Kavanaugh" slipped past me. Today, as I read this book I realized that I was WELL aware of her work and had been influenced by her in a million ways. Her clear design savvy, her love of crisp expressive color, her embrace of folk arts and ethnic traditions, her curatorial verve, her celebratory love of life, and more -- all of these have been joyful influences. I realized that clippings of her long-ago interior design work have been lingering in my clip files for decades. (The ability to add equal dollops of red and purple in the same room is an admirable skill, if you ask me. The rooms she designed in the 80s still look welcoming, and ready for a party.) The author/designer have done a fantastic job of wrangling with a whole lifetime of Kavanaugh's work, making astute choices all along the way; making me very happy to know that this 94-year-old legend is still around to enjoy the applause and accolades. Gere Kavanugh: Long may she wave!

Such an incredible and inspiring book on the work and life of designer Gere Kavanaugh. It’s a feast for the eyes and incredibly inspiring—with Kavanaugh’s work across textiles, sculptures, interiors and graphic design serving as a wonderful explosion of vibrant color and pattern.I love the visually thoughtful and thorough writing and design by my friend Louise Sandhaus and Kat Catmur, as this book is created with the highest standards. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in California design, any designers who work in multiple disciplines, and for those just looking for a bit of visual inspiration that sits outside of today’s shelter magazines and decorating shows.Highest recommendation.

This is an excellent, informative, and inspiring book on Gere Kavanaugh's adventurous life. This woman floors me, and this book has quickly become a favorite. It's quite a bit bigger and brighter than I was expecting, which was a welcomed surprise.

This book is inspiring and beautifully designed. The book itself is an art object. Seeing the creativity and passion of Gere Kavanaugh makes you want to follow your own passion and live your best and most authentic life.

Can't stop reading it and flipping through it.

Good monograph of a rather minor figure in modern design. Important look at her contribution to design....

I loved the way Kavanaugh was illuminated for a layperson. I'm surprised I was not more tuned in to Gere Kavanaugh's work as I am reasonably design-fluent. But Sandhaus and her writing partner did more than bring Kavanaugh to my attention; they chose stories and elements of Kavanaugh's life that transcend design and highlight her rich ideas; the way she lives life with zest and a " je ne sais quois" that makes me want to up my own game. This is a design book I am going to keep on my coffee table--and give to friends because it will make them happy--it is a contribution to the genre of design biographies.