I discovered Los Angeles-based Block Shop on social media back in the mid 2010s and was immediately drawn to the bold and clean-lined simplicity of their work in addition to their conscious approach. At the time, I was casually decorating our apartment on a budget and was trying to thread the needle between desiring original paintings but not wanting to exceed $100. Those requirements will create a very narrow pool of options, but fortunately Block Shop fit the part while providing the exact timeless aesthetic of which I was in pursuit.
Block Shop’s paintings have now adorned our walls in multiple homes. When we first purchased them, we custom framed them in a beautiful raw walnut which has worked well in various spaces.
Favorite Block Shop Art Selections
Here are some of my favorite works from the brand. You have the option to purchase them framed if desired.
Art Under $100 - approximately 14-15 x 18-19 inches unframed
Art Under $300 - approximately 36 x 28 inches unframed
Art Under $50 - approximately 19 x 15 inches unframed
There are many more options to choose from on their site. If you’re more of the DIY type, you can also purchase their block printing kits.
About Block Shop
Block Shop was founded in 2013 by sisters Lily and Hopie Stockman, Los Angeles transplants originally from New Jersey. The two sisters are the perfect combination of left and right-brained - Hopie has her MBA from Harvard and Lily earned her MFA in painting from NYU - and share a mutual passion for preserving and celebrating the art of Indian block printing. Together, they are hands-on collaborators who care deeply about the communities their work impacts.
Their connection to Jaipur began when Lily and her husband spent a year in India where she “met Vijendra “Viju” Chhipa, a fifth-generation master block printer who taught her the traditional technique of transferring designs from hand-carved wooden blocks to textiles and other surfaces.” Their first products were a set of 6 scarves that were ultimately sold in boutiques across the globe - from New York to Tokyo. As they have scaled their business, they have remained close with the craftsmen they employ, visiting 2 times per year for extended periods of time to test new designs.
When creating the business, they wanted to invest 5% of all proceeds into their “occupational health program in Jaipur, as well as in arts initiatives for under-resourced youth communities in Los Angeles.” All aspects of their supply chain and working conditions are closely evaluated to ensure proper living wages, healthy labor environments, and a focus on sustainability. For example, their artwork is printed on recycled paper scraps from the cotton apparel industry. Their business ethos and modern original works sold at fair prices provide quite a distinct offering.
Happy decorating.
x jz
Images | 1 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 2 - 8 | Block Shop | 9 | T by the New York Times | 10 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me
Note: I do not get paid for nor make money off of this post. All opinions are my own.