The 100% linen Slant tea towel is based on the work of California-born abstract expressionist painter Sam Francis (1923–1994). Francis is regarded as one of the 20th century's leading interpreters of light and color. He maintained studios in Bern, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo, making him the first post-World War II American painter whose reach was truly international.

Throughout a long and prolific career, Francis created thousands of paintings as well as works on paper, prints, and monotypes. His work holds references to New York abstract expressionism, color field painting, Chinese and Japanese art, French impressionism, and his own Bay Area roots. LACMA's permanent collection includes over 50 works by Sam Francis including Slant.