How to split an image in 3

[elindo586]

From the image below.

How can you split an image and keep the radient intact on each piece? 

I would like to follow certain pattern as well. 

Is there a way to do this? 

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You could first split the object. Then apply the gradient across all 3 parts by dragging with the gradient over all selected paths. This unifies the gradient.

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

Elin,

After splitting the object, you can (also) select all and Ctrl/Cmd+8 to form a Compound Path and just (re)apply the gradient in the usual way.