Villa Savoye

Villa Savoye, a photo by Chimay Bleue on Flickr.

Got a little behind, but here's something while I'm cutting more edits into that never ending part 2 of Simplified Woodworking that's due.

Fireplace

Fireplace, a photo by Chimay Bleue on Flickr.

I don't know why, but I dig this cantilevered fire place. There are so many textures and really well designed aspects to it. I really like the detail of the grill to put a pan or pot on. If I could have a large fire place of my option, this would be it.

Architects: Vilhelm Wohlert and Jørgen Bo (1958 - 1991)
Location: Humlebæk (Øresund), Denmark 

Why Not Digital?

Art of Edwin Wade

Digital art is becoming, by in large, a huge part of our lives. We see it on TV. Many times we save some card or ad that was originally created by someone via graphics programs. In fact, in many schools, digital art is the primary focus for graphics design programs. I know that in Art Institute it was back in '99. So how much more so today! My question then is, why is it so hard for people to except digital art as fine art?

No art field is easy. It's always hard to make a living selling art. In the MCM genre, many enthusiast are very design oriented and are willing to buy art and decor for their homes. True, some only want authentic Mid-Century, or vintage art. Others though, have really seen the importance of helping the community by buying, what I call "Mid-Century revivalists" art. However, would you buy digital?

As an artist, I have to say that digital art is no less difficult than other forms of art that I create. I sculpt and build furniture. Having done many of these things, I have found that all have there difficult points. For instance, the time it takes to make a digital graphic is something to consider. Why? Well, the artist must draw/sketch their design, then they must process the design to modify it in the graphics program. After that, all textures to be used in the image must be created. Something of interest is, that many times the textures used have been hand painted or manufactured. These textures then have to be uploaded and modified to a usable format for the graphic. After all of this, the artist must select the correct settings and materials to produce their art on. Once all this is done the artist get to try and sell their works in a widely apathetic industry.

All said and done. Digital art is, in fact, art. It is a very challenging and difficult art. So, the next time you want to buy a piece of art, at least consider a Digital created piece.


Some of my favorite digital artists

Michael Robertson

Edwin Wade

 

Simple, but Sweet. Mr. California Clothing

"Classic Leisurewear For The Modern Man."  

Photo Source: Mr. California

I have to say that my order of design and style list goes as follows:

1. Wood: Sculptures, furniture, paintings
2. Clothing of Swing, Lounge, Mod
3. Architecture

Then the list goes on from there. As you can see, my #2 favorite design subject is clothing. When we lived in the states, I was always looking for that perfect suit, leisure shirt, pleated swing/leisure slacks, loafers, chukka boots, fedora, or Ricky jacket.  Some of these I found with time. Others I found, but just did want to spend the money. Even today, while not living in a place that I'm willing to where my vintage stuff, I still love clothes. I don't know why, but I do.

In my interview with Chimay Bleue I asked where he shopped for Mid-Century/Vintage styled clothing. He answered with many of the brands that I personally wear like Ben Sherman, and Original Penguin. He also mentioned Brooks Brothers, which I know about, but have never purchased from. I have had a few of there pieces from thrift stores and found them comfortable, but I always found a vintage suit that I just liked better. 

During the interview though, he mentioned another company that I had never heard of. He named Mr. California. So, as I was prepping the post for publishing, I had to get the site address to Mr. California. While there, I took the time to look around a bit. What I found was very nice.

While Mr. California doesn't have, what I would call, a very large selection, the options are very complete. You can find a shirt for any occasion. Their pricing wasn't really out of line with the other companies that you may buy from like Penguin or Ben Sherman, but you are limited to just shirts, and a jacket. Not jackets, just a jacket. At least online. One cool thing about Mr. California though is that their shirts and jacket do have cool chevrons, crest, and like designs embroidered on the chests. 

Since I've never owned a piece by Mr. California, I can't vouch for the quality.There are few factors that make me confident though in their product. First, the site makes it very clear that the product is select, and not for every man. Second, the emphasis they put on their originality, and their following the original design. Third and final, all the products are made in California. Generally speaking, if a company goes thru some much effort to let people know that their product isn't for just anybody, they stick to original design, and they only produce product in a domestic setting, they probably watch the their produce quality control pretty tightly. Now, I'm not saying they're all that, but they just might be. So, go check them out, and let me know if they are all they say they are.

MCM/Googie Los Angeles Evening

Photo Source: Chimay Bleue Flickr

One thing that has always amazed me about the Googie/MCM style is the ability to make a solid, weighty, or stagnant object look as though it is weightless, moving or airy. This is even been accomplished with the right kind of photo.

Here you are seeing both those aspects put into practice. A great design, and a great photo.

Architect, Gin Wong (William L. Pereira & Assoc.)
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