Give A Hoot!

Just something fun I did. That is all....

Jenn Ski: First Influences

Jenn Ski was one of the first mid-century inspired artist that I found almost 6 years ago. Mid-Centuries revivalist era was building momentum, but yet still had limited information posted on the web. So, Jenn along with a handful of other artist really started to influence me and make me want to investigate the Mid-Century art* revivalist. That's what I did.

Jenn Ski Abstract*

Today, I still keep up with her latest works, because she is just that good. Jenn has a way of hiding the complexities of her work in bright colors, and well thought out designs. She makes all her work look soothing and simple, but when you start to look at the details of what makes her work flow so well, you see that the choice of texture, color, shape, and composition are not that simple.

If that wasn't enough, she is very diverse in her abilities. No matter if she is designing for an arts and crafts packet, designing animals,* or doing full on mid-century abstract, she is very consistent in her styling and quality. She paints, uses craft materials, and is a graphic designer/illustrator, and does it all very well. Plus, she offers her work for reasonable prices. Clearly, if you're looking for an original Jenn Ski painting, for the wall, it's going to cost you a bit more. Still, if your content with a high quality, and did I mention beautiful, print... You'll be set for a reasonable price.

Plus, on top of everything else, she has always been a very nice person to be in contact with. Honestly, if it was for the artistic influence of people such as Jenn Ski and a few of her contemporaries, I more than likely wouldn't be typing this today. So, I really suggest you check out her works. You won't be disappointed.

Growing Up Wright Presentation

Photo from: www.prairiemod.com

Growing Up Wright Presentation

I know not all mid-century enthusiast are fans of Frank Lloyd Wright*. In fact, I'm not a huge fan. Still, I find many aspects of his work intriguing and I respect his talent, but I don't want to live in one of his houses. However, if you do find his work to be interesting and would like to see a unique perspective on a Wright house, you may just like this article.

Kim Bixler grew up in the only house of Frank Lloyd Wright* fame in Rochester, New York. In her article, you will see a little of what it was like to live in a famous, or maybe, infamous house of Frank Lloyd Wright fame.

Even if you don't like Frank Lloyd Wright* work that much. This is an interesting short read.

If you are interested in knowing more about the goings ons of modern architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright's work in particular. You might like to stop by www.prairiemod.com.

Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Lamp Base

Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Lamp Base, a photo by The White Mole on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Made of fiberglass and wood, with its sputnik shape and sleek lines, this lamp base has all the quintessential characteristics of mid century modern design. See profile for more details.

What a cool Mid-Century Lamp made of Fiberglass. Kinda looks like half a space ship.

When I see cool lamps, my instinct is to get inspired and start to create a lamp for myself. Granted, I'm probably not going to make a mold and then make a fiberglass lamp. Even though... No. I'm more inclined to design something of the Danish modern lamp* fame. Then though, I always wonder. Should I buy, or build. To decide, I have to do my research. So, here are some lamps that I've found for inspiration and maybe even to buy. Who knows...

Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Hanging Swag Light Lamp Fixture Eames*

Pair 2 Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Retro Atomic Eames Era Table Lamps*

Mouse over image to zoom Have one to sell? Sell it yourself Mid Century Modern Danish Atomic Mad Men Hanging Swag Pendant Light Lamp Fixture*















Note: Links with an (*) beside them are affiliate links. If you purchase thru these links, Amidst Mod receives a small but necessary income. This income allows Amidst Mod to continue providing you with quality information.

Mid-Century Metro Atlanta

Mid-Century Arc on Flickr

Atlanta in reality, has quite a bit of Mid-century Modern design and influence to behold. What it doesn't have, are huge amounts of neighbors that have open lots to see what is there. Due to the dense landscape of brush, bush, and trees, it took me quite a while to notice all the mid-century that exists. Just so you understand, I'm not about to try and show an example of all the styles of MCM homes or buildings that exist. I will show a few styles that I have run across though. Personally, I had the privilege of entering a large number of these incredible houses when I worked as a pest control technician, or what ever you call them. In fact, as of about 9 years ago, many of the original owners still lived in there homes. Also, I had the interesting experience of living in the Riverbend Apartments on the Chatahoochee of "Catch Me If You Can"* fame.

Please understand that I could spend all day talking about where you can find Mid-Century/Mid-century Modern homes in the Metro Atlanta area. Howerver, that would be a really long post. So, I'm going to mention a little about the areas where I used to work and live. Plus, these are the areas that I have photos of.

While I worked as a pestcontrol technician, I worked a huge territory. I worked all the way from Northern Gwinett, thru buckhead and in to the marietta and smyrna areas. All of these areas have a number of mid-century, modern and non, houses that are very interesting to see. As I mentioned before, I found that it took a keen eye to see thru the hedges and see the treasures that laid beyond those sneaky things. In fact, I have walked up to more than my share of houses, fences, gates and intercoms to ask the person at home when there house was built and if I could walk around it to take a look see. Surprisingly enough, most people where very friendly and let me in.

Unfortunately, at the time, I hadn't gotten into photography heavily and never had a camera with me. So, I don't have photos of some of the coolest houses that I had the pleasure of seeing.

Where to find MCM homes in Atlanta.

On the west side, you can find Mid-century houses in the old portions of just about all the small towns. Even Paulding County has a few gems. Very few though. So... I suggest that you stick to the more progressive areas. One instance of this would be Smyrna. While you're not going to see a ton of the MCM homes from the main roads, Austell, Windy Hill, Atlanta, Cobb Parkway, and South Cobb Drive, just go down some of the local neighborhood roads and you will see some nice houses a block or so from the main highway. One instace of this is, just off of Windy Hill, you can find a few neighborhoods with a house similar to the one just to the left of this paragraph.

You need to understand that the mid-century modern homes that do exist in Atlanta are generally not of the famed "California Style".  These ranches are generally just an elongated 50's or 60's ranch with long banks of windows, open beam ceilings, and paneled and rock exteriors. While not extreme, they are very beautiful. Many of the mcm houses in Atlanta where also built with brick. It seemed to be the fad of the times.

Good rules of thumb to use are

Near this Fire Stone on South Cobb there are number of mcm ranches.

- Any of the old main thru fairs that where popular in the 50's and 60's are usually good places to look as well. One example of this is South Cobb Drive. On this road, from just about the Chatahoochee river , all the way up thru Northern Kennesaw, there are a number of old neighbor hoods with some cool houses laying hidden.

-Look at neighborhoods near old sections of town. Is there an old shopping center, or square? Was there one once? A good example of this is the Marietta Square. Just driving around there, you will find a number of interesting mid-century and mcm houses waiting to be found.

-Look for old land marks. One example of this is the OK Cafe off of West Paces Ferry. This sector of the city has been well know for years to be affluent. Because of this, there are quite a number of Mid-century houses that have been built. Many of these houses are the more famous houses, as they are not tract houses.

Photo by SellModern.com

-Look for longtime affluent areas. Buckhead is would be an example of such an area, as well as Roswell/Johnson's Ferry. These areas have a number of older homes that have been around for many years.

Really, there are a number of places more as well. I know in the Decatur, Stone Mountain, Duluth, and Candler Park I've seen a lot. In reality though, there's now way to tell you about all of them. If you would like to know more about the mid-century homes in the Metro Atlanta area. I suggest that you check out www.atlantamoderns.com, www.northcrestmodern.com, atlanta.curbed.com/tags/mid-century-modern, and docomomoga.org/wordpress. If you would like to see a few more images of some mid-century homes in the Metro Atlanta Area, check out this link here.

Note: All links with an (*) at the end are affiliate links that provide Amidst Mod with a small, but important income with any purchase that you make thru this link. This income helps Amidst Mod stay alive.

Design Modern Illustrated

"Design Modern" graphic by Eric McGrew

Something about simple modern/retro modern design has always intrigued me. I love just, well... how simple and beautiful it is. Above you see one of my own designs. Generally, I take a little bit more of a loose and less regulated approach to my designs because I like the unique creativity that comes from it. However, I really dig the super regulated obsessed approach that some other artist have as well.

One inspiration that I have for these very simple designs is a designer who goes by Genís Carreras. There work, to me is truly inspiring. They have a wonderful portfolio, and have been featured on a number of sites. Not to mention the numerous clients they've worked with. However, you need to stop by their site and see it all.

If you want another awesome illustrators site for contemporary designers of the retro, simple illustrated style, you should check out Grain Edit too. This site could keep me occupied all day. So, take a moment and check em out. You will easily find art and books that will fit in nicely with any mid-century/retro themed interior. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to support some of the lesser know folks in the design industry.

Illustrating The Past And Present 2

If you thought that those few artist on the "Illustrating The Past And Present" post that I put up on Monday was all I had, then you we're mistaken. Today, as you see from the image above, we have us a new retro/vintage styled artist*. Her name is Dawn Frasier.

Dawn has really been focused on Mid-century tiki art* for some time now. Unlike many tiki artist* today, she doesn't just focus on the tiki side of things, but instead, shows the mid-century/tiki union that has been so popular. Ms. Frasier is amazing with her paintings in so many ways. One of them, as you can see in these paintings is that she has a wonderful ability to give subtle but very import emotion to the ambiance of the painting. Her paints of the moonlight lit mcm architecture, ocean, and tiki sculptures have a emotion transporter device built in. You just look at the picture and you're instantly on vacation. 

Only problem I find with Dawn's art, is that I can decide which one I like most. Not only do you get to choose from the paintings, but you can also choose from some of her home decor items that are well worth looking into also. She offers art from anywhere around $30 and up. With prices like that, there is something available for everybody.

If you haven't yet, I seriously suggest that you check out her various sites that she has up and running. Here's a short but important list.

www.etsy.com/shop/sophistatiki
www.sophista-tiki.com
Flickr

Also, if you really want to see what's going on, and don't want to miss one painting, why not befriend this lovely lady on Facebook.com. There you'll see all the new works and even a few personal interest items she puts up. Plus, she's super friendly!

If you want to know a bit more about the tiki art side of things, then one of these books* may help you.

Note: Not all links are affiliate links. However, any link with an (*) at the end is an affiliate link. These links help provide AmidstMod with a small income that keeps this site going. 

Images: All images and rights are property of Dawn Frasier.

A little Hawaiian Art Inspiration

Vintage ALOHA Luau Invitation, a photo by hmdavid on Flickr.

As summer is starting soon, I figured you might just like a good dose of Mid-Century Hawaiian Inspired Art*. Courtesy of flickr of course. HM David has huge collection of information, and photos.

At HM David's flickr, you won't only find Mid-Century Hawaiian Art*. You'll see numerous sets of matchbook covers, ads, antiques, and even themed sets for different area's. You got to see it to believe it.  It's definitely a Mid-century flickr account to remember. So swing by and check it out now.

 Note: links with an (*) at the end are affiliate links that help keep Amidstmod running. 

Illustrating The Past And Present.

Deedee914 art on etsy.com/Illustrated bird postcards

Art, while not necessary to live, is a great asset to your space. That is, if you can afford it. Wait though, you can....

A few years back, I started to get into mid-century digital, illustration, and abstract art. At the time, the market lacked many of the ebay, etsy, and online stores that it has today that are selling Mid-century furniture. Instead, when I search such terms as Mid-Century*, Space Age*, retro*, atomic age*, and Eames Era* art, I was treated to the bright and wonderful world of the mid-century revivalists (That's what I call them anyhow.). These are artists that were creating contemporary (new) are in the style of the mid-century era. Some of the art was a bit more modern, some of it was a bit more traditional, but all of it was inspiring. So, today, I'm going to give you a teaser as to what will be coming your way over the next few weeks.

If all goes well, I will be able to give you articles and interviews with at least a few great artist. So, let's see a bit about what it is that our contemporaries are doing for the mid-century modern revival.

At the top of the post, you'll the mid-century modern illustrated bird post cards of deedee 914. These nine post cards are a set, and can be used as postcards, note cards, greeting cards, invitation, or as classy wall art. Plus, these are a good option for inexpensive wall art. If you want to know more, check out Deedee914's etsy site. By the way, Deedee914, also has a blog I love to read here.

Art by: Edwin Wade

My next mention is Edwin Wade. This gentleman is someone I'm very happy to see still going strong. I remember when he first started on facebook, and I took a liking to his art immediately. His style, color choice, and general composition of his art makes them truly a please to look at. While Edwin has art of all different types of medium. He also is very fair about pricing.  Check out Edwin's etsy here and see what I mean.

Greg Maletic is another creative artist that, while not having a large portfolio of hanging art that he sales directly, he does have 4 disney attration themed pieces that you can download for free and then print on your own. Plus, the pdf's (1& 2) that he has saved them as, allow them to be modified for your need. While I love his work, I changed the colors of one of mine in Adobe Illustrator* to fit the color theme of my house. While the art is free, there is a licensing agreement you should read and understand. As he's giving us this incredible art, be kind enough to respect it please.

While these are not all of the mid-century revivalist artist, they are some good ones. As the blog goes on, I'll try and feature more as I have in this post, but also, as I have in the post such as my interview with Edwin Wade that you can read here.

Note: Links with an (*) at the end of them are links that direct readers to affiliate sites. Purchases thru these links help finance amidst mod and keep the site going.

A Taste Of What's To Come!

ArtWork by Edwin Wade

Mid-Century Hobby's: Douglas Fir Plywood Home Storage Plans (semi hard to find)

Check out more about this book by clicking.*

As far as collecting goes, this is a book to have. As far as building projects go, this is a book to have. And as far as the technical drawings, designs and illustrations...? You got it. This is the book to have.

In other words... If your a book collector, mid-century enthusiast, and you like to do woodworking as a hobby, you'll really enjoy this book.

You can check out more photos of what the book has to offer by clicking here*, or on the caption below the photo.

Just a note. All ads,store apps, and links with an (*) are affiliate links. These links are the method that keeps Amidst mod going financially.

Mel: An illustrated Painting

A while back I did this as a gouche painting, but I just decided to redo it with in illustrator with some texture and with a faux frame. It's just for fun.

Thrilling Vintage Sci-Fi Magazine Cover Art

Thrilling Vintage Sci-Fi Magazine Cover Art, a photo by modern_fred on Flickr.

Other than mid-century wood working books*, my next favorite thing to collect are the mid-century sci-fi* books. This is a mag, but you get the idea.

Check out more covers at modern_fred's flickr.

Toronto City Hall

Toronto City Hall, a photo by Chimay Bleue on Flickr.

Chimay Bleue is one of my favorite contemporary architecture photographers. He's been a super nice guy when we've talked, he's got a great sense of composition, and his well balanced approach to photography post process puts him in a much lacking category of non-over the top photographers.

Maybe, if all works out, I'll do another post of his photography real soon! In the meantime though, check out his flickr here, and the interview I did with him here.

Via Flickr:
Architect: Viljo Revell (1960 - 1965)
Structural engineer: Hannskarl Bandel
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hanging out with friend and architect Stephen Mak in Toronto, Canada last week. Had a lot of fun!

Practical Sculptures Pt 2

If you look around many of the "REALLY NICE" Mid-Century homes*, you will almost surely find a very practical and functional Mid-Century/retro modern sculpture* hiding in plain sight. It may come in various forms: wrought iron, brass, copper, wood, ceramic, or plaster. They come in neutral tones, painted bright colors, or tarnished. They're very handy to have around in winter storms, on lazy evenings, when the window is open and there's a bunch of papers on your desk, or... just when you want to look at a really nice piece of art that was created many years ago. What am I referring too?

Photo Source

While the description above could refer to any number of things that you have have found in a retro modern home of the mid-century era. I'm revering to the oddly antique, but still functional, candle (stick) holder.

Having seen many candle (stick) holders* in my day, I have seen some very beautiful and quite inspiring ones. Then again, I've seen some not so inspiring ones. However, the mid-century candle (stick) holders/bases*, have almost always been a genre of incredible art to me. Being so simple (in most cases) in form helps them lend so well to the Mid-century modern style. It's true that not every candle (stick) holder* from the mid-century/retro times are awesome, but I'd say, most are.

One really good reason for looking into adding these to your entourage of art/sculptures, is that they are very handy to have around in the case of a power outage. Plus, for many, they are great accents to have when you want to have a quite dinner of romantic evening.

Photo Source

Another really good reason to have candle (stick) holders* is, they add a functional piece to your art collection that, many times, fills that thinly vertical space that I often find exist. It's amazing what that thin, tall sculpture can add to your ambient when placed in the right location.

Who though, are the manufacturers of these useful pieces of art?
Honestly, the designer names are all over the board. There are holders from the likes of Jens Quistgaard*, Tiffinay's, Murano Glass, Carl Malmsten, Witco* and you may even see a few from Herman Miller, Knoll* and other mass production designers and manufactures of the time. As far as Herman Miller and Knoll* goes, it's kinda hard to find out if they really have produced many of the candle holders. Unfortunately, Herman Miller and Knoll* are terms that are SO FREQUENTLY applied to products of other manufactures, that it's hard to be sure which candle holders are really produced by these 2 big designer/manufactures and which ones are just labeled as such to draw business.

Photo Source

In any case, there are no shortage of candle holders* out there for sale. The styling options are varied and plentiful. This is great, because you have such a wide option range. You have everything from brutalist* to danish modern* back to faux french provincial*. Good thing for us, is that almost all these styles work well with mid-century/retro modern design.


Still, no matter what your preference, you can find something that fits your style. To help a bit in your deciding, I'll leave you with this handy tool.

Please note that all links with an (*) beside them are affiliate related links. These links, as well as the products apps, such as the one at the bottom of this post (Ebay.com) are directly related to my affiliate programs and help provide the needed income to keep Amidst Mod going. Thank you!