Mid-Century Danish Modern

Photo Source: midcenturymodernfurniturethenandnow.com

In my searches for great facebook groups to share my interests with, I've found the following: Mid Century Modern, Mid Century Modern Chicago, Modernists, Midcentury Items Buy Sell or Trade, Mid Century Modern Design, Friends of Atomic Ranch, Mid Mod Muse, Retro Shopping, Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, and West German Pottery just to name a few. What I didn't find, was a group that focused on Mid-Century Danish Modern Design.

I spent some time looking for a group like this due to a post that I have written recently; Functional Art: Mid-Century Modern Danish Lamps. When I didn't find what I was looking for, I decided to start my own group. You got it, Mid-Century Danish Modern. What might you find, or what might you add to this group? Well, any Danish pieces that are Mid-Century Modern or pieces that fit the Mid-Century Modern Danish styling, including ones designed and made today. Lets talk about a few examples.

My recent post on Danish Mid-Century Modern Lamps: Functional Art: Mid-Century Modern Danish Lamps shows some good examples of lamps that are clearly Mid-Century Danish Modern. However, there are many pieces that are made today that follow that same train of thought, and design style. Sofas, beds, end/coffee tables, dressers, and lamps are all being crafted that scream Mid-Century Danish inspiration. Some of these pieces are from actual Danish designers. Some are not. Still, what really matters, is if the design fits. Not the age or origin.

Below, I'm going to show a few pieces that are original Mid-Century Danish modern pieces. Take a good look, and really study these pieces. With each piece, I'm going to add my own personal design observations and what draws me to each piece.

Photo Source: www.antiquehelper.com

Here we have a beautiful example of Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa Design. For me the first thing that catches my eye is the balance between sharp corners and soft rounded curves. I love the sweeping curve on the lower right and left corners, the back, and on the top of the side cushions. If left to themselves, these soft curves could overpower the look of this couch. However, the addition of the very thin lower structural line and the sharp corners create a strong and checked balance. Such a long sweeping curve on the back of the couch and the long radius soft curves on the lower corners with the super flat cushions have the potential of creating a monolithic shape for this sofa. However, in typical Danish design precision, this sofa has a wonderfully light and almost floating appearance due to the well designed, thin legs. By using such simple, but shaped legs, this piece now lives in the room. Floating instead of weighing the room down. Using the teal also helps with the visual weight so as not to create an overbearing appearance.

Photo Source: Revitalized Artistry on Etsy.com

Revitalized Artistry has taken the effort to restore this piece so that we can enjoy it in it's almost brand new glory. How happy, and thankful we are to them for their incredible, and hard work.

This piece always catches my eye because of the great visual balance that it achives. Having a bone white base, with contrasted drawers and legs gives it a nice look that sits solid, but not to heavy. Using the white on the center drawer backing also accentuates the dimension used on the geometrical drawer accents. Allowing us to see the piece in a true 3d form.

Using softly rounded drawer pulls on each side, tie in the center piece and legs nicely, while braking up the sharp edged rectangle that makes up the outside case. Even the slightly sculpted legs are great. Placement and color of the legs lend to a blending in into the shadows and floor, yet still providing enough design to not distract from the overall aesthetic if and when in viewing range.

Photo Source: braxtonandyancey.blogspot.com

This piece is a bit difficult for me to find, or define, what attracts more of my attention. However, if I have to choose, I'd say that the legs are, by far, my favorite aspect of this piece. While I'm sure they hold this piece quite securely. I love how they look so laid back, fragile and jetset. This table just flows so well together. In fine Danish modern style, the tabletop has a beautifully "sharp", but extremely fluid reversed beveled edge. Giving a false perception of it being ultra thin, while providing a very sturdy and rigid table top.  Then there's that floating table top that looks super futuristic. Creating a dimension that exists, but at the same time, almost doesn't. If the the dimensional top wasn't fantastic enough, they had to throw the traditionaly sculptured taper to the glass table supports, creating a sense of confusion. Making one wonder if this table should actually be used or not. Doubting if it's a piece of furniture or just a really nice sculpture in the shape of a table.

As you can see from the above, there is no shortage of pieces that fit into the Mid-Century Danish Modern group description for your choosing. If you have any information on pieces, or sites that give details on designers and technical aspects, share them too. Even though I made no mention of them earlier in this post, sculptures, accents, decor objects, architecture, and art are also all welcomed as well. So, please feel free to join the group,  or just simply stop by and see what's going on.

Functiional Art: Mid-Century Clocks Part:1

Photo Source: http://www.contextgallery.com/shop/cone-clock/

If we sit down and really look at all the pieces in the house, what is the one thing that would make a our lives almost impossible to live without? A time telling devise. Many would reply:"I don't really use clocks anymore though. Now that I have my cell all the time." This may be true, but is it design worthy of your interior?

Like any other piece in the house, a poorly chosen clock can add to, fade into, or disturb the ambiance and feel of the interior of your room. Which ever room it may be. Cell phones and contemporary/modern electronic devises tend to create a undesired and an uncomfortable mix with the retro environment. While there is nothing wrong with having modern electronic devises that display the time on them, they tend to break up the fluidity and don't really add to the room. Rather, they distract.

We all know that we have computers, dvd players, tivo styled devises, and cell phones that are being hidden around our house so that our visitors think the purist thoughts of mid-century/retro-ism exist in our 15,000 sf (more or less) piece of the universe. Still, while the guests are there, you want them to be able to see what time it is. To accomplish this, you have a few options. One, is to have your cell always out laying around on the Heywood Wakefield end tables. Secondly, you could make sure the media cabinet door is open to view the dvd/tivo devise for the time. Or, third... you could enhance your interior design, ease the feeling of your guest while being in your house, and provide the the time by something artistic and beautiful to look at. A really functional piece of art.We call such devices... CLOCKS. Not just any clock though, will do.

Seeing as though many mid-century and retro enthusiast are into styles from a wide range of years, I thought that I would do a series over the next few weeks to help orientate people to clocks that might work for your interior.

Today, I thought I'd start with clocks that represent the 1940's time period. In the 40's modernism was starting to slowly, but surely gain ground in the homes of America and many other countries. At the same time though, this ground gaining was still a long and hard process. So, it's hard to find many "modern" clocks from the time period that would be like what most people think of as mid-century modern. However, that doesn't mean the clocks didn't have style, or that they won't fit into a retro modern themed interior. Let's take a look at some the 40's styled clocks that I have found^.



Early Design Resurfaces
Before the World War 2 ended, there where generally not many new accessories or designs being manufactured for the masses. Materials were short and, what did exist was going over to the War/Defense departments.

It wasn't until after WWII stopped that many of clocks and other house hold accessories started to be produced again, and even then many where made in short run order based on the materials available. Also, due to the "pause" in domestic convenience design, caused by the war, much of what was produced from 1944 to to 1948 (more or less) where the same designs that had been sold when the war began. These designs already existed and where the easiest product to produce, since the public was clamoring for nice stuff, and there was little time to design, engineer, and test new concepts. However, clock designs, along with everything else, started moving forward rapidly.

 Simple Round Wall Clocks
Being as though people wanted new things, and that there was a shortage of new materials. Many products where really reduced to the bare necessities. This is, in part, one of the reasons modern design began to come into a fuller focus of the masses.

Photo Source: Etsy.com Dailyshopper

Art Deco, as a design genre, had been around for a while and it had been accessible to the elite only. Now, however, these designs of the elite where being boiled down to the barest of design. Stripping away the fluff and leaving the design in a simple and solidified design. Having some steel scrap and overages from different war product manufacturing plants that closed or changed focus after the war. Therefore, metal became a material commonly used in home product designs.

Round wall clocks are a good example of this design change and the, getting back to roots modern design. These pieces were generally made of all metal, or metal with a synthetic face backing. Some where with wood or paper face backing as well.

Photo Source: Etsy Electric Forest

Simple Yet Detailed Clocks
While the simple round metal clock continued to be used until, well... today... With time it's simplicity gave way to greater design detail.

Photo Source: http://lallistaste.blogspot.com/

Even though desk clocks and the such had been around during the simple round clock stage, the more elaborate clocks started to pick up in sales as materials and household incomes began to flow more freely.

Still holding onto the Art Deco influence, most of the clock were encased in wood, had soft lines, and were somewhat weighty in their appearance. However, this gave way quickly to a more modern, liter look. One that mixed materials in a different way, while applying contrasting colors, and not just using woods for contrast.

Photo Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com

  
The Future Came Crashing Through!

Photo Source:www.fancyhouseroad.com

While all these other stylings where still developing, a few designers had the future, and therefore, a different modernity on their minds. One of these designers was George Nelson. His designs were much more futuristic. They created a since of movement, and lightheartedness in their being. Simply put, they were atomic in their design power.

Photo Source: http://www.retro-housewife.com

George Nelson's and others designed clocks, amongst other things, would change the face of modernism for ever.

These clocks had a light, yet powerful presence. They made the whole room have fluidity to it, inspiring the since of time travel. Being made of metals, woods, glass, and plastics, they showed the newest advances in science, while not being harsh to their surroundings. Their conception was based on an optimist future, and their shape, on atomic energy and interstellar travel. These clocks really made an impact. One so strong, that these same designs today are carried as timeless for modern and traditional enthusiast alike as being good in design nature.

Photo Source:apartmenttherapy.com

Above are just a few examples of the styles of modern clocks from the 40's. However, these are just the beginnings of the Mid-Century Functional Art that we know as clocks.


 ^I will use the term 40's styled clocks, because, some clocks may actually be from a different decade, but have the same styling that was popular in the 40's.

Eames Plywood Lounge: Impressive In Every Process

Photo Source: www.enpundit.com

It's impressive to me how that Charles and Ray Eames could work out molding processes of plywood so early on. Especially, when we consider the complexity of the designs that they had engineered. Today, those complexities are much more automated than they where back in the beginning, but the making of an Eames Lounge is no less impressive. Precision is of maximum importance. From the cut of the frame to the depth of the buttons on the upholstery, every thing is measure and precise.

So, if you've wondered how these incredible pieces of functional Mid-Century Art are made, here is your opportunity to find out. Here is also your opportunity to see why buying a Herman Miller^ Eames Lounge is a decision well worth pondering. If you are interested in buying a  Herman Miller^ made Eames Lounge, you can be assured the money will be an investment, rather than just an expense on furniture.

^I am not sponsored nor paid for my promotion of Herman Miller products over other manufactures. From seeing the process, and having had Herman Miller products, I believe in their quality.

Danish Mid-Century Modern Or Modern Danish?

Photo source: http://www.normann-copenhagen.com/Products/Hive-Lamp?v=502150

In the most specific form of the term, Mid-century modern^, we are trapped into a period of around 30-40 years to choose from. Not only does it limit us in products based on a time frame, it also limits us because mass production of products were fewer in quantity than they are today. Therefore limiting access to these wonderful products and pieces.

Without a doubt, there are many designers from many countries that participated in the development of the mid-century modern style in it's heyday. One extremely famous sector of the world was Denmark. Danish modern^, considered by how much the designers were talked about, or the public's purchasing trends, proved that the Danish designers had a niche that others tried to follow.

While having success in architecture and interior design, most came to know of their furniture and home accessories and that's what would catch the eyes of the Jetset infatuated world. Everything from Danish lounge chairs* to the silverware* on the table*, from the candelabra* to the magazine rack*, from the lights* to the rugs*. All of it, had to contend with the Danes, and the Danes were ruling.

Danish design awareness, to those in the states, really picked up in the 50's and the 60's, even though Danish modern designers had subscribed to modern design even before this period. During these two specific decades though, it became common to see original Danish designer furniture, art, and accents, and kitchenware in the houses of those who could afford it. And those who could not afford it? Well, they bought likenesses, or reproductions. Clinging to the ever desirable design style, just not quite getting the originality or quality.

What's happened with Danish design today? That really is the question. As I had briefly mentioned in an earlier post. A friend of ours who lives in BonAire, which is a Danish territory, entered my house, looked at a few pieces of my furniture, and said...: You like Danish furniture, don't you? I asked why he thought so? He told me that my credenza looked like the current furniture the Danish furniture stores are selling, and that all the houses are furnished with this kind of furniture. So, I had to check it out. Well, it seems he's right.

While Modern Danish (today's Danish Modern) is progressive. It still has a feel that, in mixed company of MCM Danish modern, would likely go unnoticed. That's not to say that all Modern Danish would fit into the 50's and 60's Mid-century design period. In fact, some of what is coming from current designers, better fits the late 60's and early 70's design styling that was popular.

Even so, the Danish Mid-century design DNA has been passed down. To help illustrate this, I've put together a bit of a comparison below.

Mid-century Danish modern lamp*

Photo Source: ebay.com

Modern Danish Lamp from www.normann-copenhagen.com

Photo Source: normann-copenhagen.com

Modern Danish Sofa/Love seat/coutch from www.normann-copenhagen.com

Photo Source: normann-copenhagen.com

Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa/Coutch from www.dejavulongbeach.com

photo source: www.dejavulongbeach.com

As you can see, whether it's Mid-Century Danish modern, or Modern Danish, it's really all just mid-century in style and design principal.

For more Vintage Mid-century Modern Danish furniture, please check out the ebay app below and help Amidst Mod by using this affiliate app. For more information on how Amidst Mod is monetarily supported, please see the income page.

Mid-Century Artist: Atomic Skyway

Photo source: AtomicSkyway

Some time has gone by since I first thought about featuring Atomic Skyways work on this blog. Still, for one reason or another, it's just never happened. Even so, my appreciation for has not waned. From Atomic Skyways, aka Cris', first piece he placed on facebook, I have been a big fan. While, I see a continued progression in his work, every piece has had a 100% professionally finished and refined look from day one.

My first experience with Cris's/AtomicSkyways work was the day he posted the above photo on Facebook. This was back in 2011. Mid-century Sci-fi* shapes, gold flake paint, and a green pearl. How was I to pass by this one without just being amazed. His choices in shapes and in color are more than by chance. These are combinations, that come from a sophisticated designer. One that understands the limits, visual weights, and composition of good Mid-century abstract* design.

 Photo source: Atomic Skyways facebook

Thru out my time of watching Atomic Skyways, we've not really had much communication. I hope one day to be able to speak a bit more with him about his processes of design and inspirations. For the time being though, I'm just amazed at his ability. Atomic Skyways has as much the ability to build a formidable mcm inspired sculpture*, as easily as create 3d sculpture paintings. That's pretty impressive!

Atomic Skyways works are more than just copies of shapes, themes, and colors of the mid-century modern designs* left behind. He has taken all the art and design he's ever been exposed to, and boiled it down to the original principals. From this, he has created current day mid-century modern art*. So precise is his design aesthetic, that when applied to his popular Atomic Skyways ad's with photoshop, they almost look as if they belong in the mid-century period of the photo. I'd go so far as to guess, someone new to mid-century design has found his ad's and thought they were designers works from the real mid-century modern* period.

Photo source: Atomic Skyways facebook

Looking thru Atomic Skyways facebook and blog will help you see why his art is so incredible. After all, he has worked a good bit with one of the most prominent Mid-century design studios* ever. Who, you may ask? Disney*! Let's face it. Whether you like Disney* parks or not, if you're into mid-century art*, you've got to dig you some Disney art and design*.  On his blog you'll see a number of pics of these incredible sculptured park accents and floats that he's worked on. Knowing how to use all those techniques can only help his works to become even more impressive.

While looking at Atomic Skyways works, I could point out a ton of interesting and attractive aspects of his pieces. One that really draws my attention though, is that every piece is a sculpture. Mattering not whether Cris is putting together a stand alone sculpture for the end table, or a piece of wall art, they're going to be equally sculpted. To me that's pretty swing'n. So, if you've got your interest peeked, step over to his facebook and blog. Maybe, just maybe, he'll produce even more pieces if he gets more hits. That's my hope at least!

Photo source: atomicskyway.blogspot.com

http://atomicskyway.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/AtomicSkyway?fref=ts

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Fairview Series: An Edwin Wade Experience.

Here on Amidst Mod, you've had the opportunity to meet Edwin Wade,see why his digital art is just as important as screen, painted, or sculpted pieces of art,and now I'm going to focus on his Fairview Series. Let me tell you why.

If just seeing the piece here to the left wasn't enough, I'll expound on why I feel that Edwin's Fairview series is worth taking a look at.  Here a few of the reasons.

While it's definitely worth noting that Edwin Wade has been a very nice guy each time we've communicated, it's equally important to note that he is a very talented artist. In fact so much so, that I have always made sure to keep up with his work, even when I've failed to keep up with the work of other appreciated artists. He works with a number of mediums that are not easily mastered. Offering a whole gambet of styles and art that one can appreciate in your own home.

More important than even the aforementioned things though, is that the Fairview series is a purposeful series. One that comes from a more emotion inspiration. Over at Mr. Wades Etsy site, you can see the inspiration of the Fairview series when Edwin states:

"This edition print is first in a series based on a 1950's tiled office building in Fairview Park Ohio.

With America's short term memory, buildings like this jem that inspired the print are being demolished without a second glance. My goal was to preserve the artwork for future generations and generate a series of prints based on the original."

You can see from Edwin's quote that the purpose of this series is to not only fulfill the purpose of creating an art piece that someone can enjoy owning, but also to try and recapture the attention and importance of, at least some of the incredible architecture that has been overlooked and under appreciated for so many decades now. Is that happening? Is Edwin succeding in his efforts to make people more aware of these old and wonderfully inspiring buildings? Well... that all depends on you fine folks. 

If your interested in the possibility of purchasing one of Edwin Wades pieces, then I suggest that you check out one of the many outlets that he uses for the sales of his art. Currently, you can find his art at galleries such as:

Just Modern in Palm Springs

Retropolitan

Artefino Cafe 

Breakneck Gallery 

Edwin also sells via his Esty.com site that you can get to by using this link www.etsy.com/shop/EdwinWade.

Don't forget. While I've focused on Edwin's wonderful Fairview series in this post, he has equally wonderful work that I did not focus on here. So, stop by his Etsy and check it out.



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Not Inspired To Write, But...

I may not be inspired to write by the post I found on Mid2Mod, but I most definitely am inspired to build another piece of furniture, as soon as my bed is finished at least. As I'm sure you will again, Mid2Mod hit on the head when they said the exquisitely handcrafted desk of the past are a lost art. For the most part, I would agree with that.

Today, there are still a few designers, and furniture makers that build that ultra linear, but with a flair of personality, desk by hand. However, most of that is gone. That being said, I know for a fact, that there are still plenty of woodworkers out there than can do this work. Some of the groups on Flickr, Facebook, and forums that I've found prove that. Only thing is, you have to buddy up to these people to be able to afford their work.

So, what are my suggestions on the subject? Well, here they go.

1)go rummage sales hunting more for that perfect vintage piece 2)Learn to make furniture yourself. 3) If none of those work out, make you some new online friends based on their woodworking abilities.


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