Mosaics: A Lost Mid-Century Styling?

Photo Source:www.midcenturia.com

Mosaic: A picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of hard material, such as stone, tile, or glass.

From the first search I did for MCM furniture and design, oh... almost 10 years ago now, I still remember thinking about how cool this one particular amoeba table with mosaic was. While that table is long gone, my interest in mosaics still lives on. If our schedule ever cools down, we'd (my wife and I) like to do a couple of mosaic projects together. Still, I often wonder, what happened to this wonderful artistic aspect of the mid-century era gone by?

Photo Source: www.flickr.com

In all my research, I have yet to find mas production mid-century modern furniture that was tiled or that was finished in mosaic. I'm not saying that they don't exist. If they do, pleas lead me to them. I'd really like to learn more about this particular aspect of mid-centutry furniture.

Still, it seems that mosaics played a large character role in the art scene of the mid-century eras. Buildings held large mosaic murals on the outside, or in the lobby. Many parks had mosaics on the walkways or in the promenades, many pieces of furniture even carried mosaic tops or boarders, and even production mosaic wall art* was produced for the home or office.

These pieces weren't just pieces of ceramic or glass put together. They were real images a lot of the time. Whether it was an abstract design, a bull/bull fighter combo, still life of fruit/bottles, or a peacock, these pieces had character.

Photo Source: www.midcenturia.com

One thing that I can say for sure, is that mid-century design today has not forgotten completely about the mosaic tile trend. Many a refurb of a mid-century home is, and has, used tile mosaic in the shower or bathroom. Unfortunately, that's as far as it seems to go though.

So, what happened to the attraction of mosaics? Is it that tile is too expensive? Too hard to clean? To hard to creat? Lack of imagination? I really don't know. No matter what the reason, it's clear that mosaics are not nearly as popular for the mid-century styling as it once was.

In the effort of encouraging at least one person to take on a mid-century styled project, I'm adding photos below of some very cool mid-century/mid-century styled mosaics. Don't worry, I'm not leaving it all to you, I'm going to try and take on one too. I already have a mirror frame planed with my wife. So, go get some mosaic materials*, start designing, and get to making a new mid-century styled mosaic piece. Why leave all the creativity to the masters of the past? Just remember, they would have never become masters without starting as novice.

Photo Source: www.midcenturia.com

Photo Source:www.furniturebyljindustries.com

Photo Source:www.midcenturia.com

Photo Source: http://furnishmevintage.com

Photo Source: www.retrotogo.com

Photo Source: www.1stdibs.com

Photo Source:www.apartmenttherapy.com

Photo Source: http://www.houzz.com

If you are interested in mid-century books on the subject, I suggest that you look at some of the following.
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First Influences: El Gato Gomez

Honestly, I do not remember the exact time in which I found El Gato Gomez*. By the time I had found her, I was already searching heavily on the net for Mid-Century Modern, or "Mod", as I thought it was called at the time. It must of been around 6 months in that I found El Gato Gomez's* works. But, WOW... how happy I was to find them.

In fact, while I appreciated all the MCM art* that I was seeing, original and revival, I was really blown away by her work. I mean, the textures, and colors, not to mention the themes... It was incredible, I mean, I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E! I couldn't get enough of her works. They fit so well with all the things that I loved to look at. They were all about all the same things that inspired me.

At first, I thought that they were original vintage art. How happy I was to find that El Gato Gomez* was, and is, alive and painting. Since that time, I have yet to be disappointed. As is the case with many of my favorite artist, I had the fear that El Gato Gomez* would get a bit bored and change styles. Thankfully, that has yet to happen.

Till this day looking at El Gato's* works makes me want to pick up a brush and paint with Gouache. By the way, I REALLY DON'T LIKE PAINTING IN GOUACHE. Don't miss understand. It's not that I don't like Gouache paintings. I just don't like to use it. Even still, while I know that, looking at El Gato's paintings inspires me to pick up a brush and try. Now, for me, that's powerful inspiration.

Not only do I respect the styling and texture of the paintings by El Gato*, but I also appreciate her consistency. She never runs out of ideas it seems. Plus, El Gato* has a ton of paintings, and she turns them out so quickly. It's just so hard for me to be able to image having that kind of endless imagination.

On top of all of this, she does great sculptures too. When I just thought El Gato* was doing paintings, I was jealous enough, but then to run across an incredible sculpture and read that it was by El Gato*, that was just to much. I mean, excuse the pun please, but... then I really thought she was the cats meow.

Even after these years, I  continue to be awed by El Gato's* works. She is a painting machine. El Gato* is also very generous, in my opinion. She has always asked a fair price for her works, and continues to do so even until today.

Today, El Gato Gomez* has a number of ways that you can pick up one of these cool pieces of art. You can check out her website, check out her Ebay* store, or stop by her etsy. If you friend her on facebook, you'll also get a first hand look at the latest works, and know when they are going up on the block for purchase.

Believe me, by not checking her work out, you ARE missing something. No matter, if your interest are vintage looking head shot/portrait paintings, abstract, or sci-fi, she's got the right thing for you. She even does some still life's. Then there are those sureal, but very cool, paintings of her own paintings. I really dig those.

So, before I make to much a sap of myself, I should just say, check out El Gato Gomez's* works.

Our Next Topic...

Mid Century Vase, Atomic, White with Black Band

So here's a hint as to what the next post will be about. Do you think you know? Better yet, do you have anything like this around your house? Let us know about it in the comments. Leave a link if you have photos. 

Later we'll get on this subject a bit more. For now though, just drool....

Oh yeah, don't forget to check out more such items here*. 

Please note that each link that has an (*) at the end is an affiliate link. These links help provide income to Amidst Mod so that we can keep this blog going.  

PLASTOLUX: CHALET 1 by THIERRY LEMAIRE

Photo taken from Plastolux.com

Seriously, I could see this place having been part of one the elaborate sets on an old James Bond movie. You know, one of the James Bond movies that had SPECTOR in it.

Still, if you would like find out more about this cool snow den. Check out Plastolux's article here.

Vioski: Brandon sectional

Vioski: Brandon sectional

Jenn Ski found this cool mcm sofa. You should click her name or here to find out more. 

Black, White, and Grayscale art for your Mid-Century Home

Mid-Century Interiors, a photo by Like That One on Flickr.

A great style of art to hang in your Mid-Century Modern home is Black and White, and Grey scale art. Why you may ask? Well... there are few reasons.

First,
There is no time frame in the mid-century period in which B&W or grey scale art and professional photography or armature photography (mainly early 60's and later) available for those who had money to decorate said mid-century homes. In fact, black and white photography is very applicable to non modern mid-century/vintage/retro homes. Take your pick on what you choose to call them.

Second,
Black and White or Grey scale art go with just about any type of interior design. Color wise that is. Image and and contrast weight are still aspects that need to be considered for each setting.

Third,
There is a ton of it available in a huge variety of designs.

Fourth,
Just about anyone who has a camera (of just about any type) and/or a computer can create their own B&W or grey scale art.

Fifth,
Any digital photo can be printed in Black and White if the creator chooses, or if you happen to have the original file.

For me, these are very powerful reasons.

So, here are a few selections I like, and locations to look for B&W or grey scale art for your mid-century, modern or not, home.

white stripes ( and a bit of blue), a photo by DREASAN on Flickr.
 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fstoaldo/7754422852/

 

 

 

 

This is an affiliate app and links that help provide amidst mod with a small, but necessary income when you buy these products or products from these vendors.

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens, a photo by Mod Dog on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Better Homes and Gardens

Decorating Ideas 1960

Once again, better homes and gardens proves that living is, in and of itself the art of a mid-century home.

Using just one well sized, and well placed paint, this living room is decorated to an appropriate degree. Using well placed common use items such as books and decor coffee table, along with furniture of varied colors and textures, an abundance of art isn't necessary. In addition to the daily/common use items, a small selection of glass and ceramic ware is placed spaciously on the book shelf to add dimension, color and texture to an otherwise bairn space. Adding to the overall comfort and style of the room without overbalancing the aesthetic of the room. More books would work well also. However, without leaving spacing between groupings of books could easily create a top heavy fill to this room. Some links may be affiliate links that provide amidst mod with a small, but necessary income when you buy these products or products from these vendors.

1953 Modern Living Room

1953 Modern Living Room, a photo by American Vintage Home on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Image from the Mid Century Home Style collection.

As follows with Part 1 of my blog post "Art For The Mid-Century Home -Pt 1: Starting With The Basics." You can see here that the art was selected carefully so as to be that subtle touch that you notice after a few minutes, but without the room would seem lacking. Also, notice that the art in the room does not take up most of the wall space. Instead, smartly placed shelving and sconces provide artistic elements while providing the room with a 3d texture feeling. Texture is not to be under rated when dealing with a vintage retro or mid-century, modern or not, interior.

These links are affiliate links that provide amidst mod with a small, but necessary income when you buy these products or products from these vendors.

Down To The Details...

To start with, I'd like my viewers to take note that over the next few months, www.amdistmod.blogspot.com will be changing to it's new blog home...www.amidstmod.wordpress.com. I appologize for the inconvience, and hope to see you there soon.

We all know that the details make the final product. If it lacks details, well there's not much of a product at all. However, if the details are there, down to the last little one... Well, that changes everything.

Interior design is the same way. A homes architecture can be amazing, but if the interior is lacking, or simply doesn't fit, well...there goes the effect. So, why am I mentioning this? A very simple reason.

Yesterday as I was cruising my rss feed, I saw a post by www.retrorenevation.com on authentic vintage/retro appliances and where you can buy them. While, I'm not in the market for this type of thing at the moment, I know some of you are. Therefore, I figured I share one the places with you.

This particular store is in a town near my wife's grandmother. Antique Appliances has been around for a while now. Even though I can't really figure out how long, I know we've seen them around since the early 2000's. Plus, I've found that a lot of the mid-century, vintage, or retro appliances that I've found online have been restored by this company.

Staying true to their market, they are in a very small Georgia town, right off main street. The buildings exterior reminds me of an old general store. In front, they have a few HID lights hung over the open plate glass window, and have a few recently renovated stoves of varying colors and styles. If not stoves, they will sometimes put out refrigerators. Each one though, glimmers and gleams as if it just came off the showroom floor in the early 50's. Antique Appliances even does renovations of stoves back to the 20's if that's your thing.

Looking over there site, I can see they know what they're doing. They've restored gas stoves from years before I even knew gas stoves existed. One quirky stove that caught my eye was a stove that had gas burners on one side, and was wood burning on the other. Who would have thought?

To be honest, I've never bought or dealt with this company, but from what I've read online, and knowing the people in small time Clayton, you can pretty much be sure to be call "sweety", "baby", or "doll". They don't mean anything by it, it's just how you have to talk in a small town Georgian town. Who knows, they may even give you a syrupy sweet glass of ice tea on hot days.

For more on antiqueappliances.com, go to their site, they have a number of links to interviews, and article about their business in well know papers, magazines, and they evidently were even featured on a radio program too. So, as you can imagine, their fame came from somewhere. I'm pretty sure it's their quality and customer service. Take a look at their site and see for yourself.

Also, if antiqueappliances.com can't fulfill your need, you can go to Retro Renovation's post on other vintage/mid-century appliance dealers and restores here. There you will find 16 places listed. It may just be what your looking for.