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Showing posts with label sculpture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sculpture. Show all posts

25 May 2013

Danish Modern On My Mind

photo source: www.inhabit.com
A really strange thing has happened to me this month. Two things, in fact. First was a friend of mine that lives in BonAire (the Danish Held Island) came to visit us. While he was here, he saw my Cradenza that I had made, then noticed my Mid-century modern woodworking books* that I have. Then he proceeded to tell me that I would like BonAire because all the Danes that live have their houses furnished with the furniture that I love so much.

Second was, someone on Facebook told me that they had been looking at Danish design online (specifically Danish furniture). He then told me that it seemed to him that the Danish Modern that we put so much effort into preserving and finding seems to be standard issue for their modern day (contemporary) furniture stores. So, due to these couple of comments, I started a full on investigation into modern day Danish furniture. While effecting this investigation, I got a bit distracted and started looking at Danish Design in general. I thought, well... why not share some inspiration with the rest. With that in mind, here you go.

1) Classic Danish modern Birds from www.inhabit.com

2) A very cool photo of Danish modern plywood molded chairs from www.visitdenmark.co.uk.


3) Jasper Morrison: danish design Casserole pot found on designboom.com
4) Contemporary Modern Mobile sculpture found on www.interiorwarrior.com
5)Finn Juhl feature furniture from www.denmark.dk

These are just a few designs and pieces that I found interesting this morning. Hope you have an inspired weekend, and please be safe.

18 May 2013

Matte Stephens


Every once in a while, you run across an artist who's art seems to connect directly to your brain synapses, and their work just stays in your head. Well, that's what happened to me the first time I saw Matte Stephens' work. Matte has a style that is, simplified complexity...

Mattes compositions, color choices, shapes, and even the textures, speak a much louder story than just the image you physically see drawn or painted. He has a way of focusing you on an emotion with each image. Whether the illustration is a simple background with a single character in a larger foreground focus, or it's a fairly busy land/city scape, he knows how to use the surroundings to express his thought. Many times I find that I've been captivated by the story, and never noticed the supporting scenes around the main characters or situation until I force myself to analyse the whole piece as a painting. I've also found myself feeling more like I've just finished a short, but well written book. Rather than looking at a painting.

To me, Matte's color and texture choices, are like the distant sounds in a sunny city park, while his characters, are the interesting new acquaintance that you want to listen to intently. Listening to every emotion that they express. This makes each piece of Matte's work a very personal experience.

While it's clear that not all of Mattes themes, images, shapes, or color schemes are iconic-ly Mid-century*, every piece of Mr. Stephens would fit perfectly into the most retro* or MCM* environments. Though he's not a kitch retro*/Mid-Century artist*, he definitely does have Mid-Century design* running in his veins. It's easily found in his sculptures, abstracts, house, and furniture choices. Not only is he a very talented illustrator, but a very astute study of Mid-Century graphics and design*.

Even though, Matte has had the opportunity to work for some very well know companies, he still continues to offer works for ever budget level. His works can be purchased in form of sculpture, print, book, or paintings. Within each of these categories, there are generally various options to choose from.  To get an idea what's available, and their price ranges, you can check out his blog here and his Etsy site here. I really encourage you to do so, if you haven't yet.










14 May 2013

It's Sold, But I'm Posting It Anyway...

Photo and sculpture by: Made By Gideon on Etsy.com
I know it doesn't make any since, but I don't care. For the past 3 days, I've been researching a topic that I really am enjoying. One that I hope to have posted real soon. However, everyday on my highway of research, I keep running into this AWESOME Mid-century looking sculpture. I LOVE THIS PIECE. Why? Let's see...

First, there's that awesome canterlever effect going on.
Second, it's wood
Third, I love it wen the bark is carefully cleaned and intergrated in a modern way to wood working.
Fourth, Just look at the two sculptured piece on top. Need I say more...?
Fifth and Final... That satin final coat is absolutely my favorite. I prefer satin over any other kind. It's super classy without making it look plasticy.

So, after having seen this piece a number of times, I just couldn't resist putting it up. And, there you go. By the way, did I mention, it's made of wood?

Ebay find

live edge cherry coffee table*













03 May 2013

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!


 









23 April 2013

Mid century office

Mid century office by Rinehart Retro
Mid century office, a photo by Rinehart Retro on Flickr.
While I like me a good sharp and sleek MCM interior, I also dig rooms that make you want to hunker down for the winter. That's why l really like this office. Get $75 Off All Egg Chairs for Easter Please note that some of the links and adds in this blog are affiliate oriented. These links and ads allow Amidst Mod to make a go of it. By buying thru this links, you will being getting a product that you want and help Amidst Mod stay alive. Thanks!

23 January 2013

Bird: A sculpture

About 1 1/2 years ago, I started a simple project with some fire wood I had laying around. It was so simple in fact, that it took me 1 1/2 yrs to finish it. What was it? A bird... Not just any bird though. It was a super ultra sleek bird. One so much so, that most people don't even realize it's a bird. :( That's how my life goes I guess. I though, and my wife too, think that the sculpture is pretty cool. So, am I wrong? Was my 1 1/2 years worth of figuring out how to finish bird a waste of time? Let me know what you think.









600904_Spanish Pavilion Chair 300x250

12 November 2011

Mid-Century Acquaintances. Artist Interview: Edwin Wade

Growing up, I was always captivated by art. When I started skating (skateboarding) at 6 years old, I was drawn to the sport by the way the skaters had the ability to move and carve. Plus, the boards had some cool graphics. As I continued to grow up in small Texas and Georgia towns, I came to appreciate the difference between artists and the rest ever more clearly. Don’t miss understand me. I’m not saying non artists are less valuable. I’m just say…artists view the world quite differently. While I haven’t skate in at least a year, I remember that feeling of expression and freedom as soon as I got on my board.
These days though, I still find those same feelings in a hand printed poster, painting, or even in a piece of furniture. Another place I find that same enjoyment is from doing digital art. So, when I saw Edwin Wades art on facebook for the first time, I knew that I wanted to interview him. To my surprise, it turns out he works in a number of cool mediums. Not only that though…he turns out some REALLY COOL art! You know, the kind that makes me want to go create something. Read the full article after here.


Knoll

17 October 2011

Knoll Furniture

Photo property of 2modern.com
While Knoll* is known for their furniture and influence on modern design, it seems that there is a lot more talk about Herman Miller. From what I've seen, it seems that Herman Miller has simply kept itself in the forefront by placement in the market place, progressive design, and keeping a tighter hold on mid-century/atomic design. That being said, I'm not saying Herman Miller doesn't deserve it. They do! They really are a high quality forward thinking company that has seemingly stayed true to their roots and philosophies. The respect they have is well warranted.

Photo source:
http://www.aisleone.net/2010/design/mid-century-knoll-ads/
While I've been trying to find out why there is...seemingly, more talk about Herman Miller than Knoll*, I ran across a number of articles and videos that helped me appreciate Knoll* more than I originally did. Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with a ton of links to other articles. However, I would like to share a video that I found on youtube of a Knoll* event about Eero Saarinen and some of his design.  Reality being, if you understand the history of a company or design, you can appreciate it just a bit better.

This video helped realized that Knoll*, while their logo is less cool than the 50's and 60's, is still a company that has had a huge part in the Mid-Century Modern genre. Don't get me wrong. I've studied MCM design* long enough to know who where the big players. Still, if you don't here much about a company for a long time, then you tend to forget about them a bit more.

Frequently people talk online about furniture and designs by famous designers and the influence their design had on the world. Yet, a lot of times, very little mention is made of the companies that made these designers concepts become reality. While the designing is a pain staking process that demands respect for completion, equal respect is due to the companies that back and promote the products so that they sell.

So, here's the video, enjoy.



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16 September 2011

Fairhaven Eichler

Fairhaven Eichler by Chimay Bleue

Fairhaven Eichler, a photo by Chimay Bleue on Flickr.
One of my favorite Eichler home photos that Chimay Bleue has on his set. They're all good, but I really like this one. His composition, the wall sculpture, that futuristic roof line, and the contrast of the colors with the shade and sky. All of it makes for another great photo by Darren.

To see more photos of Mid-Century Modern/Atomic ranches and contemporary modern architecture and design check out his Flickr photo stream by clicking his name, or clicking the image above.