This is Googie

I think that the majority of us know what Googie architecture is. If not, I will describe it as an exaggerated architecture style mainly from the mid 50's thru the mid 60's. This form of architecture was an interpetation of space age futurism.  For a more precise definition of what Googie architecture is, check out this link.

A few years ago, I went thru a serious Googie phase. I looked up everything I could and found a lot of interesting stuff. However, my thoughts had moved on to other interesting things until a month or so ago when MoonDoggie started getting into Googie. With her looking for Googie in good old London Town, she seemed to be looking at all that she could online. Her enthusiastic blogs about the style motivated me to look at more Googie stuff, as well.

So yesterday I was looking at TikiLisa's blog, and re-found a site I had forgotten about. Thru this site I found "Googie Art". If you like Googie architecture and are inspired by the future left behind, then check out the images in this post and see the rest of these great architectural feats here.

Check out my Flickr

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You Just Never Know!

As I was making the rounds of my frequented blog haunts, I noticed that there is a commonly overlooked artist that always makes me smile. When I see the art of this person I instantly have a better mood. It's really strange, also, because some of his paintings really aren't my style at all. Yet, they still make me feel better instantly. Who is this artist? His name is Karl Benjamin. 

We all know of the most famous artists that had mass exposure, the likes of which include Jim Flora, the Eames, Knoll, and, of course, Nelson. Each of these people influenced a style of life. Therefore, they all have a direct effect on my art and that of any true mid-century inspired artist. Thing is, we know and except this fact. 

Karl Benjamin, though, is different. He has influenced probably

 all of us more than we realize. I was amazed at how well known his art was to me when I started looking thru his catalog, and I had never known his name.  His art, though, isn't the most inspirational part of his persona as an artist. He really had a unique start and story. To read a great article on him and his art just make the jump.

For other art related pictures, check out my FLICKR.

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Lynive In The Now!

Lynne Naylor, well... In reality that's all I need to say for a lot of people to conjure up all kinds of thoughts. Specifically, good, futuristic and most of all fanciful thoughts. These thoughts in them selves have a way of putting people into a mental state that helps to escape life a bit.

However, until recently I didn't know how much the works of Lynne Naylor had touched me personally. It's quite amazing the catalogue of Cartoons she has created, worked on or directed that inspired me in artistic directions. Lynne's art holds a true simplicity that is founded in the mod theme through and through, while at the same time being readily accepted in a more mainstream market. Lynne's ability to hold true to both forms just helps to show how accomplished she is.

Well! How accomplished is she? Very! Within the TV world Lynne Naylor creates characters that hold to a timeless truth in their existence. This no doubt is due to the timeless Mid-Century influence that they employee in stature and demeanor.

Thru this timelessness of her art, Lynne has garnered many accomplishments in her career to be proud of. Some of which includes being creatively involved with Ren & Stimpy, Batman the animated series, Powerpuff Girls, and Samurai Jack. Her work on such cartoons has afforded her the privilege of receiving the Rueben Award in 2002 from the National Cartoonist Association. In conjunction with the Rueben Award, Lynne received the Annie Award for her work on Samurai Jack in 2002, and was nominated for the Annie Award in 2005 for her work on Foster's Home.

Even though, these forms of art may be the what she is most commonly recognized for, I find that Lynne's paintings and illustrations surpass her more mainstream accomplishments. When looking at the characters and the settings, Les Baxster, Bobby Darin and a whole slew of other space age pop artist suddenly start playing in the background and it looks like 1958 all around. Most of all, personally I just find Lynne's work to be All Mod Fun!

I really suggest taking the time to check out her work when you have some time. You will definitely enjoy it!

amidstmod@yahoo.com

In Orbit?

Sinatra's time... That was living! The Eames were in full swing and Vegas was as classy as it ever would be. You want to see Dino and Frankie? Try getting away from seeing them! On the screen, on the radio, and in the casinos. There's no escaping them. If they're not singing, they soon will be. If nothing else, more than likely the Rat Pack will be frequenting one of the many casinos for dinner and drinks. Better yet, possibly the famous Sinatra and

 his Pack of friends may very well be sitting on one of his modern couches in his spacious Mid-Century Modern home. Looking thru the wall of windows, across the immaculately pristine pool,

 past the dark, dry desert to see the ominous shadows of the menacing mountains of Palm Springs stretching out as if they were trying to overtake the world.

Fact of the matter is... never again will these experiences be realized to the same degree. This, however, is the reason that the Orbit In is the featured blog of today. True, the last of the Rat Pack recently past away, and for some inexplicable reason people keep razing Mid-Century buildings. As if these outstanding buildings are outdated. Why, you may ask? To put in a more modern strip mall. Makes a lot of since, doesn't it?!

There are some, however, that feel the essence of Palms Springs still lives in the style

 of the past while enjoying things of the modern world (and I use 'modern world' loosely). A few of these very people are Christy and Stan who opened their 50's motor coach in 2001 with many of the original interiors like the tile bathrooms and much of the interior elements intact. Going beyond solely keeping with the original interiors, what additions to the exterior were needed were well thought out and carefully planned so as to not detract from the fluidity of the original design. Rather, if you look closely at the photos of the complex you will find that the buildings look as Jet Set as ever.

Most of us will never have the ability to own one of the amazing Mid-Century Modern homes of Palm Springs. Serene, peaceful views of the desert contrasted with Space Age styling of Eames, Nelson, and Bertoia furnishings, not to mention the outstanding architecture, can still be enjoyed if only for a few days thanks to places such as the Orbit In.

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