24 September 2011
Villa Savoye
Got a little behind, but here's something while I'm cutting more edits into that never ending part 2 of Simplified Woodworking that's due.
23 September 2011
Fireplace
I don't know why, but I dig this cantilevered fire place. There are so many textures and really well designed aspects to it. I really like the detail of the grill to put a pan or pot on. If I could have a large fire place of my option, this would be it.
Architects: Vilhelm Wohlert and Jørgen Bo (1958 - 1991)
Location: Humlebæk (Øresund), Denmark
Architects: Vilhelm Wohlert and Jørgen Bo (1958 - 1991)
Location: Humlebæk (Øresund), Denmark
22 September 2011
Why Not Digital?
 |
| Art of Edwin Wade |
No art field is easy. It's always hard to make a living selling art. In the MCM genre, many enthusiast are very design oriented and are willing to buy art and decor for their homes. True, some only want authentic Mid-Century, or vintage art. Others though, have really seen the importance of helping the community by buying, what I call "Mid-Century revivalists" art. However, would you buy digital?
As an artist, I have to say that digital art is no less difficult than other forms of art that I create. I sculpt and build furniture. Having done many of these things, I have found that all have there difficult points. For instance, the time it takes to make a digital graphic is something to consider. Why? Well, the artist must draw/sketch their design, then they must process the design to modify it in the graphics program. After that, all textures to be used in the image must be created. Something of interest is, that many times the textures used have been hand painted or manufactured. These textures then have to be uploaded and modified to a usable format for the graphic. After all of this, the artist must select the correct settings and materials to produce their art on. Once all this is done the artist get to try and sell their works in a widely apathetic industry.
All said and done. Digital art is, in fact, art. It is a very challenging and difficult art. So, the next time you want to buy a piece of art, at least consider a Digital created piece.
Some of my favorite digital artists
Michael Robertson
Edwin Wade
20 September 2011
Simple, but Sweet. Mr. California Clothing
I have to say that my order of design and style list goes as follows:
In my interview with Chimay Bleue I asked where he shopped for Mid-Century/Vintage styled clothing. He answered with many of the brands that I personally wear like Ben Sherman, and Original Penguin. He also mentioned Brooks Brothers, which I know about, but have never purchased from. I have had a few of there pieces from thrift stores and found them comfortable, but I always found a vintage suit that I just liked better.
During the interview though, he mentioned another company that I had never heard of. He named Mr. California. So, as I was prepping the post for publishing, I had to get the site address to Mr. California. While there, I took the time to look around a bit. What I found was very nice.
While Mr. California doesn't have, what I would call, a very large selection, the options are very complete. You can find a shirt for any occasion. Their pricing wasn't really out of line with the other companies that you may buy from like Penguin or Ben Sherman, but you are limited to just shirts, and a jacket. Not jackets, just a jacket. At least online. One cool thing about Mr. California though is that their shirts and jacket do have cool chevrons, crest, and like designs embroidered on the chests.
Since I've never owned a piece by Mr. California, I can't vouch for the quality.There are few factors that make me confident though in their product. First, the site makes it very clear that the product is select, and not for every man. Second, the emphasis they put on their originality, and their following the original design. Third and final, all the products are made in California. Generally speaking, if a company goes thru some much effort to let people know that their product isn't for just anybody, they stick to original design, and they only produce product in a domestic setting, they probably watch the their produce quality control pretty tightly. Now, I'm not saying they're all that, but they just might be. So, go check them out, and let me know if they are all they say they are.
- Wood: Sculptures, furniture, paintings
- Clothing of Swing, Lounge, Mod
- Architecture
In my interview with Chimay Bleue I asked where he shopped for Mid-Century/Vintage styled clothing. He answered with many of the brands that I personally wear like Ben Sherman, and Original Penguin. He also mentioned Brooks Brothers, which I know about, but have never purchased from. I have had a few of there pieces from thrift stores and found them comfortable, but I always found a vintage suit that I just liked better.
During the interview though, he mentioned another company that I had never heard of. He named Mr. California. So, as I was prepping the post for publishing, I had to get the site address to Mr. California. While there, I took the time to look around a bit. What I found was very nice.
While Mr. California doesn't have, what I would call, a very large selection, the options are very complete. You can find a shirt for any occasion. Their pricing wasn't really out of line with the other companies that you may buy from like Penguin or Ben Sherman, but you are limited to just shirts, and a jacket. Not jackets, just a jacket. At least online. One cool thing about Mr. California though is that their shirts and jacket do have cool chevrons, crest, and like designs embroidered on the chests.
Since I've never owned a piece by Mr. California, I can't vouch for the quality.There are few factors that make me confident though in their product. First, the site makes it very clear that the product is select, and not for every man. Second, the emphasis they put on their originality, and their following the original design. Third and final, all the products are made in California. Generally speaking, if a company goes thru some much effort to let people know that their product isn't for just anybody, they stick to original design, and they only produce product in a domestic setting, they probably watch the their produce quality control pretty tightly. Now, I'm not saying they're all that, but they just might be. So, go check them out, and let me know if they are all they say they are.
19 September 2011
MCM/Googie Los Angeles Evening
One thing that has always amazed me about the Googie/MCM style is the ability to make a solid, weighty, or stagnant object look as though it is weightless, moving or airy. This is even been accomplished with the right kind of photo.
Here you are seeing both those aspects put into practice. A great design, and a great photo.
Architect, Gin Wong (William L. Pereira & Assoc.)
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
Here you are seeing both those aspects put into practice. A great design, and a great photo.
Architect, Gin Wong (William L. Pereira & Assoc.)
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
17 September 2011
Mid-Century Modern Restaurant in Palm Desert
Almost any design that has a single shed roof, post and beam construction, and a rock wall is going to be on my favorites list. Then, if you through in some a cool font and some polished metal finishes, well, let's just say it's a sure deal I'm going to feature it.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
16 September 2011
Fairhaven Eichler
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.
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.
15 September 2011
Mid-Century Acquaintances. Interview: Chimay Bleue
When the idea reoccurred to me to interview my flickr and facebook contacts. I was a bit at a loss of where to start. If you're like me, then you probably have quit a few "contacts" and "friends". While pondering over this conundrum that I had, I decided to do a quick and interesting post to fill the time. So I did. I went over to my contact photos page and decided to post the first photo that caught my eye. It was one of Chimay Bleue's photos. Well...that happened 2 times in a row. Then I thought, here's the interview I've been looking for. Remember though, this was just the beginning.
Flickr contacts and facebook friends have always intrigued me. I mean, don't you ever wonder who they are? Why they like, or are part of, the Mid-Century community? What they do for a living and so on? Well, I do. From what I've found out, it's interesting.
Many times I look at someones photostream, or wall and start to build a character of what I think they might be like. Sometimes your right and sometimes your not. You'll never know though until you interview them for yourself. Now, don't get me wrong. With these realitively few questions, there's no way of truely knowing someone. So I'm not saying that I am probing into the depths of their being, but rather, giving you a general overview of one, or possible many aspects of their lives.
So here we go with Chimay Bleue.
Interview via email; Eric McGrew: Questions
Chimay Bleue: Answers
Q: Just to get us started off, would you like to share your name with us?
A: Sure. I'm Darren Bradley
Q: What is your profession?
A: I work for a large, multi-national defense and aerospace company, where I'm responsible for strategy and planning in one of the divisions.
Q: Is this your dream job?
A: I have a great job and feel very fortunate to have it. But I'm not sure that I'd call it my dream job. Growing up, I originally wanted to be an architect but was dissuaded from pursuing that avenue because I was horrible at math. Ironically, it seems most architects are bad at math so I'm not sure why that seemed so important at the time. Anyway, I then decided I wanted to be a diplomat because I liked politics and traveling, etc. I never ended up doing that, either. But what I do requires me to use a fair amount of math.
If I could decide today to do whatever I wanted, I'd probably be a photographer.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but I moved to San Diego when I was little. My dad was in the Navy. He retired in SD so we ended up staying here. I also spent a fair amount of my time in France - originally as an exchange student in high school and then for most of my college education.
Q: When did you start to get interested in Mid-Century design, and what influenced your interest?
A: I've always loved architecture and design of all kinds. I'm a city person and appreciate how buildings can change the vibe of a place.
I used to spend my summers in Toronto, Canada and that had a big influence on my admiration for modernism. I have snapshots somewhere that I took with a toy camera - I must have been about 10 years old at the time - of things like the Toronto City Hall, Eaton Centre, Canada Place... Later, visiting Expo 86 was also a seminal moment for me. I have very vivid memories of visiting all of those pavilions and the architecture of them made a huge impression on me
So I've always preferred modern design but also appreciate different styles, such as Craftsman, Art Deco, Secessionist, Art Nouveau...
When we first moved out here from France, my wife and I already had an appreciation for Mid-century modern but were more interested in Art Nouveau, and also sleek, European contemporary modern. But in San Diego, we intentionally sought out a style of architecture that embodied the character of southern California. We wanted a low-slung house with glass walls and a pool, with more of an organic feel. My wife, as a girl living in an apartment in Paris, had dreams of Ava Gardner and Greta Garbo lounging poolside in Hollywood. So when she ended up moving here, she wanted some of that. When in Rome...
Q: Who designed the house you live in?
A: William Krisel in 1959. Krisel was then partner with Dan Saxon Palmer of the firm Palmer & Krisel. Krisel designed many, many mid-century modern homes throughout Southern California - everything from modest tract housing and apartments to the homes of Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and others.
Q:Did you look for a MCM home before you bought, or did you get into MCM after you bought your home?
A:We knew we wanted an MCM home from the beginning. We had plenty of time to research before we could finally afford one and we focused on this neighborhood, specifically. It took more than two years before the right house came up for sale. We bought it the day it was listed.
A few years before we finally bought a house, we had rented a vacation home in Palm Springs that was designed by William Krisel and we loved it. We realized then that this was what we had been looking for. With a little research, we found that the same architect had also designed homes in San Diego so we found those neighborhoods and focused our search.
Q:For decor in your home, do you try and stay authentic vintage, or just good quality MCM design?
A:At first, we had a more eclectic mix of contemporary modern, vintage MCM, and reproductions (and a fair amount of IKEA mixed in). But the fact is that the design and even the scale of MCM furniture and decor works the best here. And the more we learned about it, the more interested in / obsessed with it we became. So eventually, the newer pieces got swapped out with vintage pieces as we found them. That's been ongoing... and even now, if we find something we like at an auction or a yard sale, we'll find room for it and perhaps swap something else out.
Q:I noticed that you have a lot of photos of Krisel homes. Is there a particular reason why?
A:When I became interested in Krisel's designs in Palm Springs and was looking for a home in San Diego, I started researching his work and just found a treasure trove of incredible homes and other buildings that he had designed throughout the region, and I began taking pictures of it to record what I was finding. I eventually tracked him down to ask for some additional information, and that started off a close friendship that continues to this day. I still take every opportunity to find and photograph intact examples of his work because I have a strong admiration for his work.
Bill is one of the few designers or architects who was able to successfully deliver on the promise of modernism - to provide a better way of living and making it accessible and affordable to everyone.
Q:In your photos, you have a lot of "modern" architecture, and MCM architecture. Is this your favorite genre of design? If not, what is?
A:Yes, it most definitely is. MCM is my first love, and I appreciate contemporary modern design - especially when it demonstrates a clear lineage with MCM. But I do appreciate pretty much every sort of architectural style, and will take pictures of it if the mood strikes me.
About the only styles I really hate are post-modernism and the pseudo-historical stuff - like so many of the Spanish/Tuscan/Georgian/Colonial McMansions and tract homes that have popped up all over the place in the past decade.
Q:I find your photography to be very good. How did you pick up photography?
A:Thank you! I grew up loving photography as a child and took lots of courses on it in high school and college. I received my first SLR (a Yashica FX-7) when I was twelve. I was photographer on our school newspaper and spent a good part of my high school years in the darkroom. I also worked briefly in college as a darkroom tech.
But for a period in the 90s, I had stopped taking pictures entirely and didn't pick up a camera for years. When I moved to France in 1994, I didn't even bring a camera with me! But it was my interest in documenting MCM architecture that drove me back into it after a long hiatus.
Although I had a lot of previous experience in photography, I found I had to relearn a lot. Digital cameras behave quite differently from film. Also, architectural photography is a very precise field with its own set of rules and even subculture, which also requires a lot of specialized photographic equipment.
Initially, I was just taking snapshots of buildings. But the work of photographers such as Julius Shulman and Ernie Braun had such a big influence on my own perception and appreciation of modernism that I decided to teach myself architectural photography and acquired the tools to do it properly.
Q:In one of your comments, you mentioned that you don't like to use HDR, is there a specific reason why? Just curious...
A:Yeah, I understand its a matter of personal taste but I personally find that most HDR looks awful. It hurts my eyes to look at. If its done right,I do appreciate the extra dynamic range it can provide to a photograph. But most HDR photos I see don't look natural, and I really don't like the explosion of weird colors and surreal lighting that is the usual result.
Maybe it's because I learned the old fashioned way in a darkroom, but I much prefer dodging and burning to HDR. I think it looks a lot more natural and pleasing to the eye.
Q:Back on subject. Do you have any other artistic outlets?
A:I also paint on occasion when the mood strikes me. There are several examples of my paintings that can be seen in my house - notably the picture of the bull in my bedroom.
Q:Who is your favorite Mid-Century Designer of any genre?
A:Well, I've already talked about my admiration for Bill Krisel - as both a person and an architect. I'd have a hard time narrowing it down to just one, though. In architecture, my favorites are simple post & beam designs with lots of glass that have an almost zen-like, japanese sense of calm and peacefulness. Some of my favorite examples of this are Buff & Hensman's Thompson / Moseley Residence and their collaboration with Cal Straub for the Bass Residence (A&A Case Study House #20), Mies's Farnsworth House, Koenig's Stahl House (Case Study #22), Ellwood's Rosen Residence... Actually, about 30 or 40 houses come to mind but I won't bore you with the complete list.
My wife loves concrete brutalism and her list of favorites includes Le Corbusier, Lautner, etc.
Furniture and design-wise, I tend to favor Scandinavian designers, apparently, because my house and wish list contain a lot of Saarinen (ok, he's Finnish-American, I know), Jacobsen, Juhl, Wegner, Kjaerholm...
Q:If you could have any Mid-Century/Mod/Retro object (house, art, furniture, you name it), what would it be?
A:Another hard question, but while we're at it, why not shoot for the moon? I'd say Ossipoff's Blanche Hill House in Honolulu... alas, it's been demolished so that's never going to happen.
Q:Do you have any website's or blogs that you love to visit?
A:I have a list of websites and blogs I try to hit regularly, but don't get to them as often as I'd like. Certainly, yours is on the list, but also:
www.modernsandiego.com
blog.ounodesign.com
deedee914.blogspot.com
www.apartmenttherapy.com
myvintageaddiction.com
www.eichlernetwork.com
www.realphotographersforum.com
www.digitalrev.com
Q:What/Who is your favorite Mid-Century?:
A:Tv series: The Prisoner
A:Movie: Mon Oncle or Playtime by Tati
A:Musician/group: Martin Denny, Les Baxter, Arthur Lyman
Q:When you want Mid-Century, or Mid-Century inspired clothing, where do you look?
A:Mr. California, Ben Sherman, Penguin, Brooks Brothers
Q:As an avid skater of the past, do you still look at places and things and see their potential for skateability?
A:Yes, in fact, although I haven't been on a skateboard in years now. But just today, there was some nice concrete banks in the playground of my daughters school that I was eyeing while we were there for a picnic and I kept thinking about how fun they would have been to skate.
Thanks Darren for taking time out of your weekend to answer a few of my questions. It's been a true pleasure to get to know just a bit more.
I have to say that the interviews that I have done with people (for different reasons) are one of my favorite things to do. Especially when they are very informal, and no one is trying to trick the other person. It's with that in mind that I will continue to bring you interviews with different ones who are interested in all things Mid-Century. Also, because I have enjoyed the outcome of this interview, and because I had so many more questions arise, I will be doing a part 2 of Chimay Bleue's interview in the future. So stay tuned for that. I mean, I never would have thought that one of the answers would lead to him saying he had become friends with the famous architect William Krisel, who also just happened to build his house. Cool right!
If you'd like to get to know Darren and his lovely wife (Darren, I mean that with all due respect.), check out this video below. By the way, I think she should have had a bigger part in the interview. Her accent is just so cool. Know what...? Maybe I won't do a part 2 with Chimay Bleue... Maybe, I'll interview Mrs. Chimay Bleue and get her thoughts on "life, the universe, and everything..." oh yeah, some on Mid-Century too.
If you folks are looking for some information on William Krisel and his architecture, here are some links.
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-krisel14feb14http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-krisel14feb14
http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/February-2009/Masters-of-Modernism-The-Butterfly-Effect/
http://architechnophilia.blogspot.com/2010/03/william-krisel-architect.html
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
Flickr contacts and facebook friends have always intrigued me. I mean, don't you ever wonder who they are? Why they like, or are part of, the Mid-Century community? What they do for a living and so on? Well, I do. From what I've found out, it's interesting.
Many times I look at someones photostream, or wall and start to build a character of what I think they might be like. Sometimes your right and sometimes your not. You'll never know though until you interview them for yourself. Now, don't get me wrong. With these realitively few questions, there's no way of truely knowing someone. So I'm not saying that I am probing into the depths of their being, but rather, giving you a general overview of one, or possible many aspects of their lives.
So here we go with Chimay Bleue.
Interview via email; Eric McGrew: Questions
Chimay Bleue: Answers
Q: Just to get us started off, would you like to share your name with us?
A: Sure. I'm Darren Bradley
Q: What is your profession?
A: I work for a large, multi-national defense and aerospace company, where I'm responsible for strategy and planning in one of the divisions.
Q: Is this your dream job?
A: I have a great job and feel very fortunate to have it. But I'm not sure that I'd call it my dream job. Growing up, I originally wanted to be an architect but was dissuaded from pursuing that avenue because I was horrible at math. Ironically, it seems most architects are bad at math so I'm not sure why that seemed so important at the time. Anyway, I then decided I wanted to be a diplomat because I liked politics and traveling, etc. I never ended up doing that, either. But what I do requires me to use a fair amount of math.
If I could decide today to do whatever I wanted, I'd probably be a photographer.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but I moved to San Diego when I was little. My dad was in the Navy. He retired in SD so we ended up staying here. I also spent a fair amount of my time in France - originally as an exchange student in high school and then for most of my college education.
Q: When did you start to get interested in Mid-Century design, and what influenced your interest?
A: I've always loved architecture and design of all kinds. I'm a city person and appreciate how buildings can change the vibe of a place.
I used to spend my summers in Toronto, Canada and that had a big influence on my admiration for modernism. I have snapshots somewhere that I took with a toy camera - I must have been about 10 years old at the time - of things like the Toronto City Hall, Eaton Centre, Canada Place... Later, visiting Expo 86 was also a seminal moment for me. I have very vivid memories of visiting all of those pavilions and the architecture of them made a huge impression on me
So I've always preferred modern design but also appreciate different styles, such as Craftsman, Art Deco, Secessionist, Art Nouveau...
When we first moved out here from France, my wife and I already had an appreciation for Mid-century modern but were more interested in Art Nouveau, and also sleek, European contemporary modern. But in San Diego, we intentionally sought out a style of architecture that embodied the character of southern California. We wanted a low-slung house with glass walls and a pool, with more of an organic feel. My wife, as a girl living in an apartment in Paris, had dreams of Ava Gardner and Greta Garbo lounging poolside in Hollywood. So when she ended up moving here, she wanted some of that. When in Rome...
Q: Who designed the house you live in?
A: William Krisel in 1959. Krisel was then partner with Dan Saxon Palmer of the firm Palmer & Krisel. Krisel designed many, many mid-century modern homes throughout Southern California - everything from modest tract housing and apartments to the homes of Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and others.
Q:Did you look for a MCM home before you bought, or did you get into MCM after you bought your home?
A:We knew we wanted an MCM home from the beginning. We had plenty of time to research before we could finally afford one and we focused on this neighborhood, specifically. It took more than two years before the right house came up for sale. We bought it the day it was listed.
A few years before we finally bought a house, we had rented a vacation home in Palm Springs that was designed by William Krisel and we loved it. We realized then that this was what we had been looking for. With a little research, we found that the same architect had also designed homes in San Diego so we found those neighborhoods and focused our search.
Q:For decor in your home, do you try and stay authentic vintage, or just good quality MCM design?
A:At first, we had a more eclectic mix of contemporary modern, vintage MCM, and reproductions (and a fair amount of IKEA mixed in). But the fact is that the design and even the scale of MCM furniture and decor works the best here. And the more we learned about it, the more interested in / obsessed with it we became. So eventually, the newer pieces got swapped out with vintage pieces as we found them. That's been ongoing... and even now, if we find something we like at an auction or a yard sale, we'll find room for it and perhaps swap something else out.
Q:I noticed that you have a lot of photos of Krisel homes. Is there a particular reason why?
A:When I became interested in Krisel's designs in Palm Springs and was looking for a home in San Diego, I started researching his work and just found a treasure trove of incredible homes and other buildings that he had designed throughout the region, and I began taking pictures of it to record what I was finding. I eventually tracked him down to ask for some additional information, and that started off a close friendship that continues to this day. I still take every opportunity to find and photograph intact examples of his work because I have a strong admiration for his work.
Bill is one of the few designers or architects who was able to successfully deliver on the promise of modernism - to provide a better way of living and making it accessible and affordable to everyone.
Q:In your photos, you have a lot of "modern" architecture, and MCM architecture. Is this your favorite genre of design? If not, what is?
A:Yes, it most definitely is. MCM is my first love, and I appreciate contemporary modern design - especially when it demonstrates a clear lineage with MCM. But I do appreciate pretty much every sort of architectural style, and will take pictures of it if the mood strikes me.
About the only styles I really hate are post-modernism and the pseudo-historical stuff - like so many of the Spanish/Tuscan/Georgian/Colonial McMansions and tract homes that have popped up all over the place in the past decade.
Q:I find your photography to be very good. How did you pick up photography?
A:Thank you! I grew up loving photography as a child and took lots of courses on it in high school and college. I received my first SLR (a Yashica FX-7) when I was twelve. I was photographer on our school newspaper and spent a good part of my high school years in the darkroom. I also worked briefly in college as a darkroom tech.
But for a period in the 90s, I had stopped taking pictures entirely and didn't pick up a camera for years. When I moved to France in 1994, I didn't even bring a camera with me! But it was my interest in documenting MCM architecture that drove me back into it after a long hiatus.
Although I had a lot of previous experience in photography, I found I had to relearn a lot. Digital cameras behave quite differently from film. Also, architectural photography is a very precise field with its own set of rules and even subculture, which also requires a lot of specialized photographic equipment.
Initially, I was just taking snapshots of buildings. But the work of photographers such as Julius Shulman and Ernie Braun had such a big influence on my own perception and appreciation of modernism that I decided to teach myself architectural photography and acquired the tools to do it properly.
Q:In one of your comments, you mentioned that you don't like to use HDR, is there a specific reason why? Just curious...
A:Yeah, I understand its a matter of personal taste but I personally find that most HDR looks awful. It hurts my eyes to look at. If its done right,I do appreciate the extra dynamic range it can provide to a photograph. But most HDR photos I see don't look natural, and I really don't like the explosion of weird colors and surreal lighting that is the usual result.
Maybe it's because I learned the old fashioned way in a darkroom, but I much prefer dodging and burning to HDR. I think it looks a lot more natural and pleasing to the eye.
Q:Back on subject. Do you have any other artistic outlets?
A:I also paint on occasion when the mood strikes me. There are several examples of my paintings that can be seen in my house - notably the picture of the bull in my bedroom.
Q:Who is your favorite Mid-Century Designer of any genre?
A:Well, I've already talked about my admiration for Bill Krisel - as both a person and an architect. I'd have a hard time narrowing it down to just one, though. In architecture, my favorites are simple post & beam designs with lots of glass that have an almost zen-like, japanese sense of calm and peacefulness. Some of my favorite examples of this are Buff & Hensman's Thompson / Moseley Residence and their collaboration with Cal Straub for the Bass Residence (A&A Case Study House #20), Mies's Farnsworth House, Koenig's Stahl House (Case Study #22), Ellwood's Rosen Residence... Actually, about 30 or 40 houses come to mind but I won't bore you with the complete list.
My wife loves concrete brutalism and her list of favorites includes Le Corbusier, Lautner, etc.
Furniture and design-wise, I tend to favor Scandinavian designers, apparently, because my house and wish list contain a lot of Saarinen (ok, he's Finnish-American, I know), Jacobsen, Juhl, Wegner, Kjaerholm...
Q:If you could have any Mid-Century/Mod/Retro object (house, art, furniture, you name it), what would it be?
A:Another hard question, but while we're at it, why not shoot for the moon? I'd say Ossipoff's Blanche Hill House in Honolulu... alas, it's been demolished so that's never going to happen.
Q:Do you have any website's or blogs that you love to visit?
A:I have a list of websites and blogs I try to hit regularly, but don't get to them as often as I'd like. Certainly, yours is on the list, but also:
www.modernsandiego.com
blog.ounodesign.com
deedee914.blogspot.com
www.apartmenttherapy.com
myvintageaddiction.com
www.eichlernetwork.com
www.realphotographersforum.com
www.digitalrev.com
Q:What/Who is your favorite Mid-Century?:
A:Tv series: The Prisoner
A:Movie: Mon Oncle or Playtime by Tati
A:Musician/group: Martin Denny, Les Baxter, Arthur Lyman
Q:When you want Mid-Century, or Mid-Century inspired clothing, where do you look?
A:Mr. California, Ben Sherman, Penguin, Brooks Brothers
Q:As an avid skater of the past, do you still look at places and things and see their potential for skateability?
A:Yes, in fact, although I haven't been on a skateboard in years now. But just today, there was some nice concrete banks in the playground of my daughters school that I was eyeing while we were there for a picnic and I kept thinking about how fun they would have been to skate.
Thanks Darren for taking time out of your weekend to answer a few of my questions. It's been a true pleasure to get to know just a bit more.
I have to say that the interviews that I have done with people (for different reasons) are one of my favorite things to do. Especially when they are very informal, and no one is trying to trick the other person. It's with that in mind that I will continue to bring you interviews with different ones who are interested in all things Mid-Century. Also, because I have enjoyed the outcome of this interview, and because I had so many more questions arise, I will be doing a part 2 of Chimay Bleue's interview in the future. So stay tuned for that. I mean, I never would have thought that one of the answers would lead to him saying he had become friends with the famous architect William Krisel, who also just happened to build his house. Cool right!
If you'd like to get to know Darren and his lovely wife (Darren, I mean that with all due respect.), check out this video below. By the way, I think she should have had a bigger part in the interview. Her accent is just so cool. Know what...? Maybe I won't do a part 2 with Chimay Bleue... Maybe, I'll interview Mrs. Chimay Bleue and get her thoughts on "life, the universe, and everything..." oh yeah, some on Mid-Century too.
If you folks are looking for some information on William Krisel and his architecture, here are some links.
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-krisel14feb14http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-krisel14feb14
http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/February-2009/Masters-of-Modernism-The-Butterfly-Effect/
http://architechnophilia.blogspot.com/2010/03/william-krisel-architect.html
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
Perfect Slabs, What's it all mean?
This is a photo from J Rusten Studio. If you don't know who that is, click his name and find out.
This short blog is to peak your interest and let you see a great looking table. About what...? You just have to wait and see. Oh yeah, if you click the photo you can go to the flickr stream and see the table in full size. It's one of my favorite slab furniture pieces!
This short blog is to peak your interest and let you see a great looking table. About what...? You just have to wait and see. Oh yeah, if you click the photo you can go to the flickr stream and see the table in full size. It's one of my favorite slab furniture pieces!
14 September 2011
Mid-Century Modern House
Mid-Century Modern House, a photo by Chimay Bleue on Flickr.
With photos like this...,is it any wonder I wanted to interview him? Chimay Bleue's interview coming later this week. Still editing for the blog you know. Anyway though, his photos will continue to be posted for the rest of the month! Enjoy the eye candy.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
13 September 2011
A Graphic Look At Fallingwater
A Graphic Look At Fallingwater
You folks really need to check these out if you haven't seen them. These graphics are super simple in there color and design, but catch the full effect of the architectural design.
You folks really need to check these out if you haven't seen them. These graphics are super simple in there color and design, but catch the full effect of the architectural design.
Mid-century modern ski chalet
I remember once seeing a post card with this resort on it, and thinking how cool this place is. I'm glad that Chimay Bleue could get this photo. In his other photos of Mammoth on his Flickr set, he mentions that there are less of the MCM designs than there was in '91.
I hate to hear that, but it seems that all to common, the old must yield to the new. Yesterday, I found a Portuguese blog about Mid-Century Modern homes here in Chile that where also demolished for newer construction. It's just a shame.
On to brighter news though, look out for Chimay Bleue's inteview that he did with me. It'll be out in a few more days.
I hate to hear that, but it seems that all to common, the old must yield to the new. Yesterday, I found a Portuguese blog about Mid-Century Modern homes here in Chile that where also demolished for newer construction. It's just a shame.
On to brighter news though, look out for Chimay Bleue's inteview that he did with me. It'll be out in a few more days.
Our Friend The Atom: Understanding The Atomic Age
I just have one thing to ask. Where was this video when I was in school? Man...it came out in the 50's and I was in school in the 80's and 90's. Why didn't they show this to me? I would have actually paid attention, and even more important... Understood.
This video though, does more than explain how the atom works. Sure, it does have some fairly unsettling parts were people are walking around with Uranium and a Geiger Counter like they are harmless. Also, there is the part about how spreading nuclear reactive debris may be a way of producing bigger and better crops, and livestock. Shucks though, those are not important. What's a little radiation amongst friends? More importantly is the way this video makes certain aspects of Mid-Century design even more clear. I mean, who cares about contaminated food, when we can talk about art.
In this video we see just how the focuses of the 50's and early 60's shaped the Mid-Century design
community. Specifically speaking, the modern genre of said community. Thru the studies of these ever impressive organisms that where so new to everyone and even more important to the future, these designers copied what they saw. Sure they elaborated on them, but they did in large, copy nature.
Over the past 5 or so years, I've read and heard a lot about the organic designs that these Mid-Century designers used in there furniture, architecture, and art. However, while I never doubted it, it just never clicked what organic designs they were copying or inspired by. This video not only taught me about the atom, but about the motion and effect on molecules. Thru these things, Mid-Century design became even more apparent to me. Are you a true enthusiast of these retro designs of the Mid-Century/Eames Era? Then, you have to really check out this video (embedded below).
On top of everything else, I found out that there is a very cool vintage book that Disney put out by the same name. I looked it up and there are a number of different prints. Some can be found on Ebay while Amazon seemed to be the only other real good option that I saw. I've really got to quit finding new books with cool Mid-Century illustrations in them. I might just end up buying something...
In case you were wondering. I saw a lot of how Eames, Charles Harper, and others were clearly influenced.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
This video though, does more than explain how the atom works. Sure, it does have some fairly unsettling parts were people are walking around with Uranium and a Geiger Counter like they are harmless. Also, there is the part about how spreading nuclear reactive debris may be a way of producing bigger and better crops, and livestock. Shucks though, those are not important. What's a little radiation amongst friends? More importantly is the way this video makes certain aspects of Mid-Century design even more clear. I mean, who cares about contaminated food, when we can talk about art.
In this video we see just how the focuses of the 50's and early 60's shaped the Mid-Century design
community. Specifically speaking, the modern genre of said community. Thru the studies of these ever impressive organisms that where so new to everyone and even more important to the future, these designers copied what they saw. Sure they elaborated on them, but they did in large, copy nature.Over the past 5 or so years, I've read and heard a lot about the organic designs that these Mid-Century designers
used in there furniture, architecture, and art. However, while I never doubted it, it just never clicked what organic designs they were copying or inspired by. This video not only taught me about the atom, but about the motion and effect on molecules. Thru these things, Mid-Century design became even more apparent to me. Are you a true enthusiast of these retro designs of the Mid-Century/Eames Era? Then, you have to really check out this video (embedded below).On top of everything else, I found out that there is a very cool vintage book that Disney put out by the same name. I looked it up and there are a number of different prints. Some can be found on Ebay while Amazon
seemed to be the only other real good option that I saw. I've really got to quit finding new books with cool Mid-Century illustrations in them. I might just end up buying something... In case you were wondering. I saw a lot of how Eames
, Charles Harper, and others were clearly influenced. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
12 September 2011
11 September 2011
Where Did The Vision Go?
If I was to tell you that I was a Disney fanatic...that would be a lie. At the same time though, I couldn't honestly say, that I don't appreciate vintage Disney.
From an early age, Disney has impacted my life in various ways. The most profound, from childhood on, would be with their animation. Specifically the animated shorts and cartoons of the 30's to the 70's. Of course, those that I always like best were Mickey and friends. Donald's cartoons were great, Mickey's too, but of all the friends, my favorites are still Goofy's "how to's" and "art of" shorts.
Beyond that though, Disney also inspired another aspect of my life. Not just cartoons, or art, but also in futurist and modern design. Don't ask me why, but the guys and gals that worked for Disney had a true vision of the future. All of there films of tomorrow, the education films, and showcases they were involved in, at least the 40's to 60's showed a very imaginative and cool style.
It seems though, that Disney like so many other companies has come to a time where they are just keeping up with the present, or more interested in selling a product that has, or will come out soon, that they don't use the imagination they once did. A good example of this is portrayed in the video embedded. Watch it, and tell me if you don't agree.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
10 September 2011
Book about Paul McCobb
I just ran across this book on accident
I'm pretty sure that I have run across this book before, it's just that there are so many books I would like to own, that I could never get them all. And, I'm just talking about in print books. Don't get me started on all the Mid-Century design and wood working books that are my favorites from that time period. A few people have said that this is probably one of the best books about Paul McCobb's furniture that you will find in reprint. Of course, it's always better to have the original. If you can find it...
09 September 2011
1950s Decorative Plate
This tray that I found on hmdavid's flickr is amazing to me, and I'll tell you why. In general, I find Mid-Century art to be the perfect fit for me. Most of the time it's simple, tells a story, evokes an emotion, explains the function. Also, I find that the pieces that explain something generally are my favorite. Why? Well, let's take this tray for instance. This tray could be, or does multiple things as it is.
First, it's a tray. Form is simple, but designed. Adding just the right amount of embellishment, but not to much. Second, it's not just any tray...it's a food serving tray. How do we know? It tells you so. Third, even though it's all these things, it could simply be put on display as an art piece.
I mean...man, this is everything the Mid-Century, but especially the "modern" side of things were about. Specifically in the Post War era, people still had the "hold on to your money in case..." idea. Most things of the time were designed to be multifunctional. They also were to be sufficiently designed to ad to the overall ambient, but not be wasteful. On top of that, everything simply needed to look good and be of a good quality.
On top all this, I find a since of humor in this kind of art. Now, please understand that I'm not saying that what I'm about to say is what the designer was really thinking. This just comes from my sarcastic mind. Considering the obvious placement of art, it's almost like the designers were kind of making fun of the people using their products. Like they were saying; "Just so you know, this tray is used to carry KITCHEN ITEMS...don't confuse it with a Frisbee." Like I said, I really don't think that's what they were thinking when they came up with the art. It's just so obvious what trays are used for, it seems some what humorous that they would spell it out in an illustrated form. Still though, I'm not complaining, it's just that that always catches my attention. Plus, if you think about it, today designers do the same thing. They write coffee and tea on mugs used for what? Coffee...and tea... What a keen idea. Still, I've done it too, and will probably continue to do it as well.
No matter if they were making fun or not. I'd be super happy to have it sitting in my home telling me that is a food tray. Oh, yeah, those graphics are awesome too.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
First, it's a tray. Form is simple, but designed. Adding just the right amount of embellishment, but not to much. Second, it's not just any tray...it's a food serving tray. How do we know? It tells you so. Third, even though it's all these things, it could simply be put on display as an art piece.
I mean...man, this is everything the Mid-Century, but especially the "modern" side of things were about. Specifically in the Post War era, people still had the "hold on to your money in case..." idea. Most things of the time were designed to be multifunctional. They also were to be sufficiently designed to ad to the overall ambient, but not be wasteful. On top of that, everything simply needed to look good and be of a good quality.
On top all this, I find a since of humor in this kind of art. Now, please understand that I'm not saying that what I'm about to say is what the designer was really thinking. This just comes from my sarcastic mind. Considering the obvious placement of art, it's almost like the designers were kind of making fun of the people using their products. Like they were saying; "Just so you know, this tray is used to carry KITCHEN ITEMS...don't confuse it with a Frisbee." Like I said, I really don't think that's what they were thinking when they came up with the art. It's just so obvious what trays are used for, it seems some what humorous that they would spell it out in an illustrated form. Still though, I'm not complaining, it's just that that always catches my attention. Plus, if you think about it, today designers do the same thing. They write coffee and tea on mugs used for what? Coffee...and tea... What a keen idea. Still, I've done it too, and will probably continue to do it as well.
No matter if they were making fun or not. I'd be super happy to have it sitting in my home telling me that is a food tray. Oh, yeah, those graphics are awesome too.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By using these links you can get what you need/want and help Amidst Mod to continue providing info and inspirations.
08 September 2011
More To Come
Via Flickr:
Sculpture in the lobby of my office building.
Once upon a time, a little while ago, I found Sandiv999's photo stream. I was instantly a fan. Man... that's been a few years ago now. Never the less, Sandi Vincent continues to bring us inspiration. However, I'm not just posting this about Sandi's photo stream. No, it's just that she was the only person, I every got around to doing an interview with. That though is going to change. I'm working on bringing you closer to your MC Community. How so? Well, I'm putting together some questions for a few people I'm going to interview. This way, we get to see why they love mid-century so much. I find the enthusiast to be as interesting as the designers, and the architects. With good reason too. Each person has their own style and quirks. Just make sure you keep your eyes out for this, and in the mean while, check out my interview with Sandiv999. Her Flickr name is very cool to me for some reason, but I don't know why.
Sculpture in the lobby of my office building.
Once upon a time, a little while ago, I found Sandiv999's photo stream. I was instantly a fan. Man... that's been a few years ago now. Never the less, Sandi Vincent continues to bring us inspiration. However, I'm not just posting this about Sandi's photo stream. No, it's just that she was the only person, I every got around to doing an interview with. That though is going to change. I'm working on bringing you closer to your MC Community. How so? Well, I'm putting together some questions for a few people I'm going to interview. This way, we get to see why they love mid-century so much. I find the enthusiast to be as interesting as the designers, and the architects. With good reason too. Each person has their own style and quirks. Just make sure you keep your eyes out for this, and in the mean while, check out my interview with Sandiv999. Her Flickr name is very cool to me for some reason, but I don't know why.
07 September 2011
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern, a group on Flickr.
This Flickr group is a great source of inspiration. There's everything from buildings to decor objects to be inspired by. There is no fault of design here.
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