Art
Art — July 27, 2009
Posted by James
Photographer Xavier Nuez
Photographer Xavier Nuez ventures late at night to places you are warned not to go, drawn to document bleak urban spaces. However, his photographs transcend the gloom and uncover the sublime; while some photos display an aura of foreboding, many reveal an uncanny sense of calm seemingly at odds with reality. Nuez offers a glimpse of his forays into these forbidding realms in the Alley Stories section of his website.
I've been chased by violent street gangs, accosted by crazed addicts and drug dealers, and have been held at gun point. If the police see me lurking in a dark alley, often I am questioned and searched. And yet under these trying conditions, and within the filth and stench of the city's gutters, I find inspiration. With a family history of homelessness and with a belief that I was next, I found the need to create monuments out of these shunned places.
Nuez uses three Hasselblad film cameras, two of which are more than 50-years old. To capture the vivid colors in his images, he shoots with battery-powered lights and colored gels that are combined with long exposures.
Xavier Nuez's photographs have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout the United States and in Canada
A selection of Nuez's photographs will be on exhibition August 24 through September 27, 2009, at the Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts in Tallahassee, Florida.
Link: Xavier Nuez
Slideshow: Alleys
Emeco and Frank Gehry, together again... for a cause
Emeco and Frank Gehry have collaborated in the development a one-of-a-kind large scale bench which will be presented during the Salone del Mobile in Milan, April 22-27 2009. If you want it, you won't be able to just place your order with DWR... Tuyomyo is a unique piece which will be auctioned in December, 2009. Funds raised will go towards the creation a million dollar fund called, Leslie Gehry Brenner Award, to honor Frank’s late daughter in support of the work of the Hereditary Disease Foundation.
For the design, Gehry’s mandate was simple, "The form has to be free and light. It must be structural, and at the same time poetic. And a little dangerous." And indeed it is... the project was truly an experiment pushing the boundaries of aluminum fabrication and paving the way for possible new products. The bench measures 3 meters long, weighs 122 pounds, and is composed of 80% recycled aluminum formed using aircraft manufacturing technology.
Link: Emeco
Link: Hereditary
Disease Foundation
Designer: Frank Gehry
Art — April 16, 2009
Posted by James
Exhibition by Adriean Koleric
HERD is the first solo outing by Edmonton-based designer and L+L friend Adriean Koleric (aka ITEM). The exhibit is the first in a series that will be focusing on early 80's Western Pop Culture and it's enduring influence on today's Designers and Artists.
The installation features the original Star Wars AT-AT (Imperial Walker) designs from The Empire Strikes Back in numerous mediums. The main component is a series of twelve customized AT-AT models. Koleric is interested in architecture and industrial design and how both are influenced by popular culture and nostalgia.
The exhibit opens, April 17th, at Latitude 53 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and runs through May 16th. Congrats, Adriean!
Link: ITEM - HERD by Adriean Koleric
Gallery: Latitude 53
Art — July 24, 2008
Posted by Lorenza
Antony Gormley's iron men installation has found a permanent home on Crosby Beach, Liverpool
Intrigued by the work of Gormley, I went to visit Crosby beach and its new permanent residents [100 of them along a 2mile stretch] few weeks ago with a good friend of mine, for a bit of sunshine and a bit of photography.
Walking on the beach amidst this iron men crowd, it feels they are another part of us, the permanent element of our existence which keeps looking on for questions and answers. You feel compelled to stand side to them and look forward, trying to understand, to visualise what it is they are waiting for, or what it is that they are trying to make us see.
Link: Antony Gormley
Location: L+L Maps - 'Another Place'
Art — April 25, 2008
Posted by Anthony
Transforming pop culture
Featuring the work of Thomas Campbell, Shepard Fairey, Ed Templeton, Barry McGee and others, Beautiful Losers highlights how these artists, with almost no influence from the established art world, have been transforming pop culture.
Link: Beautiful Losers
Via: 70percent.org
Chicago's First Family Holds Court
Chicago collective The Post Family recently wrapped up a showing last month over at Letterform. Served as an unofficial retrospective of the groups work, the exhibit had displayed everything from screen print and letterpress work to post-it note and found object installation as well as photography.
Images after the jump. Enjoy!
Link: The Post Family
Custom Goodness
Brought to you by Milwaukee DJ/Artist The Uncanny Orlow is easily one of the hottest customs seen in sometime.
More images after the jump!
Link: The Uncanny Orlow
The Sculptor Richard Wilson's installation in Liverpool takes by surprise every passer by!
Richard Wilson is regarded as one of the most influential artist/sculptor of the 21st century. English born, he initially trained as a graphic designer but half way through his degree his switched to a Fine Art degree as he realised he was a ‘maker’.
After completion of his academic studies, Wilson returned to London and set base in Butlers Wharf till the early 80’s.
Richard Wilson has always been interested in the relationship between architectural spaces and the changes that can be applied to them, either by people’s interaction, or by the maker or by the manipulation of perception.
One of his most famous pieces, that brought him to be recognized worldwide, is 20:50, which is now permanently exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
Link: Saatchi Gallery
Article: Building Design
Art — October 2, 2007
Posted by James
Paintings inspired by modern design
Michigan based painter Michael Pfleghaar is well known for his interior subjects depicting animated mid-century furniture and accessories, bringing such things as an Eames lounge chair to life. Pfleghaar's new body of work depicts modern landmarks in Palm Springs, California. Pfleghaar skillfully captures the optimistic spirit of his architectural subjects as well as the magical quality of the light and landscape of their environment.
These paintings will be exhibited in a group show at Dezart One Gallery in Palm Springs, October 11-November 11, 2007.
Link: Michael Pfleghaar
Link: Dezart One Gallery.com
Also: Michael Pfleghaar's Online Sketchblog
(ABOVE: "Neutra House" 2007, oil on canvas, 24" x 30"
Art — September 27, 2007
Posted by Anthony
A big idea built of a lot of little pieces
Link: 20x200
The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2007 by Olafur Eliasson and Kjetil Thorsen
A quick round up of the annual Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London... this year by Danish/Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and Norwegian architect Kjetil Thorsen (of architecture firm Snøhetta). The pavilion opens this Friday and will remain on site until November 2007.
A load of articles and images to totally max out your senses... have at it, kids.
Designers:
Olafur Eliasson
Kjetil Thorsen (Snøhetta)
Link: Serpentine Gallery Pavillion 2007
Photo Gallery: Olll
Article: Times - Come for a spin at the Serpentine
Article: Guardian - Magic circle
Article: Telegraph - Serpentine Gallery: A spinning top on an epic scale
Art — August 18, 2007
Posted by Anthony
Relive the days of your model-building youth
I tried my hand at making more than a few models back in the day and if I remember correctly, most of them were abandoned in various stages of completion. Anyway, Jellio Design has created wall art based on the plastic piece which housed all the parts which will definitely take you back to those glory days of sniffing glue model building. Made of polyurethane resin, the piece is 44" x 44" and weighs approx 20lbs. Follow the link for pricing and availability.
Link: Jellio.com
Punching the Renaissance in the Face!
Great posting over at eternallycool of current group exhibit Cracking Art that's taking place at the Cloister of Bramante in Italy until the 29th of July.
The Pink Crocs and red poodle nestled in an old world courtyard is absolute money.
Via: eternallycool
Link: Cracking Art
Entering the realm of the longboard culture is Canadian upstarts Boardeli Longboards.
Hailing from the most unlikeliest of longboard destinations (Edmonton, Alberta)this undettered group has compiled a roster of 15 designers worldwide to create their introductory Series 1 line. The kicker is that these will be limited run pieces at 100 along with a variant design at a low, low run of only 10!
Designers for the start-up line hail from a variety of locations such as Canada, England, Australia, U.S. and Iran. With talents like Dan May, Motomichi Nakamura, Blake Marquis and Jeff Kulak, The group should have no problem generating some decent buzz for this launch.
A small taste of Series 1 after the jump. Enjoy!
Link: Boardeli Main Site
Link: Boardeli Blog
valerydesignwrks hits the wall
Canadian graphic design studio Valerydesignwrks was recently added to the Spot Collection of decorative mural adhesives by ADzif.
The character driven studio has also announced that twice a month, they will be posting a brand new wallpaper featuring new designs and characters "to help give your desktop a fresh and exciting look".
Link: valerydesignwrks
Link: ADzif
Art — June 3, 2007
Posted by Anthony
Art — April 11, 2007
Posted by James
Abstract Oklahoma artist
We were contacted recently by a L+L reader who, while offering compliments, also had a request: more art, please! While not exactly what she had in mind, we are pleased to present the work of that very L+L reader.
I was immediately drawn to Betty's woodcut prints. There is a wonderful quality of space and movement to these pieces, and the craft displayed in creating the prints is marvelous. Betty is based in Cushing, Oklahoma where, in addition to creating her own work, she has the vital and admirable job (especially in this day and age) of expanding the minds of young people as a Middle School Art teacher.
Link: Betty C. Bowen
Sticking it to the man....well actually the wall.
For those of you not buying into this wallpaper revival (you'll all regret this down the road!!) will surely appreciate the alternative brought to you by Pop Cling.
Their peel and stick adhesive art is a great way to revamp a space without committing to a future bitch fest of scraping off old wallpaper.
Pop Cling reproduces art. All kinds of art. For the moment, that mostly means adhesive-backed art that you can peel off and stick to any smooth surface. Some people stick our prints on concrete floors, or on sliding glass doors leading to balconies, or right on the walls behind couches. You don’t need a frame, you just need a blank space. Voila, you have fresh pop art on your wall from new, favorite, and cutting edge artists.
Seen above is Albany, California artist Attaboy's contribution. Detail after the jump.
Link: Pop Cling
Link: Attaboy
Gem from Seattle
Take a moment and check out the eye catching work from Seattle based artist PARSKID. From illustrations to paintings to plush toys, the overall effort is pretty solid.
PARSKID had recently launched a plush figure for MYPLASTICHEART that's appropriately titled myblackheart. Though these have already sold out, MPH also carries a number of handpainted work that's still available.
Link: PARSKID
Link: PARSKID's myspace
Link: MPH
Summer line released
Artist/designer Rob Buttery recently added a fresh new batch of designs to his already eye catching series of wall clocks.
Sporting abit of a Canadian feel to a few of the new pieces, Rob displayed his Summer line at last months THAW exhibit in Edmonton.
Link: Collectiv
"Art is an image to a story. Sometimes simple, other times with purpose"
Canadian Artist Drew Sage Hunter has a solid collection of contemporary paintings. Images range from Canadiana to Star Wars to old Spaghetti westerns that all just somehow fit with one another.
Link: Drew Sage Hunter
Making his Momma proud
Born in Canada, raised in Florida and now residing in Chicago, artist David van Alphen has a portfolio as varied as his place of origin.
Most notable for me is his Photoshift Art series that requires the simple task of cutting up photos and re-assembling them into an obscure piece of art that results in a fairly strong visual.
I also appreciate the humour added to the site with the casual bio as well as comments from his Mother and this gem from his wife......
David's creations are wonderful. If I had a reason to hire him, I would!
Be sure to also check out his Montage Art series as well. Very nice.
Link: DvA Designs
When Art is as sweet as Jazz
I just happened to stumble upon some great work by artist Deborah Grant who recently finished a solo exhibition earlier this month at Roebling Hall Art Gallery in New York.
The galleries site has a few images of Grants work which has been cleverly compared to the way a jazz musician improvises and combines irregular components into one unified composition that she describes as Random Select.
Link: Roebling Hall
Call it a collaboration but just don't call it a collaboration.
Dubbed a "a 7 year experiment", SPACE 1026 is clearly turning into a succesful attempt.
Located in Philadelphia, the 2 storey building that is home to SPACE 1026 has developed into a thriving art scene that provides both studio and gallery space for the cities up and coming community of artists.
It is a network of dozens of artists who‘ve had studios at the Space, past and present. It is dozens of artists who‘ve had shows at the Space over the last 7 years. It is dozens of artists who come to our events, and participate in our community.
Space 1026 is a community - a creative community - not an institution.
The variety of work is amazing with definitely a few head turners. Especially for me is the work by Artist Rachel Vittorelli (seen above) and her series of light fixtures.
Something for everyone.
Link: SPACE 1026
A social oasis in the urban environment... she's electric
Nothing to do with the UK national treasure... the London Oasis is a temporary structure on Clerkenwell Green installed as part of national Architecture Week. It is a kinetic sculpture by architect Laurie Chetwood designed to demonstrate sustainability and renewable energy while providing entertainment, a place for meeting and tranquil space for Londoners. Self-sufficiently powered by solar cells, a hydrogen fuel cell and wind, the Oasis interacts with the environment around it. Shade providing "branches" open and close in response to the weather. Enclosed pods at the base provide a place of seclusion for people to rest with "cleaner cooled air and relaxing sounds." At night the Oasis acts as a beacon in the cityscape with lights which repsond to the movements of people around it. It even uses rainwater it has collected for irrigation and cooling.
Link: London Oasis
Firm: Chetwood Associates
More: MSNBC - Urban 'Oasis' of clean energy lands in London
Britain's Royal Academy of Art not helping the cause.
A base consisting of a slate slab and a stick that was meant to hold up a laughing human head made by British sculptor David Hensel, was mistaken for a work of art itself.
Britain's Royal Academy of Art had recieved the base before the head and made the assumption that this was indeed worthy of displaying in their summer exhibit which was dedicated to emerging artists.
Now the real kicker to this story...the head was actually rejected while the base is actually a go! As far as we know it has yet to be accepted to exhibit along side it's prop.
The old "Eye of the Beholder" bit I guess.
Link: Britain's Royal Academy of Art
Art — June 12, 2006
Posted by James
Abstract California artist
San Francisco Bay Area painter Laura Elisabeth Bauer creates abstract art works exploring nonobjective constructivism on canvas and sculptural forms. She counts modern masters Matisse, Miro, Mondrian, and Picasso among her influences as well as the period from 1920 through the 1950's, especially the abstract female artists Popova, Hepworth, and Hartigan.
There is a frenetic energy to her work which, to me, seems to speak of the modern world and urban/suburban landscapes which we inhabit. Yet there is a calm grounded quality and connection to the past residing in the layered complexity of her work.
She says:
I am learning that there are many ways of expressing creativity, and I remain open to continue in my exploration into the unknown. I not only enjoy looking to the past for inspiration but I also enjoy revisiting my old work and taking it a step further, using the old and integrating it with the new.
Link: California Modern Art Gallery
Exhibition and dialogue on contemporary art and artists and their role in the future of metropolitan Phoenix
An exhibit at the Arizona State University Art Museum in Tempe, Arizona running September 9, 2006 - January 27, 2007.
New American City: Artists Look Forward will explore the role of artists and the art produced in urban development and revitalization contexts.
What is the role of art and visual culture in the city's current development, and in its future?
The artists selected for the exhibition were recently announced at an event that took place on the farm/art project of Arizona artist Matthew Moore.
Link: ASU Art Museum - New American City
Art — May 4, 2006
Posted by James
Topographic sculptures and installations
London based artist Joanna Sands bridges the realms of art and architecture by creating contextual sculptures which challenge and inform the perception of space. She began making large temporary sculptural installations in abandoned buildings in 1993, often using found materials. The use of dilapidated structures as a canvas brings to mind the work of Gordon Matta-Clark - the appropriation and investigation of cast off places. By making visually simple alterations to found spaces, Joanna subverts the spatial expectations of the viewer. These early pieces were ephemeral: constructed, documented, experienced as the venue for a "viewing" party, and then dismantled.
More recently, Sands has begun to undertake commissions for permanent installations and has displayed some of the research models developed in the course of designing her site-specific work. The piece shown at right is located in Joanna's own studio.
Sands' work will be on exhibition 20th May to 10th June at the Optician Gallery in London.
Link: Joanna Sands
Art — March 21, 2006
Posted by James
Photographs of environmentally impacted landscapes
I know that I've seen Photographs by David Maisel before - his striking landscape images are impossible to forget - but it was just last week that I came across his wonderful "Oblivian" series of aerial photos of Los Angeles at Polar Inertia and decided then and there that I must contact David and feature his work on L+L.
There is just something in the air, and it turns out that Mr. Maisel's work is a very popular topic these days; I learned from David that Geoff Manaugh of BLDGBLOG was working on an interview to be featured at Archinect; and it is an excellent interview. And there is much more to see on David Maisel's website and at the Von Lintel Gallery as well.
Link: David Maisel
Link: Von Lintel Gallery - New York
Link: Lake Project
Site specific installations at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, one of the first outdoor sculpture parks in the country, is seeking site-specific installations from artists, architects, landscape architects who integrate notions of point of view, landscape, architecture and art. Proposals featuring collaborative and interactive concepts as well as green/organic architecture will be given special attention. Stone Quarry Hill is unique in its mission of showcasing emerging and established artists whose work focuses on the relationships between art and nature.
Deadline is September 1, 2006.
Link: Stone Quarry Hill
- Site/Sight: Landscape & Architecture
Via: Archinect
Art — March 4, 2006
Posted by James
Urban fragment images
City of Sound's Dan Hill has created some wonderfully layered photo composite images of cityscapes, one of which is featured in Artkrush's current Architecture and Design issue.
Great stuff... congrats on the publication, Dan.
Link: City fo Sound - Fragments gallery
Link: City of Sound - Artkrush features fragment
Don't judge a book by its cover...
Gregory Colbert’s photography and motion picture exhibit “Ashes and Snow” opened about a month ago along the Santa Monica Pier. It is housed in a rather extravagant temporary structure designed by Shigeru Ban, in which it will be traveling the world. The stacked shipping containers, the 30’ high cardboard columns, and the exquisite lighting of the space and the art all come together to create a cathedral-like space and striking experience. The visitor is lead over a wooden deck in the center of the structure, while the walls and ceiling are dipped into darkness due to the careful lighting design. The prints appear to hover between the evenly spaced columns, which makes for a beautiful procession.
Ban’s work with recyclable and reusable materials has fascinated me for many years, and this project does not fall short by any means. As for the photography and the films that are displayed inside… that is a different story.
Link: Ashes_and_Snow
Link: Shigeru_Ban
Ashes and Snow Images ©Gregory Colbert *
Art, Urban — February 20, 2006
Posted by James
Derelict. Dilapidated. Discover. - Interventions in urban decay
Detroit is one of the most spectacular examples of boom and bust in the United States - once opulent and then blighted - this capital of the Rust Belt is one of the nation's fastest shrinking cities and prime example of the phenomenon of "white flight" and, subsequently, sprawl. Large numbers of buildings and homes have been abandoned and many have been torn down or have fallen down and cleared away. Yet many vacant buildings remain in various states of decay.
Preceding the recent Super Bowl held in Detroit, an anonymous group calling themselves the DDD Project (Detroit. Demolition. Disneyland.) began targeting highly visible abandoned structures for intervention. Marked with a circled "D" in chalk by the city for demolition by the city years prior, the DDD Project transformed the houses, creating highlights within a context of depression, with a coat of bright orange paint, covering every surface of the facade: "Every detail is accentuated through the unification of color. Broken windows become jagged lines. Peeling paint becomes texture."
Link: The Detroiter - Paint the Town Orange
Link: Michigan Radio - Urban Blight Gets a Paint Job
More: dETROIT fUNK - D.D.D.
More dETROIT fUNK - Tiggeriffic
More: hamtramck star
Via: Metafilter
Art, Events — February 12, 2006
Posted by James
Interactive experiences inspired by the dramatic natural beauty of the alps and the athletic competitions of the Winter Olympics
We Clipped an article in the NY Times a bit over a week ago about curator Lance Fung's Snow Show, the interdisciplinary collaboration of art and architecture on the slopes at Sestriere, site of current Torino Winter Olympic cometitions. New images are now online showing the completed works of snow and ice.
Investigating and bridging art and architecture, the Snow Show pairs artists and architects together to create ephemeral works from snow and ice. This year's show explores a more southern latitude and environment from previous incarnations of the snow show, and folds athletic competition into the design considerations. Indeed the entry by Carsten Höller with Tod Williams and Billie Tsien takes this notion to the limit with their participatory design.
Participating teams are:
Paola Pivi & Cliostraat
arsten Höller & Tod Williams and Billie Tsien
Jaume Plensa & Norman Foster
Yoko Ono & Arata Isozaki
Kiki Smith & Lebbeus Woods
Daniel Buren & Patrick Bouchain
The show opened February 6 and runs through March 19, 2006. Photos of "melting" will be posted on the Snow Show website later...
Link: The Snow Show
This article has been removed and is no longer available.
Jellio: Fun By Design
The 70's were colourful and plastic as a kid and Mario Marsicano and Chris Lenox of Jellio have captured that childhood aesthetic in their furniture and art collections. Their Turbo line takes its inspiration from the Revell car model kits; remember the plastic snap-off pieces? The Jellio version is wall mounted and made from aluminum-filled polyurethane resin with a metallic silver finish. I was delighted to find Rockem Sockem Robots commemorated in an end table; they were a personal favorite, but they also make a "Light Britesque" table, squirt gun art and more. Jellio truly is fun by design.
Link: Jellio [Thanks, Mario!]
Michael Wolf on Hong Kong
Michael Wolf is a photographer who captures the residential condition of Hong Kong as a portrait of both density and abandonment. The repetitive patterns of apartment buildings showcases order at its most extreme producing a visual lull that is both attractive and arresting. The majority of images were captured at unknown heights creating a boundlessness that is uncomfortable, but outweighed by the intrigue. Michael Wolf's truly engaging study can be found in Kenneth Baker and Douglas Young's Hong Kong: Front Door / Back Door.
Link: Polar Inertia
Link: Hong Kong: Front Door/ Back Door
Art — November 2, 2005
Posted by James
Black and white pinhole photography
I have tried my hand at pinhole photography, and as simple as the technology is, it takes a mastery of technique to achieve good results. And Rob Gardiner is obviously an all around expert photographer and has made an art of pinhole photography. Rob's explanation of a pinhole camera:
A box with a tiny pinprick-sized hole and a piece of film, it has no lens, no shutter, no cable release, no meter, and no viewfinder.
Rob has a current series of photos following the route of London's Circle Line and features many other wonderful images on his site as well.
Link: Rob Gardiner's nyclondon.com
Via: Things
A festival of Architecture and Music in Toronto
In June 2006, New Music Arts Projects presents soundaXis, a city-wide festival celebrating architecture, music and acoustics that will transform Toronto into a playground of sound and space exploration. For two weeks, the city will be alive with concerts, interdisciplinary installations, symposia, screenings and site-specific musical events. Events will be held across the city, presented and hosted by many of Toronto’s most innovative arts organizations.
June 1-11, 2006
Link: SoundaXis
Link: Iannis Xenakis
Art — October 16, 2005
Posted by James
A naked eye observatory outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Last December we were inspired by an article in The Guardian to make a post about various earthworks including Star Axis by Charles Ross. And we ran across a nice piece on Star Axis posted today by BLDGBLOG. After poking around a bit more, we found several good links regarding Star Axis for your browsing pleasure.
Charles Ross conceived of Star Axis in 1971, and the Chupinas Mesa site in New Mexico was obtained in 1975.
Star Axis is an architectonic earth/star sculpture constructed with the geometry of the stars; earth-to-star alignments built to human scale. It offers an intimate experience of how the earth's environment extends into the space of the stars.
Link: Star Axis
Coords: N35°15.862, W105°05.217 (13E 492090 3902362N) [via]
Via: BLDGBLOG - Roadhenge
More links:
Link: Eyestorm - Charles Ross Star Axis
Link: Exploratorium - Light and Landscape (Real and Quicktime movies)
Link: Collector's Guide - Star Axis – A Theatre in the Sky
Reference: Earthworks revealed (L+L)
Reference: Satell(s)iteseeing (L+L)
Art, Events — October 11, 2005
Posted by James
Photography exhibition
The Getty Research Institute has acquired the complete photography archive of Julius Shulman and will be exhibiting some of the collection in the Research Institute Exhibition Gallery at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Opening today and running through January 22, 2006.
This exhibition will confirm Julius Shulman's place as one of the 20th century's most influential visual historians of modern architecture and the Los Angeles region. Shulman is world renowned for creating iconic images of Richard Neutra's Kaufmann House (1947) in Palm Springs and Pierre Koenig's Case Study House (1960) in the Hollywood Hills.
Exhibit: Julius Shulman, Modernity and the Metropolis
Link: Getty Research Library - Julius Shulman Resources
Art, Kitchen — September 27, 2005
Posted by Deborah
Simplicity x function = popularity
A funny thing happened while browsing though the many aisles of Hot Property, a mecca for things Modern in the city of Toronto, I spied some glass containers that were in a locked cabinet. I have been on the hunt for glass containers, with plastic getting so much bad press these days, and inquired as to their price. The shop-keep told me that while he wasn't sure of their exact price, they were in fact "thousands, and thousands of dollars". It turns out that they were original Wilhelm Wagenfeld Kubus stacking containers from ca. 1935.
Wagenfeld studied at the Bauhaus school and produced these simple containers after he left. They were manufactured as sets of seven, with interchangeable lids that were meant to be used as both storing and serving pieces. In true Bauhaus style serial repetition and function led to their extreme popularity, hence the myriad of replicas available on the market today.
Link: Metropolitan Museum
Art — September 15, 2005
Posted by Deborah
Models made for the camera
Model making and photography have a symbiotic relationship. In model making the idea is to create something that resembles real life, but there's no doubting that it is a model when it is in front of you. But add a camera and some light, and that which is real becomes less obvious. Minimiam is a project that plays with our minds as much as it plays with its subject. The team of Akiko Ida and Pierre Javelle have produced a series of unordinary and extraordinary photos from their unusual models that delight as much as they confuse. While there's no doubting the cupcake is in fact a cupcake, the camera allows us to entertain the possibility of a cupcake world and cupcake workers.
Link: Minimiam
Via: Design Sponge
Martha Sturdy and the art of casting resin
Martha Sturdy is a Vancouver BC master of casting resin. People who have worked with resin say that it is a substance that you love to hate, and hate to love and that the unexpected is bound to happen, which is not always a good thing. But Sturdy, who graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design back in the early 80's, has spent years dedicating her professional career to the control and manipulation of resin, a dedication that has yielded polymeric magnificence at a very large scale.
Link: Martha Sturdy
Art, Events — August 25, 2005
Posted by James
Creating Sculptures from the Ornamental Systems of Sullivan
This exhibition at the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, Illinois, runs August 28 - October 8, 2005.
A new series of works that manipulate the decorative patterns found in the Chicago area landmarks by the architect Louis Sullivan. An updated version of Sullivan’s mantra "form follows function", Williams insists that "form functions as structure'. Williams injects these sculptures with shapes excavated from our city’s landscape and freed from their facades provoking the viewer to reconsider the decorative features that surround us.
Link: Hyde Park Art Center - Bernard Williams
Art — July 21, 2005
Posted by John T. Unger
Form in Motion
I found Judith Wrend's work while researching mobiles, but what really grabbed my eye are her sculptures and wall-hanging works. One pretty much expects color, playfulness and an exquisite sense of balance from artists working in kinetic sculpture— it's just part of the genre. With over thirty years of focus on kinetic work, Judith has certainly got those basics down cold.
What sets her apart from most of the post-Calder crowd is a flair for composition. Her linear elements do more than just hold planes in space, as so often happens with mobiles. She incorporates line as an integral gesture, signaling motion even in static work. While some of her work falls into the category of pure abstraction derived from the play of balanced forces of motion, the most interesting pieces are those which readily display her fascination with forms as they occur in the natural environment.
Judith Wrend Studio
Art — July 21, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Stainless steel and copper tubs
Art — July 19, 2005
Posted by James
Isabelle Pateer's Other Waeyes Portfolio
I have had a long standing fascination with construction sites... not unusual for a person of the architectural persuasion, I suppose. Sometimes I actually find unfinished buildings to be more interesting than the finished product.
Dutch photographer Isabelle Pateer features some wonderful images of construction sites as part of her portfolio.
Link: Other Waeyes Portfolio
Via: Things Magazine
Landscape installation
This simple landscape installation deals with the inevitable transformation of designed spaces by the people who inhabit and use them. It speaks to a larger issue in the design world in a way that resonates with us.
Montréal based architect Hal Ingberg (and fellow SCI-Arc alumnus) designed a piece that acknowledges and reinforces the traces of unplanned movements to and from a building at the Université de Montréal.
These traces mark the most natural and firect path of movement to and from the building. However, they have not been designed as part of the building's landscape strategy. Marked by the footprints of numerous building users, they are in effect blemishes, inscribed as corrections to the formalized movement sequence.
We can all personally attest to this non-orthogonal tendency as it pertains to human movement. Historically, it has been employed as an opportunity to inflect richly upon architectural space.
Link: Hal Ingberg
Limited-edition street banners
Apparently I'm not alone in the notion of seeing a museum banner hanging from a streetpole and thinking how great that would look hanging in my living room. BetterWall took that idea and turned it into a business. On their website, you can purchase banners advertising an Ansel Adams gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago or Warhol's exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. But these aren't just reproductions of those banners, they are the real deal.
" All of BetterWall’s beautiful banners are the real McCoy! They have been displayed on streetlamp posts and museum facades in cities across the country. Made of vinyl or heavy-weight canvas, the banners are well-equipped to withstand outdoor display.
All banners are in excellent condition with no rips, tears, fading or large blemishes. Minor surface blemishes or other slight signs of wear do not detract from the beauty of the images and add to the banners’ value and authentic charm. Some banners have wind-slits, small half-moon shaped cuts that allow the banners to withstand high wind without ripping."
To date, BetterWall has helped their museum partners keep 10 tons of vinyl out of landfills. Also, by purchasing a banner from BetterWall, you are also supporting the arts, as a percentage of proceeds is returned to the museum featured on the banner. Great idea, guys!
Link: BetterWall [Thanks, Nora!]
Art — June 7, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Emphasizing light, line, and color
Most photographers that specialize in landscape photography tend to focus on sharp images showing crisp detail and perfect exposure. On the other hand Frank Grisdale prefers just the opposite. He prefers the handheld exposure to the tripod, allowing colors to merge and overlap each other, "drawing with light" as he calls it.
"Most photographs are the result of shooting long hand held exposures. As the camera moves in my hands, real life's fine details begin to merge, overlap, and cancel out on the film, resulting in work which might have been drawn or painted by an early Impressionist."
Intriguing work, Frank!
Link: Frank Grisdale Photography
Achitectural lino cut prints
We really like the clean graphic quality and compostion of these lino prints by London-based printmaker and illustrator Paul Catherall. His designs are inspired by classic 20th century poster desgin, Soviet propaganda art and artists such as William Nicholson.
His subjects include many modern and historic architectural constructs from London and New York, capturing momumental impressions of everyday urban experience.
The lino cuts are printed on 100% cotton acid free paper with the finest quality oil based inks. Limited edition prints are available for purchase through Paul's website.
Link: Paul Catherall
Via: I Like
Garden-as-a-sculpture and sculpture-as-a-garden
My smart cousin who is a student at Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburg tipped me off to this new campus garden designed in collaboration by artist Mel Bochner and landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh.
The garden is a physical manifestation of Carnegie Mellon's multidisciplinary philosophy, a communal crossroads of the arts, business, science and humanities. The garden is an intimate gathering space and a foil to the large formal lawns, quads and early 20th-century Beaux Arts architecture that dominate the campus.
The University has a wonderful website that provides extensive information about the design, the players and the plantings, as well as information about how to visit.
Link: Kraus Campo
Artist: Mel Bochner
Firm: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
Art — March 4, 2005
Posted by James
More photography... and more from Peter Baker
It must be photography week here at Land+Living - first the work of eco-artist Kathryn Miller who photo-documents her field projects, then photographer Chris Jordan yesterday, and our photo spread on Groundswell. To top it off, this morning Peter Baker, who we featured back in June, paid us a visit to let us know about his new site: TreeMeat.
We liked his stuff then, and we like it now. Mmmm... TreeMeat... tasty. Seriously, take a look for yourself. Tasty, right?
Link: TreeMeat
Reference: Peter Baker
Art — March 3, 2005
Posted by James
The phenomenon of American consumerism
We were blown away by the images of Seattle based photographer Chris Jordan when we ran across his website over at Archinect.
In large-format color, these images take the viewer on a tour behind the façade of the American Dream into the underbelly of our consumer society, where the vast cumulative effects of our individual consumer choices are visible. These images invite viewers to consider the complexity and scale of the consumerism issue, and to evaluate their own role in the consumptive process.
Chris's photographs are sublimely beautiful and haunting.
Link: Chris Jordan Photography
Art — March 2, 2005
Posted by James
Eco-artist
One of the strongest influences from my college education was my exposure to the works of artist Kathryn Miller at Pitzer College. The concepts and perspectives behind her art struck a deep chord with me, and are an influence in my thinking to this day - a philosophy of working with the land.
Kathryn is both an artist and biologist and is particularly concerned with the importance of place - local ecology, native species, and the natural condition. Many of her projects are interventions which work with ecological systems, while others are commentary dealing with issues of ecological concern. Based in Southern California Kathryn's projects are inspired by local issues such as arid landscapes, urban sprawl and non-native species - from guerilla re-vegetation to lawn life-support, etc.
My work is not about beauty but about challenging the "notion" of beauty that prevails as a general aesthetic in our culture.
Link: greenmuseum.org - Kathryn Miller
Art — February 23, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Minimalist metal artwork
Miya Ando Stanoff is a minimalist metal artist who creates artwork on metal canvases. She utilizes traditional metalworking techniques such as grinding, sanding, and the application of heat, along with acids, solvents and metal-based pigments to create varied textures on her canvases. In the right setting, her work will really stand out.
Miya Ando Stanoff is a minimalist metalworker; employing steel and pigment to create quiet, meditative environments. Working solely in two-dimensional metal panels, she is ultimately interested in the study of subtraction to the point of purity, simplicity and refinement.
Update: Her work is on display at Zinc Details in San Francisco through February 28th.
Update II: Received a Ligne Roset SF installation shot from Miya today (2/25), thanks! (see below)
Link: Miya Ando Stanoff [Thanks, Miya!]
Link: MocoLoco San Francisco
Link: Zinc Details
Noguchi landscape in Costa Mesa, California
Designed by the famed American sculptor Isamu Noguchi with landscape architect Ken Kammeyer in 1980, this is a remarkable work tucked between office two towers and a parking garage.
I was in Orange County yesterday and I made a point to seek out this famous garden which I have overlooked many times before. I knew that it was hidden away somewhere amongst the office towers and car-oriented avenues, and the discovery of this calm pedestrian space upon exiting a typical parking garage was at once calming and mind-blowing.
So now, at least ten years after I was made aware of this landscape, I have finally been there... and I took lots of pictures for your perusal. This description of the garden is is far more in depth than our synopsis.
| Visit: | South Coast Plaza Town Center |
| | 611 Anton Blvd |
| | Costa Mesa, California |
| UPDATE 5/5/10: The landscape architect leads tours twice per year; contact Ken Kammeyer for upcomming dates. [Thanks, Ken!] |
Link: Noguchi Museum - California Scenario
Landscape Architect: Kammeyer and Associates
Reference: Isamu Noguchi Stamps (Land+Living)
Reference: The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (Land+Living)
Art on the landscape
A recent article in the Guardian by Sean Thomas talks about the history of land art and three important works nearing completion: Michael Heizer's City, Charles Ross's Star Axis and James Turrell's Roden Crater (web site under construction).
While the article just barely scratches the surface of the opening question -- "Is it a monumental way to adorn the planet - or just arrogant vandalism?" -- the article is still worth a read.
Article: Guardian - This epic Earth
Other land art links:
Link: Richard Long
Link: Irish Sky Garden - James Turrell
Link: Lightning Field - Walter De Maria
Link: Robert Smithson
Link: Spiral Jetty - Robert Smithson
Reference: Andy Goldsworthy (Land+Living)
Reference:
Satell(s)iteseeing (Land+Living)
German artist
Susanne Lorenz is a Berlin based artist who's work explores the boundaries of landscape, architecture, urbanism and the public realm. Her projects include a wide variety of installations, public sculpture, objects, and architectural projects.
Link: Susanne Lorenz (German)
Functional works of art created from discarded road signage
We've always had a fascination with the bold graphics and colors of road signs, but not so much in the frat house aesthetic kind of way... though we have to admit there is something intriguing about the idea of bringing signs into the home. Now we've found a way to satisfy that desire: road signs repurposed as functional objects!
Borris Bally ingeniously maintains the pleasingly primitive aspects of this notion; he reclaims the material but sublimely transforms its utility. His pieces include furniture, tableware, jewelry, etc.
I attempt to produce pieces of technical integrity and rich content. The rhythmic quality of design elements in my work become specific metaphors for strength and stability, as well as the danger and pain of life, while maintaining a disarming edge of humor.
Artist: Borris Bally
Link: Guild
Art — September 4, 2004
Posted by James
Architectural and documentary photographer
Brian Rose has photographed the work of many notable architects including Philip Johnson, Cesar Pelli, Aldo Rossi, Helmut Jahn, and MVRDV just to name a few. A browse through his online portfolio is interesting and impressive.
Rose's website also features a powerful photo series entitled The Lost Border which documents the Iron Curtain and Berlin Wall before and after the fall of the Soviet Union. The Lost Border is set to be published this fall by Princeton Architectural Press.
Link: Brian Rose
A brilliant online photo log
This is the nicest web photo log we've seen since Franzen and Karpova's Japan Sections.
A beautiful collection of images in a well designed immersive web environment.... it reminds me of a class at SCI-Arc, Seeing LA (which no longer seems to be part of the curriculum). Actually, Piperboy reminds me of the damned over achievers in my class who always went above and beyond not only capturing some of the nicest images, but blew everyone else away with their presentations... the ones from who the rest of us would steal inspiration.
I always enjoy seeing another designer's perspective and understanding of physical environments. Thanks for sharing, Piperboy.
Link: Piperboy's travel scrapbook
Via: Coudal
Photographer and graphic designer.
Recently while browsing the web for new prints, I came across the gallery of Abba Richman. I was drawn to many of Abba's prints, primarly because of his composition and how he captures the bold colors of many objects that we see, and perhaps ignore, everyday. His "Alphabet Series" (featured at right) is a wonderful photo essay using common everyday items to recreate the alphabet.
"There is nothing to be invented in our visual world, it's all there. I shy away from photographing glorious sunsets, flowers, animals and beautiful things (or people). I find myself again and again looking at ordinary everyday objects, at garbage, old things, discarded junk, stuff lying around and at the man in the street; looking at things really close up and trying to find beauty in their colour and form. Sometimes I find that beauty, more often I don't. Now and then I am satisfied with what I have photographed, occasionally very satisfied and sometimes... well, I just start again and continue looking."
Link: Abba Richman
Art — August 18, 2004
Posted by Anthony
"On the edge of the woods"
Nori Morimoto is a wood-sculptor based in Vermont. He draws inspiration from his surroundings, from the changing seasons, and from nature.
"[It is in his Vermont studio that] Nori ultimately finds solace and peace. Perhaps a painter might trap the elements in the flat of a canvas, but Nori's wall sculptures tame the elements in three-dimensional form. His carpenter beginnings lead him to make furniture as art and then art as furniture, and the evolution continues. Whether he is cutting, planing, carving, sandblasting, burning, or pressing his native wood, Nori looks to redefine his understanding of nature, the raw force at odds with the terrible beauty of a striving humankind. Nori is on the edge of the woods, looking out to us and bringing us the secret of the forest."
Link: Nori Morimoto
Art — July 10, 2004
Posted by James
The museum in New York has reopened to the public following a two and a half year renovation
The Isamu Noguchi Museum, designed by the artist before his death, has been renovated and reopened. The museum features a comprehensive collection of Noguchi's works and also features exhibitions on other artist and designers. The museum is located in Long Island City, Queens.
Noguchi was a sculptor of all materials: stone, light, sound, paper, wood, metal, water, etc. creating wonderful objects, landscapes, spaces and experiences.
Visit: Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum
Art, News — July 9, 2004
Posted by James
Millennium Park sculpture by Anish Kapoor is revealed
Weblog "A Daily Dose of Architecture" is showing two images of the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago's Millennium which has been uncovered in preparation for the park's grand opening festivities... check it out.
Link: A Daily Dose of Architecture
Reference: Chicago's Millennium Park
Art — June 26, 2004
Posted by James
Chicago-based photographer/designer
When we saw the work of this young photographer, we felt as if we had found a kindred spirit... though one who is truly a photographer and not just someone who loves to document everything with photographs as we do. Some of his work made us think of the photographs we love by Charles and Ray Eames. We truly admire Pete's eye for capturing the extraordinary, humorous, and sublime in the ordinary environments that surround us.
In addition to his own very nicely designed online portfolio, some of his work is featured on fStopImages.
Peter Baker is disarming. The youngest contributor to the fStop collection, his work is a synthesis of studied professionalism and youthful exuberance.
Link: Peter Baker Photography
Link: fStopImages
The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts
Sam Maloof is well known as a master craftsman and designer of contemporary furniture. His works are featured in the permanent collections of many of museums, including, the Smithsonian, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Art Museum, Boston's Museum of Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Now through the Maloof Foundation, the Maloof's home in Alta Loma, California (east of Los Angeles), is open to the public. The home evolved over many years and was crafted by Sam Maloof as if it were a giant piece of furniture.
Link: Maloof Foundation
Book: Amazon
Art — June 11, 2004
Posted by Anthony
Artist. Dog.
"Tillamook Cheddar is a Jack Russell Terrier from Brooklyn, New York. She is widely regarded as the world’s preeminent canine artist. In her native New York City she has already had six solo exhibitions. Tillie is five years old.
In April 2002 Tillie worked with 25 humans in an incredible feat of interspecial collaboration: the COLLAROBATIONS exhibition, presented at The National Arts Club.
Last year the artist reached another milestone, the first inclusion of her work in a museum exhibition—PETROPOLIS at the New-York
Historical Society."
Artist: Tillamook Cheddar
Via: Artbox Project
Art — June 9, 2004
Posted by James
Painting, sculpture and found-object mixed media
"Andrew Lindell is a carpenter and self-taught artist currently living in Toronto. He draws his inspiration from his extensive traveling in the Canadian arctic and his love and concern for the environment."
We haven't really featured any artists on L+L, but this one caught our attention. He's an environmentally aware carpenter turned artist, and that just seems interesting...... and maybe we're having a bit of snow withdrawls now that summer is here, and we saw the painting entitled "Powder" as well as the two pieces featuring skiers, so that tipped the scale in favor of featuring Mr. Lindell. At any rate, an interesting collection of work inspired by nature.
Link: Andrew Lindell
Link: 
Link: