Today’s artist spotlight is on the American Modern artist, Charley Harper. He was born on the family farm in Frenchton, West Virginia, on August 4, 1922. Growing up, he not only had the farm to explore, but also the Appalachian hills, where he spent time wandering the land and observing the wildlife. This upbringing suited …
Category: Design
Jul 22 2022
George Nelson, Designer of the Architecturally Stunning Nelson Bench
While avoiding a rainstorm, Nelson ducked into the architecture school building to stay dry. While walking through the building he stumbled across an exhibit called “A Cemetery Gateway”. After, unfolded his interest and progression in the field of architecture. During his time as an undergraduate, he was published in press pieces called “Pencil Points” and …
Dec 17 2021
Shiny Brite Ornaments: The History of a Holiday Classic
The invention of Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments was a result of World War II. Christmas trees adorned with sparkling glass balls were popular with Americans. Germany and Japan were the major importer of glass ornaments in the 1930’s. American businessman Max Eckart had been importing Christmas tree ornaments into the U.S. from Germany since 1907. …
Aug 26 2021
A History of Midcentury Modern Furniture Design
The period between the end of World War II and the early 1960s brought a period of optimism and prosperity to America. John F. Kennedy becomes president, a man flies into space, and it seemed like a time when anything was possible. Gio Ponti and Carlo di Carli added sensuousness to furniture not seen since …
May 28 2021
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Is Building an Impressive Collection
During recent months, the Louvre Abu Dhabi quietly added some impressive pieces to its collection, including a rare Georges de la Tour painting, Girl Blowing on a Braisier (La Fillette au braisier), and Between Darkness and Light (Entre chien et loup) by Marc Chagall, along with 25 other pieces. Another exciting acquisition is a selection …
May 26 2021
Coastal Rainforest Meets Mid-Century in the Edgemont Greenbelt Home
This single family home was designed with to welcome in the sunlit treetops of the North Vancouver, Canada coast, and made with clean lines and decorative touches in line with the mid-century feel that the owners love. Edgemont Greenbelt’s architecture is by Shelter Design and Blackfish Homes, offering generous views of the coastal rainforest surrounding …
May 18 2021
Artist Spotlight: Chiaki Okada
Today we are celebrating the illustrations of Japanese artist Chiaki Okada. She has illustrated books by different authors around the world, including a book by her husband, Ko Okada, called Rabbit and Freckle (Кролик и Веснушка). Chiaki Okada has a unique talent for capturing the innocent beauty of childhood home life as well as imaginative childhood themes. …
May 12 2021
Artist Spotlight: Dale Chihuly Glass Art
Today we are celebrating one of the world’s most talented blown glass artists, Dale Chihuly, who has a number of amazing exhibits around the United States to be seen. Many of these photos are from both permanent installations and traveling exhibits, and it’s fascinating to see how some of the same sculptures give different impressions in …
Mar 29 2020
Vera Lutter: The Museum in her Camera Obscura
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) posted an interesting piece on the camera obscura photography of New York’s Vera Lutter. A camera obscura is a darkened room where an external image is projected through a tiny hole with a convex lens, and inverted as an internal image in the dark room. Lutter uses this …