Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa (黒川 紀章) was born on April 8th, 1924 in Kanie, Aichi, and was a founding father of the Metabolist movement of architecture. The idea of the 1960’s post-war Metabolist movement was to create megastructures that honored organic and biological growth. One of his most unique designs is the Nakagin Capsule Tower, which houses both …
Category: Design
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. …
Nov 25 2021
Artist Spotlight: Charley Harper
We hope our American friends have a very happy Thanksgiving today! 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 …
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 …
Aug 04 2021
August 4th Birthday Love: Charley Harper
Today is the birthday of American Modernist artist Charley Harper, born August 4, 1922 on a farm in Frenchton, West Virginia. He is best known for his unique minimalist artistic interpretation of American wildlife. After growing up on the farm, he went to the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where he met his wife, Edie Mckee, on the …
Jul 22 2021
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 …
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 …