California Design, 1930-1965: “Living in a Modern Way.” (part 2)

Gertrud Natzler (b, Austria 1908-1971, active Los Angeles), Otto Natzler (b. Austria 1908-2007, active Los Angeles), Bowl, 1943;Earthenware; Height: 3.5 in (8.8cm); diameter: 8.5in. (21.5cm), LACMA, Gift of Rose A Sperry 1972 Revocable Trust; © 2007 Gail Reynolds Natzler, Trustee of The Natzler Trust; Photo © 2011 Museum Associates/LACMA

Opening October 1st at the LA County Museum, this new exhibition examines the state’s key role in shaping the material culture of the country at mid-century. California Design features more than 350 objects as well as two period re-creations. Last week, we introduced the exhibit. Now here’s a closer look at the four sections: “Shaping,” “Making,” “Living,” and “Selling.” Continue reading →

California Design, 1930-1965: “Living in a Modern Way.” (part 1)

In 1951 émigré Greta Magnusson Grossman declared, California design “is not a superimposed style, but an answer to present conditions…It has developed out of our own preference for living in a modern way.”

Richard Neutra. Kaufmann House, Palm Springs, 1946. Photo by Julius Shulman, 1947; © J Paul Getty Trust. Used with Permissions. Julius Shulman Photography Archive, Research Library at the Getty Research Institute (2004.R.10

This modern way was considered “the California Look” and it would become popular not only across the country but across the world. Perhaps even more impressive: it is still relevant some sixty years later. Continue reading →

A Garden of Earthly Delights: the work of Roberto Capucci

Sculpture Dress, 1992. Designed by Roberto Capucci, Italian, born 1930. Satin, 72 x 60 x 40 inches (182.9 x 152.4 x 101.6 cm). Fondazione Roberto Capucci. Image Courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

An Italian Maestro of sculpture, architecture, and fashion comes to the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Upstaging nature’s brightest spring flowers this season is the first American solo exhibition of a groundbreaking and seminal Italian fashion designer of the 20th century. A “designer’ designer,” commonly known by big name industry insiders such as Yves St. Laurent, Valentino, and Oscar de la Renta, but little known by the general public, Roberto Capucci has created vibrantly colored, intricately constructed forms that defy gravity and leave one breathless at the sheer complexity of their fabrication. From now until June 5th you can see nearly 80 of his gowns as well as sketches and archival footage of his work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Continue reading →

“Color Moves: Art and Fashion by Sonia Delaunay”

(Left) Design 253; France, 1928–30, Gouache, ink, and pencil on paper; (Center) Design 1044 Fance, 1930–31 Printed cotton georgette; Right) Design 501 France, 1948 Gouache and pencil on paper. All Designed by Sonia Delaunay (French, born Russia, 1885–1979);Private collection © L & M SERVICES B.V. The Hague 20100623 Photo: © private collection

Where art and design collide: the work of Sonia Delaunay.

A surface designer is someone who develops patterns that are then printed or painted onto textiles, wrapping paper, wall paper, dishware and just about any other decorated surface you can imagine. Most surface designers are unrecognized artists. In the history of design, however, there are a handful of individuals whose work is so influential and so prolific that their names emerge out of the abyss of anonymity to become design superstars. Sonia Delaunay is one of those. Continue reading →

COLORGENICS: Part II

COLORS:

White: As the presence of all colors, white symbolizes completeness, purity, innocence and creation. In clothing it can also give off an aura of “look, but don’t touch”; a sort of distinction and separation from others.

Red, being connected with the symbol of the sun, is the color of energy and expansion. It can either be positive or negative in its expression. On the positive side, red can express physical energy and sexuality. On the negative side it can also express anger and aggression. Continue reading →

COLORGENICS: Part I

We all know that colors have a huge effect on our psychology. Interior designers are often met with questions of color and how they will affect the mood of a room. A bright yellow bedroom can seem energizing in the morning, but difficult to relax in at night, and studies have shown that light blue office spaces are more often described as “cold” by workers than those painted in warmer colors, even if the temperature of the two rooms are exactly the same.

Continue reading →