Making Structure and Nature One

This is high on my list of things to do before I die: picnic on the meadow of the iconic Eames Case Study house #8 at 203 North Chautauqua Blvd in Pacific Palisades, California.  The raised steel beams, prefabricated  parts, and colorful, Piet Mondrian-esque style glass widows create a simple yet bold design statement that I deeply admire.  Many times modernism can be cold, sterile, and unapproachable.  In contrast, the Eames manage to incorporate a playful and pragmatic approach to their designs that gave each piece it’s own humanistic quality.

I had the opportunity to see the film: “Eames: The Architect and The Painter” at the IFC in the West Village this past weekend.  It was filled with many quotable quotes and and visual delights that I will have to watch again in slow motion just to digest each sweet and savory bite of creativity.  Color block details, wire base eiffel chairs, and molded plywood material could possibly translate into a future collection for Jubilee Riot.

 

 

Earlier this month, I also found this article in the New York Times Style section that ironically ties in Ice Cube and his reflection on Charles and Ray Eames.

Ice Cube on Eames and His Hometown”   I adore his quote: “It is not about the pieces. It’s how the pieces work together.  Taking something that already exist and making it something special.  Like sampling”