Shining Happy People

Alexander Girard's Wooden Dolls

One of the reasons I enjoy mid century artists and design is that it speaks to my life right now.  Eames, Girard, Risom, and Calder made things that were functional, simple, accessible, and delightful, even for children. Their work extends beyond shell rocking chairs and mobiles. Here are two creations in motion guaranteed to make you smile.

The Eames duo designed the "Do Nothing Machine", a solar powered toy for the ALCOA's Forecast Garden Collection, that literally did nothing, except harness the power of the sun(in 1957). It was also really fun to look at. "It is not supposed to do. It is supposed to be. Its whole function is in its being." Ray Eames 



Alexander Calder is best known for his beautiful bent wire mobiles, but his intricate wire circus is truly stunning.  Here he is performing the circus back in 1952 (originally created in 1927). 

The Todd

I guess Todd Oldham gave a talk on Alexander Girard at Pratt back in February.  Despite the fact that I live thousands of miles away from Brooklyn, it kind of pains me that I wasn't in the audience. He produced a book on Girard that sits waiting patiently on my Amazon wish list.

At my weekly pilgrimage to the red bullseye I stopped in my tracks; I realized that today was the day.  I found myself in front of the fully stocked Kid Made Modern display.  We don't want for art supplies in this house, but this stuff is rumored to immediately sell out, and I was in the store, if by accident, on launch date.  Somewhere, Alexander Girard is looking out for me.  

I found Oldham's Kid Made Modern at the library one day. I've checked it out and been overdue several times over the last year. It's full of interesting projects and techniques, and gives a little mid-century art history lesson with each chapter. The supplies and kits are based on some of the ideas from the book.  

Here's the loot I got today.  The paint by number kit is by Megan Whitmarsh.

 

Piece Of Work

I did some much needed housekeeping on the site today.  I've finally logged enough entries to really categorize things.  It's been seven months since my first post, I've been through two names and taken about ten thousand pictures. Now comes the time for me to start submitting some of my projects to the big blogs and I want to ask which one has resonated the most with you?  Your feedback is really appreciated!

We Built This City!

Pardon the title.  I've been forced to listen to Jefferson Starship's anthem over and over since a visit to the movie theater to see The Muppets.  This year I've been volunteering as an art teacher in my son's kindergarten classroom.  Real art projects get lost in world where worksheets and traced hand print turkeys dominate. Since my Alexander Girard paint chip experiment was such a hit with big people, I thought I'd scale it down to work with the kids.

Inspired by the city-scapes on Girard's blocks I created a project made from basic shapes (a topic of study in class). I pre-cut shapes, but left it so that can scale and create their own shapes by hand with scissors.  This project is great because it is really low cost/low mess.  To make you will need: Several paint swatch colors cut into basic shapes (which can be easily acquired at Home Depot), glue sticks and graph paper card stock. I think they may be nice enough to frame, and will definitely be a keeper pieces.  I'm particularly excited because I get to talk about my favorite artist, who made textiles and objects and collaborated with designers to make furniture and installations.  

I love you Alexander Girard

It's no secret that my favorite artist/designer is Alexander Girard.  When I grow up  I want to be him.  Alas, I own only one textile featuring his work, but it's a pillow with boobies on it, so at least it's a good one.  I have tried to style my house in Girard, Jonathan Aldler kind way- kid friendly, happy colors, tongue in cheek graphic pattern with simple lines. So far I am most happy with the dining area, which features my grandparents 1950's Drexel table and chairs.  I am soon going to be adding their record player credenza and after moving my desk downstairs, I needed some DIY art for the wall. Looking to Girard for inspiration, I made three pieces using a lot of paint swatches lifted from the Home Depot.

I tried to tell a simple story with the three patterns... Sun and Rain make Flowers... All I need is that record player and my sunny yellow Release The Sunbird album will have a nice home. To make, you'll need: several colorways of paint swatches, a punch, some scissors, white paper stock, and a permanent glue stick. Arrange the design before you glue down.  For the rain drops, I made a stencil ahead of time and traced the shape on the wrong side before cutting out and arranging.