Impressive Edifices By Todd Eberle

I have an itch to do a wall of architectural photography at my place, ALL EXTERIORS... what do you think? If and when I get around to doing that, I'll be sure to include the photographic works of Todd Eberle. His portfolio is very strong, from the abstract to portraiture, but it's the architectural imagery that really gets me going.

Thank you to Jim for putting this exceptional photographer on my radar.

-S

Impressive Edifices By Todd Eberle

I have an itch to do a wall of architectural photography at my place, ALL EXTERIORS... what do you think? If and when I get around to doing that, I'll be sure to include the photographic works of Todd Eberle. His portfolio is very strong, from the abstract to portraiture, but it's the architectural imagery that really gets me going.

Thank you to Jim for putting this exceptional photographer on my radar.

-S

Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics

Why Cats Paint presents a cogently argued theory based on recent evidence which clearly supports the view that some cats' marks are aesthetically motivated and should be regarded as genuine works on non-primate art." - L.A. Art Times.

This book is genius... a must for not only cat lovers, but art enthusiasts of abstract expressionism. A chapter dedicated to the "widespread domestic use of upholstered furniture" in feline art is a mind-blowing revaluation of what motivates cats' to scratch our sofas and chairs.

-S

Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics

Why Cats Paint presents a cogently argued theory based on recent evidence which clearly supports the view that some cats' marks are aesthetically motivated and should be regarded as genuine works on non-primate art." - L.A. Art Times.

This book is genius... a must for not only cat lovers, but art enthusiasts of abstract expressionism. A chapter dedicated to the "widespread domestic use of upholstered furniture" in feline art is a mind-blowing revaluation of what motivates cats' to scratch our sofas and chairs.

-S

What Happens in Chateau Stays in Chateau

Magni, Finton, & Phoenix
Natalie & I
Tranny goodness!

California Homes celebrated the kick-off of CASA California showcase house at LA's Chateau Marmont. The event which took place in the penthouse of the hotel, was hosted by world-renowned luxury builder, John Finton of Finton Construction, and CASA's Design Director, James Magni of Magni Design. CASA California will officially open October 13 through November 8, 2009, and proceeds will benefit the Philharmonic Society’s nationally recognized music education programs for youth. Sixteen of Southern California’s most prestigious designers have been selected to work under the direction of James Magni of Magni Design, Inc., who says “The interior design will represent the best work of the designers in California.” Participating designers include: John Wallace Benecke, Michael Berman, Randy Boyd, Timothy Corrigan, Nancy Ellen Fay, Oliver M. Furth, Laurie B. Haefele, Sheldon Harte, James Magni, Melissa Palazzo, David Phoenix, Anna Shay, Stephen Stein, Hal Swanson, Polly Bento Tichy, and Susan Wesley.

What Happens in Chateau Stays in Chateau

Magni, Finton, & Phoenix
Natalie & I
Tranny goodness!

California Homes celebrated the kick-off of CASA California showcase house at LA's Chateau Marmont. The event which took place in the penthouse of the hotel, was hosted by world-renowned luxury builder, John Finton of Finton Construction, and CASA's Design Director, James Magni of Magni Design. CASA California will officially open October 13 through November 8, 2009, and proceeds will benefit the Philharmonic Society’s nationally recognized music education programs for youth. Sixteen of Southern California’s most prestigious designers have been selected to work under the direction of James Magni of Magni Design, Inc., who says “The interior design will represent the best work of the designers in California.” Participating designers include: John Wallace Benecke, Michael Berman, Randy Boyd, Timothy Corrigan, Nancy Ellen Fay, Oliver M. Furth, Laurie B. Haefele, Sheldon Harte, James Magni, Melissa Palazzo, David Phoenix, Anna Shay, Stephen Stein, Hal Swanson, Polly Bento Tichy, and Susan Wesley.

From the Spoon to the City @ LACMA

Last night, JessyG and I had the pleasure of attending a private tour of the new exhibit, "From the Spoon to the City": Objects by Architects from LACMA's Collection. Thanks to Oliver Furth, Chairman of the Decorative Arts & Design Council (DADC), for the special invitation.

"From the Spoon to the City": Objects by Architects from LACMA's Collection (August 6, 2009–January 24, 2010)
When Italian architect Ernesto Rogers famously declared that he wanted to design everything from "a spoon to a city," he articulated the desire of many architects to design both buildings and their contents. In some cases, this meant design for specific commissions, such as Rudolf Schindler's furniture for the Shep family. In others, objects allowed the realization of ideas on a smaller, more viable scale, or were a part of a multifaceted career that spanned all realms of design, as in the case of Frank Gehry. The products of such efforts can function as miniature buildings, conveying the architect's ideals in a compact form. Or as Charles Eames put it when asked why he made furniture, "so [I] can design a piece of architecture that you can hold in your hand."

These new acquisitions were purchased with funds from the DADC. The Decorative Arts and Design Department has no endowment, and relies solely on donations, and membership dues to expand its collection. Curators have been spending wisely, and lately, they've been focusing on 20th Century pieces inpreparation for a big exhibition on California Modernism, which opens in the fall of 2011.

-S

PS to all you design enthusiast in L.A.- consider DADC!
The purpose of the DADC is twofold - to promote scholarship and interest in design, through an engaging series of lectures and events, and to raise acquisition funds for the museum's collection. Members enjoy a stellar series of lectures, tours, trips, and parties, scheduled throughout the year. This fall, DADC will tour Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, The Hollyhock House. The Decorative Arts curators have 7 lectures planned, October through April, including "A Case for Wine: From King Tut to Today", and "British and Continental Gold and Silver in the Ashmolean Museum".