Tag Archive | "Modern"
Been There, Done That
When I saw this photo by Scott Frances in Alexa Hampton's latest book, The Language of Interior Design, it really took me back. The sculpture on the table is a maquette of a MUCH bigger piece by Bruno Giorgi originally called Guerreiros (Warriors) or more commonly, Os candangos (The Labourers). Created in 1959, the sculpture is a monumental tribute to the workers who built the Brazilian capital in the late 1950s; it stands today in Brasilia's Plaza of the Three Powers, where the photo of me, below, was taken in 2002. How and why I ended up in this astonishing place is less important than the impression it made upon me. Brasilia can fairly be called the world's most "modern" city. It was planned by Lúcio Costa and built in a matter of years showcasing the masterworks of visionary Brazilian architect Oscar Neimeyer (born December 15, 1907). Never have I been so awestruck by so many buildings; no wonder architecture students make pilgrimages to the place. Touring Brasilia allowed me to understand that the modernist vernacular could be just as thrilling as the most revered and beautiful buildings ever constructed.
Full post and comments...The Goobye Girls
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I was deeply saddened to receive an email from Holly Gnaedinger last week announcing the closing of Twice Found, the "vintage modern" shop she has run with partner Marie Lyons-Cooper for the past four and a half years. Holly says business has been in a tailspin since Mirvish Books closed in 2009 and it's time to take a step back and reevaluate. Holly and Marie will be winding things down through the end of June but the stock is already dwindling so drop in sooner rather than later. Lighting and furniture — Holly still has a beautiful mid-century walnut dining table — is reduced by 50 per cent, tableware and pottery is marked down 25 - 50 per cent and Marie's jewellery is separated into bargain bins of $2 (values up to $10), $5 (values up to $18) and $10 (values up to $25); all other jewellery 25% off. Asian pieces are discounted 50 per cent.
Full post and comments...Colour in the Country
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Last month, I attended an art opening by Toronto-based textile artist Sheree Rasmussen, whose vivid, abstract works inspired me to inquire whether her home is also colourful. Sheree replied in the affirmative and mentioned that the country place she shares with her partner, artist/architect Clive Russell, is in Ontario's Northumberland County, which happens to be where my parents live. Naturally, I begged an invitation. The weather was bleak and spring had barely begun to stir but inside, the home was in full flower, a happy but not-at-all-precious rainbow of hues ranging from wall and trim colours to quilts, weavings and art galore.
Full post and comments...Mid-Century Madness in Coburg
Friday, March 18, 2011
A few months back Waddington's auctioneers opened a satellite location in Coburg, Ontario, and they're having a sale tomorrow that promises to be barn-burner for mid-century modern fans. This morning the website is showing a gallery loaded with decent furniture and lighting and the auctioneer says he still has oodles of art and glassware to unpack and get up on the site. The preview starts at 9:30 am with the sale beginning at 11 am with the smalls; expect furniture to start hitting the block around 1 pm. The auctioneer expects the sale to go all day.
Full post and comments...IDS 11: What’s New, What’s Next
Monday, January 31, 2011
Toronto's Interior Design show always opens a window onto what lies ahead, whether its innovative products from home and abroad, student work or standouts in the annual Prototype exhibit, which is where this table by Shady Wanis for Design Memo was shown. The shape and wrapping curves was a form I saw echoed throughout the show. Student designer Francesco Anguilli's Continue Desk, part of the OCADU exhibit, has a similar spirit.
Full post and comments...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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