I'm Experimenting With AI and I Think I Like It - My Mid Century Modern Blog Journey

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Exploring the Roots of Mid-Century Modern Design: A Historical Overview

Mid-century modern design is a style that has captured the hearts of design enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its clean lines, organic forms, and functional simplicity, it continues to be a significant influence on contemporary aesthetics. To truly appreciate this design movement, it is important to explore its historical roots and understand the factors that shaped its development.

Early Influences: Mid-century modern design drew inspiration from several early 20th-century design movements. One such influence was the Bauhaus, a German art school that emphasized the principles of functionalism and the integration of art and technology. The Scandinavian design movement also played a crucial role, with its focus on simplicity, craftsmanship, and the use of natural materials. Additionally, the International Style, characterized by its sleek lines and emphasis on functionalism in architecture, influenced the design philosophy of mid-century modernism.

Post-WWII Context: The period following World War II marked a turning point for design. The economic boom and the rise of the middle class created a demand for affordable, stylish homes and furnishings. Technological advancements and the availability of new materials such as plastic and fiberglass opened up new possibilities for designers. The aftermath of the war also brought about a wave of migration, with architects and designers from Europe bringing their innovative ideas to the United States.

Mid-Century Modern Architecture: Architecture played a pivotal role in shaping the mid-century modern design movement. Open floor plans that blurred the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces became a hallmark of the style. Architects embraced the use of materials such as glass, steel, and concrete, allowing for light-filled spaces and innovative structural designs. Visionary architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Richard Neutra made significant contributions to the movement, with their designs showcasing the principles of functionality, simplicity, and integration with nature.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture and Product Design: Furniture and product design were equally integral to the mid-century modern aesthetic. Clean lines, geometric forms, and a focus on comfort and usability defined mid-century furniture design. Designers sought to create pieces that were both visually appealing and functional, using natural materials like wood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames, known for their groundbreaking furniture designs, introduced iconic pieces such as the Eames Lounge Chair and the Eames Molded Plastic Chair. Hans Wegner's elegant and timeless chair designs, along with Eero Saarinen's sculptural furniture pieces, also left a lasting impact on the movement.

Popularity, Decline, and Resurgence: During its peak, mid-century modern design permeated popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and magazines. However, by the late 20th century, it fell out of favor as new design trends emerged. Fortunately, mid-century modernism experienced a resurgence in recent years, as a new generation discovered its timeless appeal. The clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and focus on functionality resonated with contemporary sensibilities, making it a sought-after design style once again.

Understanding the historical roots of mid-century modern design allows us to appreciate its enduring influence on contemporary aesthetics. The early influences of movements like the Bauhaus and Scandinavian design, the post-WWII context of economic growth and technological advancements, and the contributions of visionary architects and designers all played a significant role in shaping the mid-century modern movement. By delving into its history, we gain insight into the principles and values that continue to make mid-century modern design relevant and inspiring in the present day.


Home Depot Is Selling a Modern Tiny Home Kit Complete With a Rooftop Deck

Over at My Modern Met they have a story about Home Depot’s Modern Tiny Home that is so cool I want one in my backyard. It even has a rooftop deck where you can entertain and chill. It’s a one bedroom, one bath that would make a great studio, guest house, she shed, or whatever you can imagine. Check it out.


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Furnished, Airbnb-Ready Desert Paradise in Yucca Valley!

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Take A Class!

If you’re looking for something interesting to try out, over at The Los Angeles Makery, which I am proudly a part owner of, we have a variety of fun things to try out. since our next show is Photo Los Angeles I’ve chosen a photography class to showcase here taught by Richard S. Chow, one of the show curators. It’s cyanotype.

Cyanotype (blue-print, sun-print) • July 9, 2023 • 12-3pm $125.00

Cyanotype is a cyan-blue photographic process dating back to 1842. This
introductory workshop covers its brief history, and a hands-on approach to guideparticipants through mixing chemistry, paper selection, proper coating, exposingand final wash techniques. Attendees will have made several cyanotype prints during the workshop. Concepts of photograms, use of film/digital negatives, wet and dry cyanotypes will be covered, as well as other ideas for adding color or other abstraction into the final image. Attendees are encouraged to bring their unique materials to the workshop to produce photograms, etc. Lab or materials fee are included. The workshop will be led by Richard S. Chow, please check out his profile at the Makery website.


Storage, Storage, Storage - And How to Bring Art Glass into Your Home

Back in the 80s I worked for a storage and closet product shop. We sold items to help organize your home and your life. We also did outside consulting and closet design and installation. Since then storage has been important to me. I like an organized space, even in the madness of the clutter. It’s the organized space that can save you from your own clutter.

When you look in my closet you’ll see an organized space. Double hang, long hang, shelves, shoe holders. Everything has its place. When you go to my art studio, everything has its place as well. It’s my office space that’s a mess, but that’s just a side note. How do you feel about your organized spaces? Are they? What can you do to better organize a space? This is something I want to explore here on this page. I’ll explore rooms and storage options, that will assist in making your life a little better and easier to deal with. When your stuff is organized, you’re mind can unclutter as well.


Last month I was asked by Redfin, the real estate web site, to share some quick ideas about bringing art glass into your home. Check out the article here. I’m in really good company, among some fabulous glass artists, that were asked to contribute.


Do You Know That Feeling?

I recently took an online bead making class. It was a golden opportunity to learn something I’d been wanting to learn, blown glass beads, and it was being taught by just the person I wanted to learn from, Astrid Riedel. Perfection! And affordable. And easy to deal with, thanks Astrid! Click on her name to find out more about her.

I watched the videos, and appreciate that I have the ability to re-watch them if I need a refresher. I saw her do a few things that had me go, “No freakin’ way?” Off to the torch I went. I tried what she demonstrated and it worked. Holy crap! Wow! Not every time but it kept getting better the more I practiced. And then I felt that feeling. Do you know it? That feeling of satisfaction and joy that that kind of success gives you. I made the beads I’ve really wanted to make for a very long time. It feels good. I know that this reward paid off enormously. It combined the thrill of learning something new and a rewarding pay-off, which was magical. Time slips away when I’m making these little blown glass beads, and that’s the creative space.

The Creative Space - The Future Looks Bright!

January 20, 2021 is a big day for the United States. It brings hope and I know for myself I see an opportunity to take advantage of the open brain space the new administration brings. The turmoal and “edge of your seat” daily shenanigans of the soon to be old administration has been distracting. I look forward to the release of new creativity. Now part of the future of that for me and for all of you is that I want to assist you in finding your creative space. It may be a special place in your house or maybe it’s a whole new house. I’m embarking on a new facet and addition to my life, real estate. This page, The Creative Space is where all things creative spaces as well as any real estate projects I’m working on. I’ll keep you all posted here as it all develops. In the meantime, have a happy holiday season!


Welcome to the Newest Addition to LA Art News - The Creative Space

What does the creative space represent to you? Is it a physical place you go to to create your own special magic, whether it be art, cooking, writing, music, or other pursuits, or is it inside of you? I say it’s both and all of the above. The Creative Space is where you get your best work done. Is it your home or your studio or office? Is it a special place. It should be.

Whether your occupation requires you to be creative or your creative space is your outlet, again, your happy place, this is one of the most important places in your life. You need to treat it as such. It should be one of your sanctuaries.

Here at The Creative Space I want to share with you out there the creative spaces artists and creatives live in, as well as those who might not consider themselves creative. I know we all are. Share your creative space with me and I’ll share it here.

This is one of my creative spaces - glass blowing.

This is one of my creative spaces - glass blowing.