If you have ever wanted a taste of the midcentury modern life or an excuse to visit Palm Springs, then Modernism Week’s Fall Preview is the perfect occasion. While Modernism Week won’t happen again until February 2020, this “mini-Modernism Week” is another chance to “celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design.”

Discover Midcentury Modern Architecture in Palm Springs

Modernism Week is dedicated to the education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in the Palm Springs area. Fall Preview does the same.

A slightly smaller-scale version of the February event, Fall Preview includes more than 50 events, from talks to tours to parties. This 4 day series of experiences is made for the midcentury modern aficionado. Not to mention, some of these events will be held in unique locations not regularly open to the public.

Reviving a William F. Cody Original

As a prominent architect in the Palm Springs area, William F. Cody was well-known for his hotel designs as well as his “contemporary residential commissions.” One of these residential commissions, The Fillmore Crank-Beverly Garland House has been recently rediscovered and restored. This home will be receiving landmark designation by the Indian Wells Historic Preservation Foundation around the same time as Fall Preview. A very lucky few Modernism Week Fall Preview Attendees will be able to tour the Crank-Garland house. Read more about the history, renovation, and preservation of this spectacular home here.

Empowering Future Architects and Designers

Modernism Week is more than a parade of homes. Started by local architecture and design enthusiasts in Palm Springs, this event showcases the city’s acclaimed mid-century architecture. Beginning in 2009, Modernism Week became a California 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, providing an annual Scholarship Program for local high school seniors pursuing a degree in architecture and design. Modernism Week also provides financial support to local and state preservation organizations, along with neighborhood groups, that seek to preserve modernist architecture in California.

Join Other MCM Enthusiasts

Whether you go in October or wait until February, you won’t want to miss Modernism Week. For more information on how to attend, visit their website!

Create Your Own Midcentury Modern Architectural Art Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

The post Modernism Week Fall Preview: October 17-20, 2019 appeared first on Form Function Art.

While domed theaters aren’t the only design Raney created, this particular design is what comes to mind when people hear the name “Vincent Raney”, and for good reason. These theaters were prevalent across the western United States and became an icon of mid-century modern architectural design. However, Vincent Raney did much more than design entertainment venues: he helped soldiers reclaim their civilian lives.

Beginning His Architectural Journey

As a student, Vincent Raney studied at the University of Indiana, the University of Illinois, and the University of Arizona. For a while, Raney worked in Indiana at H.G. Atherton and later went on to work at Frederick H. Reimers, Masten, & Hurd, and William I. Garren in California.

In 1937, he began his own firm. Many of his projects included service stations for the Associated Oil Company of San Francisco, but his specialty was creating multiplex theaters for Snyfy Enterprises. A few of Raney’s theaters are still in use, one of which is the BAL Theatre in San Leandro, California.

Creating a Modern Marvel

Inspired by the Cinerama Theater in Los Angeles, Raney agreed to build a theater that would define the Century Theaters brand until the 21^st century. In 1964, Century 21 Theater opened in San Jose, California. Its dome shape was uniquely futuristic, but what’s more fascinating is that it was built on his own land and right beside the infamous Winchester Mystery House. Further down the road, Century 22 and 23 were built.

These theaters boasted a giant, curved widescreen- an experience that delighted both Hollywood directors and movie patrons. While his first domed theaters were built in San Jose, the design became popular in many states.

Unfortunately, many of these theaters have been torn down to make room for more modern developments. However, there are a couple still standing. One is Stargazers Theatre in Colorado Springs, Colorado that is still in operation, but as a premier live music venue. The original, Century 21, is also still standing, but sadly is in quite a state of disrepair. It is possible that this iconic part of San Jose history may be incorporated into the modern development that the city has proposed to be built around it.

More than Entertainment

While Raney may be best known for his domed theaters, he was also heavily invested in creating tract housing, which was affordable housing for GIs returning from WWII. In addition, Raney also designed a home in 1939 for the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island. To encourage home building and home buying after the Great Depression, this house was sold in a raffle with tickets costing $1. In 2004, this design sold for $845,000.

Outside of his passion for architecture, Raney was also a proficient aviator. Not only did he own his own airplane, but was also a member of the Sheriff’s Air Squadron.

Leaving a Legacy

Although he passed away in 2001, his influence lives on. Whether you visit one of his designs in person or enjoy them from your home or office, his careful attention to detail will leave you in awe.

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Vincent Raney, Raymond Loewy, and others.

The post Architect Highlight: Vincent Raney appeared first on Form Function Art.

Even in our beloved collectibles and antiques market, the tides are turning. It seems as though the value of pre-20th-century antiques has declined dramatically, in addition to more modern pieces. Some people say it is the end of collectibles, while some believe it is just a trend. We here at Form Function Art believe the latter.

So, What’s Really Going On?

Many antiques dealers are abandoning the “solely antiques” storefront for a mix and match venue, filled with both valuable collectibles and modern art. One such example is Todd Merrill of Todd Merrill Studio (formerly Todd Merrill Antiques). He states that custom-made pieces by living designer-artisans are now 70 to 80 percent of their business. “It’s a big behavioral change for the trade, for collectors, and for dealers. We’re not buying things on the secondary market for resale. We’re presenting artists and representing them like an agent.”

There are several reasons for this behavioral change.

1. The Great Recession of 2008. This huge economic downturn left many without expendable income. Where people used to pop into antique stores and buy whatever caught their eye, now people simply can’t afford to spend money on things that aren’t absolutely necessary.
2. The Minimalist Movement. Many Gen Xers and Millennials simply have no interest in “dust catchers” and are choosing to live with less “stuff” to create a sense of freedom in their lives.
3. Smaller Living Spaces. Due to economic circumstances, many people (especially young people) are forced to live in small apartments/homes, or even with their parents. There is also the Tiny House Movement that correlates with minimalism, where people are choosing to live in 100-400 sq. ft. homes to save money.

The Case for Collectibles

While these may seem like unsurmountable odds, we remain optimistic. History shows us that it can, in fact, repeat itself. The market ebbs and flows, fluctuating between bear and bull, hitting everything in between. Trends go out of style, then make a comeback 20 years later. One political party has the majority, and then the pendulum swings the other way.

We believe this is the case for collectibles. Many people are still looking for eclectic pieces to combine with their modern décor, creating a unique feel in their homes. According to Jamie Drake, a New York interior designer, a home without antiques “would be like a sentence without punctuation.”

The mass-produced décor of today simply doesn’t come with the same quality as something hand-crafted by a master. Take our Loewy originals, for example. Raymond Loewy was a visionary, an incredibly talented designer and artist. His designs are known the world over, from the S-1 Locomotive to the Skylab to Air Force One. Yet he only produced and signed a certain number of lithographs of these iconic designs. Owning one of these is like owning a piece of history.

While we cannot predict when this trend will end, we believe wholeheartedly that the market for collectibles will indeed rise again.

Invest in Your Collection Now

What better time to invest in original pieces? If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

The post The Great Shift in the Collectible Arts Market appeared first on Form Function Art.

Here at Form Function Art, we enjoy architectural, industrial, and automotive art and we know a truly great artist when we see one. With over 300 awards and 13 Honorary Degrees, along with a widely published written work, Cesar Pelli is one such artist. This world-renowned architect passed away last week at 92 after a lifetime of changing the horizon, both literally and figuratively.

“I see my buildings as pieces of cities, and in my designs, I try to make them into responsible and contributing citizens.”  – Cesar Pelli

From the Plains of Argentina to the Plains of the US

As a young man in Argentina, Cesar Pelli’s parents encouraged his love for reading, math, art, and construction. When the time came to choose a career path, Pelli discovered that architecture incorporated his passion for both art and history. Pelli studied at the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán for a few years, then received a nine-month fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During this time, his wife became pregnant with their first child. Pelli then secured a spot working with one of the most prominent architects of his era. Needless to say, the United States became his home.

Saarinen’s Apprentice

Eero Saarinen is well-known for “pushing material and aesthetic boundaries”, working in both furniture and architecture. It was at Saarinen’s firm that Pelli embraced Saarinen’s emphasis on lean, unified exteriors. This deeply impacted Mr. Pelli’s view of what he described as the “skin” of his designs, for which he would later become famous.

During this time, Pelli was challenged to create something beautiful out of the necessary structural elements of the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy National Airport (can we add a link to this?). The resulting gull-winged building with its flowing lines has been delighting and inspiring travelers since its completion in 1962.

After a decade at Saarinen’s firm, Pelli decided to capitalize on the “explosive growth and experimentation for builders in Southern California.” He then took a job at the architectural firm DMJM.

Trailblazing with Glass

At DMJM Pelli experienced creative freedom, although within the boundaries of time and budget. It was here that Pelli executed his experiments with different glass facades. Some of his most famous projects during this time were the Pacific Design Center, San Bernardino City Hall, and the Federal Aviation Administration Building. Each of these buildings are admired and recognized because of their mirrored glass that reflects the cityscapes around them.

Beginning in 1976, Pelli experienced a busy and exciting season. He became Dean of Yale’s school of architecture, won a commission to expand and renovate the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, and began his own architectural firm. While his redesign of the MoMA Building was not a universal success, it launched his firm into the commercial architecture space.

“In my opinion, a tall building has to have a crown, it has to end on something that suggests that the building is in dialogue with the sky.”

Buildings in Dialogue with the Sky

One of his firm’s most notable projects is the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These dual towers, at 1,483 feet, held the title of World’s Tallest Building from 1998-2004. While he was proud of this feat, his greatest accomplishment for this project was incorporating geometric patterns and aesthetics central to Malaysia and Islamic culture. The Petronas Towers are linked by a sky bridge about 500 feet in the air. Although practical in function, the sky bridge also serves a cultural purpose. Not only does the bridge provide an extra means of egress, it also forms what seems to be a gate. In Asian cultures, this symbolizes a portal to a higher world.

“Many architects will go to other countries and design an American building, and I believe that is a mistake. One needs to respect the country or the other place, otherwise, all of our cities end up looking the same…We wanted to make a building that is looking towards the future but with roots in the past.”

In 1995, the American Institute of Architects awarded Pelli the Gold Medal for the Petronas Towers. His dedication to preserving culture and inspiring people are central to his success.

A Legacy Lives On

Upon inheriting his father’s love of architecture, Rafael Pelli began working at his father’s firm Pelli Clarke Pelli. He now leads the company forward in designing buildings that capture cultures, emotions, and the skyline. If you would like to see more of Pelli’s work, this article highlights some of his most recognizable buildings.

Add Architectural and Industrial Pieces to Your Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern industrial and architectural pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

The post Remembering Cesar Pelli: Coloring Skylines around the World appeared first on Form Function Art.

While Charles was a pioneer in his own right, he delighted in giving his wife, Ray, the credit she deserved for their work- “Anything I can do, Ray can do better.” Ray’s artistic ability, coupled with her “insatiable curiosity and pleasure in all manner of objects and environments”, led to her notable contributions in furniture, textiles, and architecture of the mid-century.

“What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” – Ray Eames

Who is Ray Eames?

Born Ray Kaiser in 1912 in California, Ray was always passionate about art, ballet, and structure. She spent years studying under famous artists, from Lu Duble to Hans Hofmann. However, her mother became ill and Ray left the Hofmann studio to care for her until her death. Afterward, and at the suggestion of a friend, Ray moved to Michigan to join the Cranbrook Academy of Art. This is where she met her partner in life and in art- Charles Eames.

A Match Made in Design Heaven

As Ray began her work at Cranbrook Academy, she partnered with Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen in preparing designs for the Museum of Modern Art’s Organic Furniture Competition. The molded plywood chairs they collaborated on won 2 first prizes. Presently, these chairs are still being manufactured today by Herman Miller and are available for purchase demonstrating the timelessness of the design. Soon after, Charles and Ray married and moved to California where they continued their work.

Commissioned by the Navy

Together, the Eames would take the furniture world by storm and their designs would also aid the United States Navy. During World War II, the US Navy asked Charles and Ray to develop leg splints for injured soldiers. The old leg splints were made entirely of metal and were awkward, heavy, and expensive. However, access to resources and military technology gave the couple a chance to perfect their plywood molding technique. They were able to create truly ergonomic, lightweight, and functional shapes with this technique. Charles and Ray were later asked to create pilots’ seats and stretchers as well. Many lives were saved because of the ingenuity of the Eames.

Designing the Best for the Most

Charles Eames is quoted as once saying, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” Charles and Ray epitomized this attitude in their molded plastic, fiberglass, and wood shell chairs, in addition to their wire chair. They knew what people wanted from a chair: a simple, yet comfortable form that fits any body and every place. Prominent architectural critic Esther McCoy once called their molded plywood chair “the chair of the century”.

Production of these chairs, along with many other designs by Ray and Charles Eames, was given over to Herman Miller, Inc. where they are still available today.

More than Furniture

Not only did the world of furniture design change, but Ray Eames, along with Charles, had several other ventures. True to their love of all things mid-century modern, the Eames’ California home was part of the Case Study House Program. Additionally, they also opened an experimental design studio, where they produced film, architecture, and their transformational chairs.

Unique Designs that Stand the Test of Time

Ray Eames is most well-known for the molded chairs she and Charles created for offices and homes. Her artistic flair also allowed her to dream up fun and creative children’s furniture. Her most celebrated children’s chair is in the shape of an elephant. The neat, sophisticated lines of this chair make it almost too pretty to sit on. However, this chair has only recently been enjoyed by children. Only 2 prototypes were built in 1946, and had been on display in New York’s Museum of Modern Art until 2007. In celebration of Charles’ 100^th birthday, a limited supply of these elephants were produced in plywood. Soon after, a plastic version was released and has been delighting children all over the world. Ray’s free spirit lives on in the designs that still work, and work well, to this day.

Enjoy Your Own MCM Pieces

Interested in the simplicity and functionality of mid-century modern? Find the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, by visiting our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and many others.

The post Ray Eames: Artist, Furniture Designer and Pioneer appeared first on Form Function Art.

Image Source – Danny Heller Art

In painting, light is one of the most difficult aspects to capture. Photorealism has an unbelievable way of combining color and light. This fascinating mix of photography and painting has become an interest of mine and has led me to become familiar with photorealists that combine this genre of art with my passion: Mid-Century Modern.

Danny Heller has blown me away with how his pieces are created, and how difficult it is to distinguish whether I am looking at a painting or photograph. His art concentrates on chronicling Modern American imagery, specifically focusing on the architecture, design, and car culture found throughout the nation. He has been kind enough to share his story with me, and I believe you will find it as intriguing as his art.

Eric: Where did you grow up?

Danny: I grew up in the middle of the suburbs – the San Fernando Valley (deemed “America’s Suburb”) – and I never thought much of it. I was young, so I didn’t recognize or appreciate the idea of the suburbs, the post-war boom, the style of homes and buildings around me. It was idyllic, if not a bit bland. The ever-present car culture of the Valley did start to have an influence on me though, and only later would I start to pick up on the fantastic mid-century architecture of SoCal.

Eric: What did your parents do for a living?

Danny: My dad owned his own computer business and my mom split duties, helping him out and taking care of my brother and me. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was actually learning from the small business/entrepreneur mentality that my family had.  This would aid in my success with my own business: my art.

Eric: How did you get started in the art business?

Danny: I got started by entering a group art show contest on a whim. I had been painting in the evenings after my day job, ever since I graduated from college two years prior. Not only did two of my paintings get into the show, but they both sold. After that group show, I was given a solo show, which had considerable success. One show led to another and one success led to another, giving me the confidence, as well as the financial means, to do art full time.

Eric: What was the first piece of art you purchased?

Danny: I grew up middle class and purchasing original art wasn’t really an option or a standard thing to do. However, I was obsessed with comic books – my first real exposure to artwork. Needless to say, they were a good price point and I could see a lot of fantastic drawings by collecting them.

Eric: Why did you become a photorealist artist?

Danny: When I started out, I realized that I had a slight edge over other artists if I could portray something realistically. It worked out for me because I was hoping to portray things in a way that people would recognize them and appreciate them, almost like a documentarian. I also found that photo-realistic paintings allowed the viewer to instantly enter them, and perhaps stay longer looking at them.

Eric: Did you encounter any obstacles in the creation of your business?

Danny: Yes, many! An artist never jumps into the gallery world, fully formed and in the position to set prices that they can realistically live off of. So I had to work someday jobs for years while my paintings started to sell and I became a stronger artist. And then the Great Recession hit! Talk about struggles…I was let go of my day jobs and that forced me to go full-time into my art. However, the recession caught up to my collectors years later and so I had to go back to day jobs in order to pay the bills. Thankfully that didn’t last long and things bounced back. Aside from that, there are always the administrative things I need to learn and perfect, while simultaneously focusing on my artwork and growing as an artist.

Eric: How did you land on “Modern American architecture, design & car culture” as a focus?

Danny: Like I said, I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, around some great mid-century architecture and a classic car scene, however, I didn’t recognize it at the time.  When I returned home after college at UC Santa Barbara, I started picking up on the “culture” of suburbia. I would recognize the feel of it in movies like “Edward Scissor Hands” and TV shows like “The Brady Bunch.” I realized there was a visual language there that was only beginning to be explored. Eventually, I started doing paintings of the post-war tract homes around me, mixed with the classic car culture. Eventually, that lead to the more high-designed mid-century tracts like the Eichlers in my town. Once I started painting them and learning about them, I never looked back. They were so dynamic and yet understated. I really landed on something big – something that was only beginning to be appreciated and rediscovered by society at large.

Eric: Has your taste evolved over the years as an artist?

Danny: Definitely! I’m still obsessed with mid-century architecture and classic cars, however, my interests have led me to different facets of Modernism. I started out painting strictly suburban houses, but that led to the Googie architecture of the LAX Theme Building. After dipping my toes in the commercial world of Modernism, I thought a series focusing on mid-century office buildings would be interesting, which led to a show on Downtown LA’s mid-century landscape. From there, I’ve done many series on Modernism found throughout New York, as I’ve started exhibiting out there.

Eric: What do you wish you had known when you started out?

Danny: Budget your money! Seriously though, I wish my teachers had been more realistic about being an artist. Maybe telling me there’s no shame in working day jobs to support my art. Also, I wish I had known to position myself better: right now I show in three galleries in three different cities. This allows me to not over-saturate a specific market and even weather some downturns in specific regions by diversifying my locations.

Eric: Who inspires you the most in the art world?

Danny: I’m a huge fan of Josh Agle (Shag). Not only do I love his wonderful mid-century-focused artwork, but how he conducts himself and his business. He’s managed to create a whole world in his art, while still reflecting the world around him. He’s branched off into products as well, carrying over the themes and aesthetics of his paintings into three-dimensional objects that delight and inspire in the real world.

Eric: What’s your go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant?

Danny: Since growing up in the suburbs, my wife and I moved down to the mid-century mecca of Palm Springs. It’s great because there are some amazing mid-century restaurants that are still around – restaurants that Sinatra and the like used to frequent.  One of them with a Modern-meets-Miami flare is the Tropicale restaurant which serves the best burger in the desert. Imagine sitting in a beautiful clamshell booth, light jazz music in the background, but chowing down on a huge, messy burger. Very old-school.

Eric: What’s one thing you can’t stop talking about?

Danny: That would probably have to be Disneyland. My wife and I are fanatics! It has such an interesting history originating in mid-century American design. There are still remnants of that great mid-century aesthetic still there if you know where to look. Not to mention all of the animation had a strong impact on me growing up, which probably still affects me and my art today.

Want your own Photorealistic Painting from Danny?

If you would like to find out more about Danny and his incredible art, you can visit his website or find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Expand Your Own Mid-Century Modern Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

The post An Interview with Danny Heller, Owner of Danny Heller Art appeared first on Form Function Art.

1. Know Your Media and Material

First, you’ll need to know the type of material your drawing was created on. Some common types of materials used are:

• Paper
• Polyester film
• Cloth
• Animal skin

Next, what type of medium was used? Examples of media are:

• Oil-based printing ink
• Manuscript ink
• Graphite
• Photomechanical

Each of these has a different rate of deterioration, and are susceptible to different causes of degradation. Knowing this information can help you find the best way to store and enjoy your collection.

2. Storing Your Art

Whether you want to have your art out to enjoy or stored for safekeeping, there are measures you can take to protect your pieces.

If you want to display your art and view it regularly, the piece will need to be framed and hung with care. Also, your piece will need to be on an interior wall away from doors and drafts. This article has some excellent tips on how to properly display art in your home.

As for storing pieces to keep them away from environmental damage, pests, and mold, you’ll need to make sure a few things are in order before tucking them away.

First, you’ll need to decide if polyester or buffered paper will be the best storage option. Polyester can allow acid to be trapped with some material and provides protection from handling while allowing to be viewed. However, polyester is not advised for flaky media like charcoal or soft pencil. On the other hand, buffered paper absorbs acids and provides “breathability” to aid in paper longevity. A downside to buffered paper is that you have to remove the piece from its paper storage to view it.

Next, determine which storage practice will be best for your piece. Here are some of the most common ways to store designs:

• Flat Files (preferably metal)
• Encapsulation
• Rolled Tubes (at least 4 inches in diameter)
• Map Cases

Finally, you’ll need to ensure that the environment is conducive to art storage. Humidity in your storage area needs to remain in the 30-55% range. Temperature needs to be around 70. Lighting needs to be just right. These are things necessary to keep your pieces in tip-top shape.

3. Processing Your Art Collection

Do you have a system to keep track of all the pieces in your collection and their condition every time you view them? If the professionals at the National Archives do it, then you should too! Archiving your art can be as simple as a handwritten log or an Excel spreadsheet. If you prefer the electronic route, there is also an app for that! Artwork Archive is just one way to electronically archive your treasures. If a disaster should happen, you can be prepared by having your art collection documented and archived.

4. Insure Your Collection

Collectors should seek advice from a professional licensed insurance agent that understands this unique type of asset. Some insurance companies use the term “Replacement Cost” (replacing an asset in its pre-loss condition with an asset of a “like kind and quality”). Fine Arts cannot be replaced with like kind or quality of today’s materials, as most are one of a kind.

Instead, the policy should include coverage under an agreed upon value, or stated value, so the owner will get the amount agreed between the owner and insurance carrier for each piece of artwork. This is more expensive than other types of insurance coverage and needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Begin Investing

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin your own collection or add to it, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original pieces by Raymond Loewy and several other artists that will brighten up your day.

The post 4 Steps to Protecting Your Art Investment appeared first on Form Function Art.

There is something magical about viewing art. Whether in a museum, in a gallery, or even in someone’s home, experiencing art has a positive effect on us.

Art Makes Us Better Humans

Even though information is readily at our fingertips, we cannot fully grasp what it was like to live hundreds or thousands of years ago. We have no idea what it is to live in a culture completely different from our own. However, there is a way that people can begin to understand these different lifestyles- art.

When sent on a one-hour field trip to an art museum, over 10,000 students left changed. Specifically, their critical thinking skills were strengthened. In addition, they showed increased historical empathy and tolerance of different cultures. What is most notable to me is that their taste for consuming art and culture was enriched. With art classes being cut in schools, this study shows that art can be a crucial element for self-improvement and societal improvement.

Viewing Art is Like Falling in Love

Another interesting discovery about art’s benefits is that viewing art affects the brain in the same way that falling in love does. Art lovers everywhere could have told you that, but nonetheless, it does help to have a study to prove it. By mapping the brains of several volunteers, neurobiologist Semir Zeki discovered that “viewing art triggers a surge of the feel-good chemical dopamine, into the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain, resulting in feelings of intense pleasure.” While this research is pretty cool on its own, the implications of how art can be used in different contexts to improve the mental health and well-being of the general public are exciting to think about.

Improve Your Own Well-Being

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin your own collection or add to it, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original pieces by Raymond Loewy and several other artists that will brighten up your day.

The post The Power of Art: It’s Good for You appeared first on Form Function Art.

I did not intend to become an art collector, and I would not call myself an expert in any particular field of art. However, I do value and appreciate original works of art in various mediums. Watercolors, bronzes, etchings, woodcuts, blown glass, auto concept illustrations, industrial design, and architectural renderings all evoke in me a sense of wonder, because each piece began in a person’s imagination, resulting in a unique expression that can be shared or used as a template for creating a structure.

Recognize Your Taste

To begin an art collection, you must know yourself and your personal tastes. Don’t be swayed by the preferences of other art collectors. If you enjoy a particular style of art, whether it is impressionist or modern, it’s an emotional experience- your experience. Which style brings out your emotions? Also, by narrowing your focus down to a particular style, you will build better relationships with trusted dealers and artists.

Understand Your Space

Whether your new art collection will be displayed at home or in a brick and mortar gallery, knowing your space is essential. What sort of feel does your space have- is it clean and modern, or does everything artfully clash? Do you have the physical space for a large installation? Will your walls accommodate smaller paintings or large pieces? Knowing this information can simplify the purchasing process.

Do Your Research

Remaining educated and informed is an art collector’s superpower. Read up on preferred styles and artists, and know the market for each. You can both improve small talk at boring dinner parties, and find a deeper understanding of your art. This type of continuous learning will not only help you stay up to date on the latest shows and trends in the art market, but will help you make smarter buying decisions. Great art can be a big investment and can appreciate in value, which is especially important if your collection will serve as supplemental income.

Investing in and sharing beautiful, historical drawings has become my passion. Some of my most prized drawings are created by Industrial designers like Raymond Loewy and George Dahl. Old gas stations and movie theaters are also favorites, so I purchased several original renderings by Vincent Raney. Whatever your taste, whatever your passion, your art collection should be just that- yours.

If you appreciate industrial, automotive, and architectural art as I do, then I invite you to take a look at our gallery!

The post 3 Simple Ways to Start an Art Collection appeared first on Form Function Art.