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.

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.

A Broad Design Spectrum

Because it involves architecture, industrial design, furniture design, and graphic design, discussing Mid-Century design cannot be done in a vacuum.  Originally, this style was popular from approximately 1933-1965. Modern design, in general, began after WW1 and includes the Art Deco era in the 1920s, while Midcentury Modern is more organic, and streamlined and encompasses the 1950s and 1960s. The Modern Movement inspires less clutter and includes only basic elements of living.

Less is More

Without a doubt, “simplicity” is the word most people would use to describe mid-century modern. Architects in this genre were moving away from ornamentation and molding, focusing more on clean lines and raw structure. Also, mid-century modern used flat planes, along with more angular compositions and asymmetrical profiles.  Additionally, this style is centered more on a connection with the outdoors, with large walls and doors made of glass. In the words of William Krisel, “MCM is the same today as it was in the 1950s because it is not a style and is based on solid principles of design and human needs, along with functionalism, respect for the environment, and solving the basic human desires for livability.”

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
― William Morris

Form Follows Function

Coined by Louis Sullivan, “form follows function” became a mantra to mid-century architects. While many structures had been built with the intent of being beautiful and (hopefully) giving a name to the designer, mid-century structures were built with the user or inhabitant in mind. We still appreciate architectural beauty today. However, with the rapid pace of 21^st Century life, functionality is more important than ever.

The Greats of the Mid-Century Modern Movement

Most notably, modern architects like Richard Neutra, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Charles & Ray Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Frank Gehry have had a major influence on architecture. Their visions have also inspired industrial, furniture, and textile design.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s bold designs are considered some of the most recognizable in the modern movement. Inspired by the flat topography of the Midwest, Wright designed his now-famous Prairie-style architecture. Although Wright did not coin the term “Usonian”, he is the brainchild of Usonian architecture beginning in the late 1920s. Wright believed in the “American Dream” and wanted to design reasonably priced homes for the masses. In addition, he became interested in urban planning.

This Usonian style was his vision of designing modest and affordable one-level homes. They usually did not have a garage and boasted characteristic strong horizontal lines. Every square inch of space of these modest structures was utilized. By incorporating built-in furniture, simple materials, and open floor plans, these buildings were most assuredly functional. Also, Wright introduced prefabrication techniques during this time to lower construction costs. For more about this topic, I suggest you read about Broadacre City.

Although there are volumes of information and a lot of history about Mid-Century Modern design, these characteristics are why I, and many others, enjoy seeing and living with Modern design.

If You Appreciate MCM Architecture

We have the perfect pieces to begin, or add to, your own collection! Visit our GALLERY for beautiful, original pieces that embody the spirit of the mid-century modern style.

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

“The Usonian House I” and “The Usonian Automatic,” The Natural House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Horizon, 1954, pp. 69,70-71m 81, 198-199

“Frank Lloyd Wright On Architecture: Selected Writings (1894-1940), “ Frederick Gutheim, ed., Grosset’s Universal Library, 1941, p.100

Blake, Peter. The Master Builders. Knopf, 1960, pp. 304-305, 366

Chavez, Mark. “Prefabricated Homes,” National Park service, nps.gov [accessed July 17, 2018]

“American System-Built Homes,” Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, franklloydwright.org July 17, 2018]

Thoughtco.com

The post Why Mid-Century Modern Design Stands the Test of Time 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.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Most collectors of architectural drawings look for pieces by architects they know of. Often they will buy art that they can show off and explain to their friends.  In addition, buyers aren’t always architects themselves.  Children that dream of becoming architects often grow to have an appreciation for architecture as I did thanks to my father.

Fine art is defined as “art (such as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects.” In the eyes of these collectors, architectural renderings by the greats are indeed beautiful. They are able to appreciate the lean and linear features of technical drawings.

Art and Science Together

“Architecture is art and science enclosing a space,” David Jameson states in an interview by Art & Antiques. I believe this is an excellent description of how these two seemingly opposite ventures can come together to create something beautiful. These pictures must be both visually appealing and scientifically balanced.

Drawing as a Lost Art

In his article for the New York Times, Michael Graves mourns the loss of imagination that occurs when architectural drawings are only created by a computer. “In a handmade drawing, whether on an electronic tablet or on paper, there are intonations, traces of intentions, and speculation. This is not unlike the way a musician might intone a note or how a riff in jazz would be understood subliminally and put a smile on your face.” Those are the details that give each hand-drawn piece its personality, its intrigue.

Begin Your Collection of Fine Art

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. Each piece has its own intonations and speculation, and both aesthetically and scientifically interesting.

The post Architectural Drawings as Fine Art 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!

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