Filmmaker Q&A: Eames: The Architect and the Painter.

 

Now in theatres, this is the first film about Charles and Ray Eames to be made since their deaths. Filmmakers Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey take you inside the crazy, exciting, and sometimes sad worlds of Charles and Ray. You’ll hear from people who worked with them in their Venice Beach studio, as well as from Charles’ daughter, Lucia and grandson, Eames Demetrios. The name of the film came from the fact that Bill was “interested in the relationship between Charles [the Architect] and Ray [the Painter] and felt really strongly about getting into the lives of these two.” As for Jason’s goals with the film, “I wanted people to see design differently,” he says. Indeed, neither disappoints with this in-depth, intriguing film. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves design.

To learn more about Jason Cohn and this film, DWR’s Suzanne Shrekgast interviewed the filmmaker. He shares insights to his process, as well as hints of what you’ll find on the soon-to-be-released DVD.

DWR: What inspired you to make this film about Charles and Ray Eames?

DWR's John Edelman named one of "12 to Watch" by House Beautiful.

House Beautiful has released the names of its "12 Design Visionaries to Watch" for 2012. Our CEO, John Edelman, is on this list of "movers and shakers" which also includes Aerin Lauder, Kelly Wearstler, Chris Burch and other exceptional artists, designers, politicians and taste-makers. "Here are our picks of influencers you should keep an eye on," writes Barbara King. "They're shaping the way the world looks, and the way we live." Congratulations to everyone. We look forward to watching you in 2012. Photo above: John Edelman with Eames Lounge and Ottoman in new white ash frame.

At the Glass House with Barry Bergdoll.

If you’re going to tour the Philip Johnson Glass House with Barry Bergdoll, Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at MoMA, you better be prepared for a pop quiz. This is a man who thrives on complex conversations, and he took us for a wild ride last night at the final Conversation in Context event for this season. (Regular tours are available for two more weeks – book your ticket today.) Bergdoll’s questions included “How did the Glass House evolve out of Johnson’s debates with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Karl Friedrich Schinkel?” And “In the 1930s, the entrance to the Museum of Modern Art was a revolving door at street level. Can you think of any other museum that had a revolving door at that time?” (We couldn’t.) “Why not?” Post a comment with your response, or join an online conversation at the Glass House website. A video of the tour with Barry Bergdoll will be posted soon.

The Sculpture Gallery at the Glass House.

A DWR Film: The Genius of John Kostick

A combination of mathematics and art, the Foldable Star Sculptures by John Kostick are as mesmerizing as the designer himself. We recently spent an afternoon with Kostick, and it was like attending a lecture at MIT. As he explained (very patiently) the principles of tensegrity and non-Cartesian axes, he continued to spin, fold and unfold his bronze Stars, which he refers to as “mathematical truths that you can hold in your hand.” Step into the fascinating world of John Kostick, designer of the Foldable Star Sculptures.

P.S. That flame that he works with is over 3000° Fahrenheit. His only protection from it: a pair of Ray-Bans.

 

See the Foldable Star Sculptures

Music: "Every Night For A Year" by Patrick Ellis. "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary" by Chris Zabriskie. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Eclipse + Calder = Miro.

Our friends at Stua just shared this great photo with us. "The natural shapes of Eclipse Tables, with a Calder Mobile, create an image that looks like a Miro painting," says Jon Gasca. "Good ingredients are key to create an interesting result." We couldn't agree more. The photo below was taken in the lobby of a NYC hotel. Can you guess which one?

Auction watch: Scandinavian Design at Wright.

Here are a few highlights in tomorrow's Scandinavian Design auction at Wright in Chicago. The 1930s Lounge Chair with Reading Stand by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson is a dream come true for a modern-loving bibliophilia, and if standing is more your style, his Book Stand is a great piece and a furniture form that is rarely seen today. (The description doesn't mention it, but it appears that this Book Stand is height adjustable, so you could use it while seated if you so desired.). In the "eye candy" category, there is a Vase by Stig Lindberg and Wastepaper Baskets made of rosewood and teak by P. S. Heggen. RESULTS: Lounge Chair with Reading Stand: $3,000 (estimate $700-$900). Book Stand: $1,063 (estimate $500-$700). Vase: $1,625 (estimate $1,000-$1,500). Teak Wastepaper Baskets: $16,250 (estimate $3,000-$4,000).

Michael Brennan’s Muhammad Ali.

On Thursday evening, DWR Beverly Blvd Studio in conjunction with Artworks Gallery Pasadena, showcased the black and white photography of subject Muhammad Ali by National Portrait Gallery artist Michael Brennan. “The original image [“1977”] resulted from a unique intimacy between Michael Brennan, and Ali, who wanted to be helpful to the young photographer."

Reporting live from the DWR Outlet Sale.

These photos show you just a few of the great buys you'll find at the DWR Outlet Sale. We're open until 6pm. Tomorrow the doors open at 11am. Catch the Free Shuttle from the DWR Studio at 408 W 14th Street in NYC. Details at dwr.com/outlet.

Outdoor Cushions for $10.

Wishbone Chairs by Hans Wegner.

This Weekend: DWR Outlet Sale.

Mark your calendar for this weekend's huge DWR Outlet Sale in New Jersey + Free Shuttle service from NYC. These photos were taken today to give you an idea of what you'll find at this great sale. Not in the New York area? Shop our Online Outlet at dwr.com/ebay.

November 17: MoMA Curator Barry Bergdoll at the Philip Johnson Glass House.

DWR is proud to be the sponsor of Conversations in Context at the Philip Johnson Glass House – continuing the legacy of what has been described as “the longest running salon in America” – established as a gathering of great minds in architecture, art, and design in New Canaan, Connecticut at the invitation of Philip Johnson and David Whitney. When the Glass House opened to the public in 2007, it extended the tradition to an invite-only Conversation series that took place at the property.

Tickets are available for the November 17 Event.

HOST: Barry Bergdoll, the Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art and professor of modern architectural history at Columbia University.

One can make a difference.®

This week in New York, and coming soon to other major cities, the annual Canstruction Competition will begin. This amazing charity competition will feature the work of 26 teams who will transform more than 100,000 cans into works of art. On November 21, the winners will be announced and the cans will be donated to City Harvest for distribution to those in need. Awards will be presented for: Best Use of Labels, Structural Ingenuity, Best Meal, Jurors' Favorite and Honorable Mention. Check it out and let us know which one is your favorite.

DWR Outlet Sale this weekend (+ free shuttle from NYC).

Take an additional 20% off already drastically reduced prices at the DWR Outlet and save up to 75% off original retail. Our inventory includes overstock, customer returns and scratch-and-dent items. 

Without wheels? Catch our Free Shuttle from the DWR Studio at 408 West 14th Street at: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. The shuttle will leave New Jersey for the return trip at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 6pm.

OUTLET SALE HOURS:
Saturday, November 12 | 10am–6pm
Sunday, November 13 | 11am–6pm
The floor will be restocked Sunday morning.

All merchandise is sold as is, and all sales are final. Merchandise must be removed from premises on day of purchase. Ask a sales associate about delivery service.

SoHo Studio Event: Meet Artist Bonnie Edelman.

Photo courtesy Remodelista.

Join us at DWR SoHo Studio on Thursday evening as we host photographer Bonnie Edelman. The artist will showcase her photographs and speak about the inspiration behind her book "Sermo Per Equus," a collection of expansive black and white images of horses that she has been documenting for over 10 years. Edelman was working as the travel editor for Sports Illustrated when she realized that she'd been on the wrong side of the lens throughout her distinguished magazine and fashion career – she's been shooting her artistic vision with a camera ever since. Her work has been shown in galleries and museums throughout the Northeast, and privately collected by celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Rob Thomas, and Nate Berkus.

We look forward to seeing you!

Meet the Artist: Bonnie Edelman
Thursday, November 10, 7–9pm
110 Greene Street
(between Prince and Spring)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212.475.0001 

For directions visit our SoHo Studio Page.

DWR Presents: Brad Ascalon.

Made of solid Carrara marble, our new Ascalon Menorah designed exclusively for DWR by designer Brad Ascalon is visually modern and inexplicably classic. "I wanted to create something that kind of sat in the background to elevate the importance of the candles, but yet I still wanted it to be a striking form in itself," says Ascalon, "the eight facets correspond to the eight days of Chanukah, and the left and right diagonals create an 18 degree angle. In Judaism, 18 is a very important number symbolizing chai, or life."

Recently, we stopped by Ascalon's New York studio to learn more about the menorah and his design process -- we had no idea that he'd turn out be a skilled ukulelist, too. Watch the video to learn more about Ascalon, his menorah and how he's carrying on a family tradition as a designer. 

 

Window shopping.

If you saw the windows of Façonnable USA in New York or Beverly Hills recently, you may have recognized the furniture. We worked with the luxury clothing retailer to outfit their outfits with iconic pieces from our collections, including Bertoia Chairs, Nelson Benches, PH lighting and more.