TODD OLDHAM STUDIO

CINCINNATI ART MONTH

2007-08-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve just returned from Cincinnati, Ohio, home of my hero Charley Harper. I was on book tour there in support of the gigantic monograph that was just published by AMMO Books on Charley’s 65+ career called Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life. I had the pleasure of spending the last 5 years working on the book with Charley and it has been among the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on. We very sadly lost Charley on June 10th this year and this lovely book helps to remind people of Charley’s graceful genius.

Last Saturday marked the opening of Minimal Realism: Charley and Edie Harper, 1940–1960 at the Cincinnati Art Museum, contrasting the synergistic art made from 1940 to 1960 of the wildly prolific couple. The show is beautifully designed and features many unseen paintings, drawings and fantastic copper enameling. Across town at the brilliant Contemporary Arts Center a second show of Edie Harper's work is mounted alongside drawings and paintings by enchanting New York artist, ELLEN BERKENBLIT, and the eccentric Cincinnatian, Maybelle Stamper. What a treat to see 2 separate Harper shows, both brilliant, in 2 separate important museums.

Cincinnati is rather sophisticated with a lot of history in the art world. From the beautiful ceramics of Rockwood from early last century to the director of the CAC being jailed for showing Robert Mapplethorpe photos in the 1990’s.

One of the most anticipated new galleries in town is opening in the fall called Country Club Gallery. The effort of former CAC curator, Matt Distel, and Christian Strike of Iconoclast will indeed be worth keeping up with. Check out the Iconoclast site for a preview.

Also of note in Cincinnati is the former train station extravaganza that houses the Museum of Natural History & Science and an amazing full size miniature model of Cincinnati. The giant clamshell shaped building is clad in some of the most vivid mosaic tiles ever seen. Amazing! Happy Ohio! Todd

Ps: After a full art day, rejuvenate with the decadent Graeter's ice cream. I think if you eat it while standing the calories don’t count. You can even ship Graeter's anywhere in the states and it arrives very frozen so you can enjoy that instant fantastic sugar coma no matter where you are.

Pps: I certainly appreciate that our world is made up of lots of different points of view and this was never in stronger evidence during my trip to the Creation Museum located 7 miles from the airport in Cincinnati. Far be it for me to pass judgments on people’s beliefs, but this place was mind blowing. It’s dead serious with all of the sensorial manipulations necessary to drive their unscientific point of view home. As the cashier told me at Gold Star Chili [try the Veggie Chili 3-Way] up the road from the museum, “it presents what WE believe, and what scientists believe.” Oh my.

SUMMER ART TREATS

2007-08-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hope your summer is going well. There are some terrific summer art treats this August that I found wildly inspiring. If you're out in Los Angeles, be sure to check out CARRIE MARILL at SIXSPACE gallery. The show is called NEWFOUNDLAND and the guache on paper paintings explore extinct and endangered plants and animals. The astonishing quality of the work is not as visable in the photos of the work, so try to see them in person. Carrie Marill is a very gifted artist and one to keep an eye on. Here are a few images. Check out the sixspace site for more Marills and info.

Also in Los Angeles [and not far from sixspace] is Western Project. The super smart group show features one of my favourite artists, WAYNE WHITE. The title of the show, BEAUTY IS EMBARRISING is from one of White’s crisp new paintings. Working in the amazing singular Wayne White way, the new pieces are more simplified and just as intriguing. There is also a terrific new additioned piece painted on laser cut aluminum. A mind-bending take on text that leaps at you. For more Wayne Whites online and in person go to CLEMENTINE GALLERY in New York and WESTERN PROJECT in Los Angeles. Here is the show’s eponymous artwork.

Also at Western Project is the remarkable Arne Svenson’s installation of MRS. BALLARD'S PARROTS paraphernalia including the original poloroids and the animal abuse tinged films.

If you find yourself in New York don’t miss the Whitney's intallation of RUDOLF STINGEL. The genius MCA in Chicago pulled this terrific show together and it is incredibly inspiring. From the stark coloured carpet installation to the fascinating foam insulation carvings to the super gigantic, masterfully painted, photorealistic self-portraits, Stingel’s consistent hand is remarkable. The MCA's catalogue is terrific, but I hope you get to see it in person because you will not forget this show. Roberta Smith from The New York Times, says ”For nearly 20 years [Rudolf Stingel] has made work that seduces the eye while also upending most notions of what, exactly, constitutes a painting, how it should be made and by whom. . . jaw-dropping, thought-provoking beauty." “It's one of the best-looking shows I've ever seen at the Whitney."

THIS IS A MUST SEE. Check out CINDY SHERMAN'S new work in the August issue of French Vogue. ASTONISHING!

Wishing you the best rest of the summer, cheers, todd

Ps: Check back with us in early September when we relaunch our newly designed website.

THIS JUSTIN

2007-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hello to you, if you're up for some smart fun, check out Justin Jorgensen's crazy site. I first heard of Justin's clever work when he reimagined what the STAR WARS sets might have been if different designers had done it. I loved his version on what I might have done to Aunt Bera's kitchen. Be sure to check out every nook and cranny of this site as there are jewels at every turn. I especially loved the amended Monet calenders his aunt gives him every xmas. Here are a few.

Also of note is THE EBAY CONCEPTIAL ART GALLERY.

AND THE SPELLBINDING WITCHES CATALOGUE

Check back often to see Justin's blog, most recently including some terrific high concept photos of a cake pillow.

Enjoy, todd

CURVE APPEAL UPDATE

2007-07-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

This is an answer to a question submitted by Studio Blog reader Elizabeth regarding how to fix the stripped threaded hardware on her Thonet chairs.

QUESTION:
"Help! I have the same chairs and the holes are stripped on a couple of them, so the backs wobble (one even keeps falling off). I've tried using wood glue to keep the screws in place, but that doesn't work either. Is there any sort of putty/screw that will better anchor the chair backs?"

ANSWER:
I had the exact same thing happen to one of my chairs.. The piece you need to fix is called a Tee Nut. They come in various sizes, so to make sure you get the correct size remove the Tee Nut by following steps 1-4 below and take it to the hardware store. I found these at Home Depot and Lowes.

The solution is this:
1. Remove the chair backs.
2. Remove cover.
3. Locate the Tee Nut by pressing into the foam side of the back rest with your finger tips.
4. Carefully cut a small "X" into the foam above the Tee Nut and remove it. The "X" should be only big enough to get the hardware out then back in. A sharp x-acto knife works best.
5. Insert the Tee Nut into the "X" with the prongs facing the wood in the exact spot where the damaged Tee Nut was. If the holes for the prongs from the previous Tee Nut are shredded, you can simply turn it 1/4 turn.
6. Take a hammer and lightly tap the prongs into the wood. The prongs are what keep it from spinning while tightening the back screw.
7. Replace cover and attach back rest to chair.

I hope this solves your problem.
Good luck,
Conn

CURVE APPEAL

2007-05-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

About 14 years ago I stopped by the 26th Street Flea Market in NYC and I came upon a beautiful set of chairs. Actually there were about a hundred of them. After talking to the seller I discovered that the chairs were Thonet and were from the waiting room of a mental instutution from the 60's. I bought 6 chairs - 3 yellow and 3 orange. Now how was I going to get them home?

I went home and got 4 large shopping bags, a screwdriver and went back to pick up my new chairs. I sat on the sidewalk and took them all apart and managed to make them all fit in the four shopping bags. I thought it was genius that they could be condensed like that for easy transport.

So here I am today in my new home in Maui - they had to come with me - and I finally decided it was time to recover the chairs - details at the end of this post. I wanted something graphic, tropical, but subtle. I covered the seats and backs in a natural linen which used to be curtains about 15 years ago. The seats were printed by taking 6 different leaves from the yard and painting each one with gold silkscreen ink. I then turned the leaves over and pressed the ink onto the seat. I got the exact look I wanted - subtle. They have a certain natural and worn in look. The legs and back braces were also stripped of the brown paint that was on them and were stained which now shows all the beautiful layers of veneer used to achieve the bent form.

After taking the vinyl covers off the chairs I noticed that the inside craftsmanship is just as beautiful as the outside. The bent-wood is clean and smooth and the way the padding is glued on is amazing. It has been glued on so that it does not wrap around the edge of the wood and is still in tact after 40 plus years. In fact it has not even dried out or crummbled in anyway.

Once the back brace is removed, the back cushion separates into 2 pieces.
Detail of how padding is attached.

Upon seeing this, I decided to to a bit more research on Michael Thonet and the history of bent-wood.

Michael Thonet was born on 2.7.1796 as son of a tanner in Boppard. He completed an apprenticeship as cabinet maker and, at the age of 23, established his own business as joiner and cabinet maker in Boppard. Thonet began to produce furniture parts such as curved chair backs from layered and veneered wood, until he finally brought entire chairs in bent-wood forms onto the market. The Thonet company was established in 1819 to produce his own designs, using the then new bentwood process, which he developed. Bentwood is a term used to describe furniture made by steaming wood, bending it, and letting it harden into curved shapes. In 1856 he patented his invention for bent-wood furnture in England, France and Belgium. Within a short period of time it became a major furniture manufacturer with a global distribution network.

The 1859 chair No. 14 - better known as Kaffeehausstuhl No. 14, coffee shop chair no. 14 - is still called the "chair of chairs" with some 30 million produced up until 1930. It yielded a gold medal for Thonet's enterprise at the 1867 Paris World's Fair. The bent-wood furniture could be taken apart and was very suitable for export because of the low transport costs. To this day, Thonet is still manufacturing furniture.

One can hardly imagine the work of Charles and Ray Eames or Alvar Aalto without this technology and many other furniture manufacturers and designers have used the process since the expiry of the patent in 1889.

Eames lounge chair.
Image source and courtesy of http://www.steelform.com/lounch.html
Used with permission.

Plywood tends to splinter when bent into acute angles. To solve this problem, the Eameses and their colleagues cut slits and holes into these experimental chair shells. Chair Shell Experiments, designed 1941-45,
molded plywood, metal, and rubber.
Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum

Aalto Stool
The basic Aalto stool is 3-legged. Because of this, even large numbers of them can be stacked and stored in very little space.
Designer: Alvar Aalto
Designed: 1933

Bar stool
Alvar Aalto Museum collection / loaned by the City of Jyväskylä
Designer: Alvar Aalto
Designed: 1934
Photo Courtesy of http://www.alvaraalto.fi/alvar/design/chair/english.htm

Chaise longue
Alvar Aalto Museum collection / loaned by Oy Artek Ab
Designer: Alvar Aalto
Designed: 1936
Photo Courtesy of http://www.alvaraalto.fi/alvar/design/chair/english.htm

In the 1930's a major expansion took place with the addition of tubular steel furniture from famous Bauhaus associated designers such as Mart Stam, Marcel Breuer and Mies van der Rohe.

Mart Stam
Chaise Cantilever S33
Chrome & Leather
Designed 1926
Photo Courtsey http://www.steeldomus.com/fr/cantilever_chair_mart_stam.htm

Mies van der Rohe's MR Lounge Chair was first created in 1929.
Tubular stainless steel frame with leather seat cushion.
Photo Courtsey http://www.vassardesigns.com/mrloungechair.htm

The Wassily Chair, also known as the Model B3 chair, was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925-26. This chair was revolutionary in the use of the materials (bent steel tubes and leather) and methods of manufacturing. It is said that the handlebar of Breuer's 'Adler' bicycle inspired him to use steel tubing to build the chair, and it proved to be an appropriate material because it was available in quantity.
Photo Courtesy of http://www.steelform.com/wassily.html

Details of the re-cover:

The 6 different leaf patterns are clockwise from back: Taro, Fern, Ulu (breadfruit), Maille-Scented Fern, Papaya (cut off), Monstera.
Detail of Papaya Leaf.
Stripped and sanded legs.
Freshly stained legs and back braces.
Leg deatil with layers of veneer.
Attaching the piping on the back cushions.
Close the piping by tucking one end into the otherand folding back top layer 1/4".
Piping detail.

Make sure to leave on any original tags if possible.

Staple on a bottom cover to hide raw edges of fabric and wood. I like to use materials like felt, vinyl, ultra suede or even an inexpensive plastic table cloth because the edges of these materials does not fray or unravel and provides a clean finish on the bottom. I used the black vinyl from my 1950's daybed cushions that I am in the middle of recovering as well. There is nothing wrong with the vinyl so why not reuse it? I never throw anything away that I might be able to use again. Vinyl works well for the under sides, but here in Hawaii not so much for a cushion.

I also put new gliders on the legs . I did this for 2 reasons.
1. It heeps the wood on the legs from wearing down.
2. It helps keep from scratching the floor.

I finished it all off with brass screws on the back brace. The only other option was silver and I felt that stood out too much. The brass at least matches the ink on the seats.

The final product.

A great collection of Thonet furniture can be found at 1st Dibs.

- Conn

GOING, GOING, GONE!

2007-04-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Kelli is one of the sharpest shoppers I know. She can find ANYTHING. Although she would deny it, I think she is a shopping psychic. I asked her to kindly share some of her secrets.

Enjoy, Todd

Auctions houses...love them. I discovered them on a live auction several years ago on Ebay. They are an amazing source for learning about designers you love, viewing rare pieces, and values. You may even find a new favorite designer.

Wright 20 in Chicago is tops on my list. They have such amazing taste.

Treadway Gallery in Chicago and Rago Arts + Auction Center in Lambertville, New Jersey are both excellent as well.

Check the archives. Pieces often do not go as high as the estimate....or you may also be surprised by how high some pieces climb.

For classic reissues and new design findsI like highbrowfurniture.com, type in "stan" during checkout and get 10% off with FREE SHIPPING!

Ebay ( of course ) often has damaged pieces you can fix yourself or love the piece even with flaws. Shipping is sometimes not that much.

Dansk Møbelkunst has an excellent selection often with rare pieces for Danish Modern and Scandinavian finds, Outernational has a huge selection of european 50's -70's ceramics and porcelain.

Last, just type your dream piece in Google and more than likely it will turn up somewhere just waiting for you.

Happy hunting, Kelli

I HEART PHOTOGRAPHY

2007-04-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

During a trip to Highpoint, North Carolina, home of the worlds largest chest of drawers, Tony found the duality of the south in full force. Here is the evidence. Enjoy, Todd

I love photography!…I grew up in the south…Louisiana actually…colorful…funny…lovely and scary all at the same time…this is where I am sure I acquired a taste of capturing imagery of everyday life…I live in NYC now and you see the same incredible images here for sure but there is still something special about how we live in the south… I feel it made me a better person….here are some images that I captured during a recent trip to North Carolina…I could not resist pulling over (coming to a screeching halt actually) when I saw a great outdoor sculpture retailer off the side of the highway…..more of my photography in the weeks to come…if you are a fan of photography please visit the photography section of our site…Todd snapped some awesome pix…one of my favs….. Stephen Colbert as a female striper!

Enjoy….t.o.n.y.

ZINE YOUR SCENE

2007-04-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

With its democratic approach, garage publishing has yeilded some inspiring, incredible results throught the years. Kelly shares some thoughts on those that moved her.

-Todd

Before there were blogs there were 'zines. As a teenage rocker tucked away in the bowels of central New York I found myself isolated from the punk/hardcore subculture. Zines like Maximum Rock n' Roll and Punk Planet provided me with valued musical information needed to discover punk/ska/oi/rocksteady music, band tee shirts and pen pals (sometimes with the incarcerated). Within the larger and more widely distributed zines of MRR and Punk Planet, more obscure, smaller zines were reviewed and addresses provided for purchasing (most cost $1). Similar to how youths now use myspace.com to search for new, underground music and friends, zines provided a community for the pre-internet days.

Now older, wiser, less punk rock and living in the variety of NYC, I still look for zines to provide eccentric individual views of the world. Of course, there are as many varieties of zines as there are blogs. Here I'll feature my favorites which are mostly weird-o, arty, designerly zines.

Independent publishing house Nieves based in Zurich, Switzerland focuses on publishing Artist Books and Zines. Nieves features a wide variety of totally rad stuffs ranging from photography, drawing and type experiments. All zines catalogued provide a website linking to information about each artist which is helpful and even more inspiring. The image above is by Stefan Marx of Hamburg, Germany.

The newest zine onto the scene is 'The Artist's Guide to Making Money' compiled, designed and published by Matthew Cassity and Sam Spratlin. It's a refreshing look at money's effect on artists and writers; those typically horrible with finance. Artists were asked to submit works that responded to the idea of money. The front and back cover is a sampling of ads Matt and Sam sold to fund the project. More topic ideas in the works—all which ask Artists and Writers about things they most likely know nothing about are—The Artist's Guides to Luxury Hotels, Spirituality, Fine Dining, Historical Figures…the list goes on and on. $$$$$ Purchase the Artist's Guide here.

In support and in response to the social platform of a blog I would like to re-inspire people to consider creating zines. Forget the computer for awhile, maybe for a couple days. Take out a pen, scissor, glue stick and cut n' paste your way to your nearest photocopy machine! Vent your thoughts and submit it to the world. Well, maybe show it to a few people. Sure blogs can get your views out into the whole wide world in mere minutes but consider the importance of small numbers and handmade appeal. Lulu.com is a great source for all your self publishing needs. It's a bit classier than a rugged photocopy machine and you may choose from several sizes and bindings. Make it on the computer or not, whatever it takes get your crazy individualized ideas and images out there into the world via zine or blog. Think community people!

Note (according to wikipedia):
An abbreviation of the word fanzine, and originating from the word magazine—is most commonly a small circulation, non-commercial publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self published work of minority interest.

AMAZING BOOK ALERT!

2007-04-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

National treasure, artist Cindy Sherman’s, entire work is represented in the beautiful new monograph CINDY SHERMAN. The giant book was produced alongside a gigantic retrospective of her work that opened in Paris last year and is currently showing in Copenhagen. I hope it comes to the United States too! This dazzling collection is a must have.

Todd

L.A. ART SHOWS

2007-04-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Los Angeles,

If you find yourself here in the next few months there are two extraordinary exhibits that are must sees. Mark Ryden's new works at Michael Kohn Gallery is called "The Tree Show." Working thematically as he did before with "The Meat Show," Ryden explores a haunting world that sets the fragile characters he renders so beautifully amongst, and some times inside, trees. One is immediately taken by the startling quality and richness of the works. Rydens lovely polished working drawings for the paintings are just as mesmerizing.

Photos by supertouch.

The hand-carved wooden frame that encases the main piece of the show “Tree of Life” is a marvel and worth the visit alone! I imagine it is almost impossible to photograph these quiet masterpieces with their shiny, luminous surfaces so please try to see this in person.

The Getty Center commissioned brain-bending genius Tim Hawkinson to create new works called ZOOPSIA [n. VISUAL HALLUCINATION OF ANIMALS]. A Hawkinson is impossible to categorize and often impossible to even describe, but when you see them in person you never forget them. He had a terrific, inspiring retrospective at the Whitney and the LACMA a few years ago and the monograph for the show is great.

Photos Copyright 2007 Tim Hawkinson

There are 4 new pieces installed near eachother creating an intimate presentation. When I was in the gallery I heard a women standing in front of LEVIATHON gasp loudly when she recognized that the spine of the skeletal structure was a series of miniature rowers in mid-stroke, grasping their rib bone oars. The looming OCTOPUS, a photo collage, seems to capture the sinewy creature at rest. A closer inspection reveals that each leg sucker is puckering lips. The modest and hysterical BAT is flawlessly constructed out of radio shack bags and wire.

Original photos and video with permission of The Getty Center.

The terrific art series on PBS, art:21 Season 2 features an
interview with the astonishing artist. Also installed for the first time on the west coast is UBERORGAN. Hawkinson's wild construction involves cloth, buckets, tape, light and sound all with the inner workings exposed. This version reaches up almost 60 ft!

Happy viewing,

Todd

LE CORBUSIER: MAN WITH A PLAN

2007-04-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Recently, Josh from our studio went on a tour of India. This week he shares his impressions of the unique Le Corbusier designed, Chandigarh.

-Todd

In January of this year I had the pleasure of visiting the city of Chandigarh, the dual capital of Panjab and Haryana in northern India. The city was laid out by French architect Le Corbusier in the early 1950’s and is viewed by many as India’s only planned city. In stark contrast to every other city in the country, Chandigarh’s architecture is consistently modern and the materials employed are an unwavering combination of poured concrete, brick and steel framed windows.

When traveling around Chandigarh the first thing you notice are the trees. Other than New Delhi one sees very few trees in Indian cities. Here there are thousands upon thousands. They were planted in straight lines and were part of Le Corbusier’s design for the city. Obviously, more trees means more space and better air quality – two things in short supply in the country.

My tour of Chandigarh started at the Panjab University, a huge, sprawling campus, which is similar to many American universities built in the mid 20th Century. The campus may look unkempt here but these pictures were taken during the dry season. Visit these same places in the summer and they, like the rest of India, will be lush and overgrown. The photo above shows the Gandhi Bhawan surrounded by a huge swath of concrete. This is actually a dry reflecting pool which is appropriate considering the architect of this structure Pierre Jeanneret derived its form from a lotus flower.

The highlight of the University of Panjab was Le Corbusier’s School of Architecture. A master of filtering light and understanding shadow, LC designed a wonderful oasis for design with studios filled with indirect, natural light as well as shaded areas to escape the harsh Indian sun.

The grandest buildings in the city are located in the Cultural Center at the North end of the city. Here the grid of the city disintegrates into the hills that eventually lead to the Himalaya. The Cultural Center is comprised of Le Corbusier’s monuments and the three structures of government: the Secretariat, the Legislature & the High Court.

In these buildings one can see Le Corbusier’s genius: his mastery of the elevation, his understanding of light and shadow and his ability (which I believe is unparalleled) to take you on an ever revealing ride. Though they share a common exterior of raw concrete, each building has it’s own character and there is a harmonious interplay between them. Sadly, what you will not see here are the incredible interior spaces of the Legislature, as photos are not allowed.

The wide boulevards virtually devoid of traffic are another anomaly. Nek Chand’s Rock Garden and the Rose Garden are other “must see” places in Chandigarh.

You can find out more on LC's Chandigarh here.

Photos by Josh Geurtsen

WHAT'S THE MATTA WITH ARCHITECTURE?

2007-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself in NY between now and June 3rd, be sure to visit the Whitney Museum of American Art and see the remarkable Gordon Matta Clark exhibit. Yoshi from our design studio shares his thoughts on the late enigmatic artist.

-Todd

"Gordon Matta-Clark - You are the Measure" currently on display at the Whitney Museum exhibits the photographs, drawings, films, sculptural objects, and documentary materials by Gordon Matta-Clark. The son of surrealist Roberto Matta and Anne Clark and godchild of Marcel Duchamp, Gordon Matta-Clark created works, which occupied the transient space in between art and architecture.

I must say that Matta-Clark’s work should be a mandatory topic covered in architecture school. What astonished me about the exhibit was that he was truly a product of an architectural education. Each of his works is an artistic twist on the architectural documentation process for site, space, and form.

When I started architecture school in 2000, course materials, including design studio courses, did not require us to sit behind a computer screen. It was mandatory for us to know how to draft by hand. Two years later, it was required for students to know how to draft on the computer, not as an option. I received my architectural education during the transitional period when computers were starting to play a major role in creating projects. Since this transitory period began in my third year, I was behind on my computer skills compared to those 1st year students who were two years behind me. The shifting of architecture into the digital age is not necessarily a bad thing, but preventing students from familiarizing themselves is. For example, future architects and practicing architects no longer have to draft by hand. This allows drafting to become less time-consuming, drawings to be saved digitally and for drawings to be duplicated effortlessly.

"Fake Estate," a project that Matta-Clark created by purchasing tiny lots of land from New York City, is documented through film and photography that made me start to think this was more of an architecture exhibit rather than an art exhibition. The photographic documentation process allows one to learn about the site. By creating panoramic photographic documentation of the visual corridor, surrounding infrastructure, and the human movement pattern that impacts the site, one can find out what gives it its uniqueness that exists only within that particular site. The movies Koyaanisqatsi by Godfrey Reggio and Caro Diario by Nanni Moretti are perfect filmic displays of a surrounding environment’s impact on a site. If you have not seen this documentary, it is a must see. It showcases a delicate weaving of the inter-relationships of politics, economics, infrastructure, science, aesthetics, and time as elements that take affect within space (site) and architecture.

Along with computer aided drafting is the 3D modeling programs. In architecture design courses and the professional practice, creating models simultaneously while drafting allows students and architects to fully understand the form and function of the space while understand the relationship that is has to adjoining spaces. In architectural education 3D programs are useful yet extremely dangerous, if abused.

Looking at works "Bingo" and "Splitting" made me think of my first year in architecture school where I was taught to draft and draw a sectional drawing through a house. It also reminded me of learning how structural elements create the physical house and building. It is an artistic twist on an architectural representation of a building section. When designing a building, a 3D program allows one understand space in conjunction with physical model building and drafting the view that exist beyond a wall. I am not stating here that there is one correct method for creating architectural form and space, but there are architecture schools and professionals that create form derived from mathematical formulas. Architecture and space traditionally is created by site analysis, understanding the programmatic elements, combining the precedent analysis with the programmatic elements to create one of a kind unique space. Those spaces combined with structural elements and mechanical elements create a building.

During my last two years in architecture school, I noticed that the introduction of 3D computer programs was changing the traditional method of architecture. Form created by any method whether it maybe mathematical, through translating John Cage or Brian Eno’s music into three-dimensional architectural form, or by simply arranging wood blocks to create a layout of space; each is assigned its function and programmatic elements. Function and program are the key elements of creating space. I have to admit that since I was introduced to 3D programs, I have become heavily dependant on the computer itself. Physical model building seemed like a thing of the past until I had a professor who made me rethink the basics of architecture.

Lastly, his original sketches and notes on display were something to look at. His notes consisted of sketches of objects or concepts that he was working on and written notes that were no longer than five words long. When you read these notes, you realize they don’t make any sense at all. Architects and architecture students alike are generally known to be the worst writers out there. Their sentence structure is fragmented with poor grammar and I cannot say that I am a great writer myself. I went home after this exhibit and dug into a box with all my old sketchbooks. I could not stop laughing. These notes that I took whether it was comments from my professors, ideas that came to my mind, or criticisms and comments that I have received during my presentations were noted in five word sentences, and it made no sense to me. If the person who wrote the notes cannot understand it, nobody can.

This is a miraculous show, powerful and makes you think about the fundamentals of architecture and even perhaps George Costanza could have become a real architect instead of referring himself to Art Vandaley, the architect. If you have an architectural background, this is a show that will make you think of your days in architecture school; and if you are familiar with architectural history you will notice how his works are influenced by his education from Cornell University and the genius minds who were behind that architecture department in the 1960s.

THE TASTE OF TEA

2007-03-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

We took a company field trip the other day to see the very sublime film The Taste of Tea. Everyone loved this film so much and Hillary is going to share a few thoughts on this must-see, one of a kind film [PS - check out Hillary's amazing illustrations in the new Amy Sedaris book I LIKE YOU!]

-Todd

The other day we all skipped out of the studio earlier than usual to check out The Taste of Tea, by Katsuhito Ishii, who has made several previous films, as well as having collaborated on Kill Bill with Quentin Tarrentino. This lastest being touted as an original departure from an earlier martial arts direction, and a promising addition to his list of films. The whole reason we became interested in seeing this film in the first place was due to seeing the movie poster featuring a little girl and her one hundred foot tall doppelganger that sometimes turns up and stares at her.
There is an Alice in Wonderland quality that is set against a cool domestic non-drama also an homage to Fanny and Alexander by Ingmar Bergman, the two worlds weave in and out with fluid abandon. The film basically follows all the family members around in their daily lives, which go from the mundane to the "lysergic." This film, was also a nod to the films of Yasujiro Ozu , one of Japans’ national treasures who coined the tatami shot, the angle at which you would see things if kneeling on a tatami mat. This makes a particular kind of sense when watching A Taste of Tea, that is at once a meditation and the bliss of the small moment as well as a distilled view af life's mystical underbelly. I love this film on many levels. The family members all have special supercharged attributes, like the characters are drawn by an everpresent anime artist, also the film gives me hope in it's ability to see the world with the magical eyes that it does.

FAIRING WELL AT SCOPE

2007-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have asked Jen from our office to share her thoughts on the New York art fair Scope. Scope is a smart addition to the art fair world with its alternative approach. You can check out more at Scope New York.

-Todd

With EIGHT important art fairs (Art Show, The Armory Show, Scope, Pulse, DiVA, LA Art in New York, Red Dot, Fountain) and countless accompanying events to choose from, the last weekend in February was both an arthead's dream come true and a true waffler's worst nightmare!

Promising the work of up and coming and emerging artists, I was most tempted by the underground appeal of Scope. As soon as I entered however, it was clear that in its 6th year, the fair now attracts a wide range of careers and galleries. Here are three of the artists whom at some point, emerged and caught my eye:

Shannon Lucy's darling paintings carry a particular wit, but her sense of color and delicate illustrative style is what made my heart flutter most. Her quiet political statements feel like a thoughtful reccommendations to the UN, a refreshing respite from the more abrasive messages that typically turn up in political art. In others, she takes on less worldly topics making quick remarks about american symbols, enjoying the simple fun of graphic drawing along the way. Somehow throwing me back to storytime as a kid at the same time, I can't help but mention that her work ever so slightly reminds me of Eric Chase Anderson's drawings on the wall of Richie Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums (brilliant, by the way). Check out some of Lucy's other work at Cynthia Broan to get the full picture.

Esko Mannikko of Yancey Richardson was one of the more established artists and galleries that I came across, at least for me anyway. I first noticed his work a few years ago, when he was showing mind-blowing animal portraits and their details, some of which I saw again at the fair. His treatment of human portraiture is equally striking and I particularly like his pics of people absorbed into their home environments. What I love most and is consistent through every subject he tackles, is a stillness that immediately calms upon facing his photographs.

Tomas Rivas' take on the accessible medium of drywall panels was both hilarious and ingenius to me. Using every single layer from the surface paper to the durable board behind it and the plaster itself, Rivas turned one of the most generic building materials (and leading waste products) into high design with ultimate efficiency. See more of his postmodern relief at Douz and Mille.

Pip Culbert and Tucker Nichols of Lincart and Cat Clifford and Jenny Heishman of Howard House Contemporary Art were among other standouts.

Cheers,
Jen

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2007

2007-03-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

Hello to you,

Last month we designed the opening night festivities for the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. This was our second year designing for Sundance and it is one of my favourite gigs. Besides the lovely folks we get to work with on this adventure, it is such a pleasure to get to celebrate independent film and thinking. I got see about 30 features and about 40 shorts and my sight has almost returned to normal. It is indeed a surreal experience to head out of the house before the sun has come up to catch a morning screening, but what a treat it is. I had not realized how few films ever make it to theatrical release and how many interesting, impossible-to-catagorize films are shown only at Sundance.

Last year one of my favourite films was by director Bobcat Goldwaith. It was called STAY then and got a small release as SLEEPING DOGS LIE. The literal description of the plot of this lovely, sweet and well made film would probably only seriously get in your way with a lot of preconceived notions, so I will merely highly recommend that you netflix this film and enjoy it as I did, without any idea of what I was about to see. If you hate it, sorry, but at least we both can agree we have never seen anything like it.

Here are some of my favourites from Sundance 2007 so keep an eye out for them. I imagine all the films have web sites so go fishing for more info.

I had 2 very favourites and are they ever different. At the top was Chris Smiths, THE POOL. The fantastic doc director pulls off what must be beyond difficult with the graceful, charming and haunting story of 2 young boys and their fascination with the neighbors pool set in Goa, India. The movie is entirely in Hindu. Perfect in every way with a to me unknown cast brings such life to the sparest of words. Really astonishing and not to be missed.

The next was a hysterically funny and gross dazzler called TEETH. Screenings of this were packed with its terrific word of mouth and its actual delivery of chills and laughter, often at the same time. The heart of the film is the radiant Jess Wexler, who won the acting award for this tricky role. The film explores the multicultural concept of VAGINA DENTATA, which is exactly what you think it is. Don’t read any more about this film and just go see it when you can, but be warned it is GRAPHIC.

Go see Tamara Jenkin’s perfect THE SAVAGES with flawless performances from national treasures Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Liney. Alternately funny and depressing and beautify designed and shot.

I was charmed by Molly Shannon in the sweet and batty YEAR OF THE DOG by the genius Mike White, author and star of the singular CHUCK AND BUCK. Justin Theroux directorial debut DEDICATION is smart and surprising with great performances by Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore.

EXPIRED features Jason Patric and Samantha Morton in fascinating funny and creepy off kilter performances as meter maids in L.A. LOW AND BEHOLD was a fascinating look at post Katrina New Orleans and the surreal challenge of trying to function there. Amazing performances with the most odd landscape ever seen. The second instillation of a Crispin Glover trilogy, IT IS FINE< EVERYTHING IS FINE! Is beyond description with a new take on every aspect of story telling. Not for the faint of heart but if challenging unbridled originality is for you check out this one of a kind film.

There were so many stand out performances. Julie Christie was heartbreaking and charming in the sad AWAY FROM HER; Jared Leto is unrecognizable in his chilling and haunting performance of John Lennon’s killer David Chapman in CHAPTER 27.

GREAT documentaries this year. GHOSTS OF ABU GHARIB is so haunting and unnerving with the indisputable evidence of the atrocities heaped upon the prisoners and guards. This Rory Kennedy project is airing on HBO this week so check the schedule and do not miss this. MY KID COULD PAINT THAT - Some of the best docs are when the story being documented takes a u-turn as is evidenced in this strange telling of the making of a 4 year old art star from Binghamton, New York. While selling works priced over 100,000.00, a story on a tabloid TV show reveals she may not be all she seems. This true story plays like a thriller. GIRL 27 reveals the case of a starlet in the early 1930’s that is brutally raped at a party thrown for employees of MGM studio. The director of this film is in it almost more than the subject, raising the question of a documentarian's place in their projects, but the subject matter is so compelling and thoroughly researched it’s admirable and fascinating.

I did not see HEAR AND NOW [doc winner of the festival, MANDA BALA [also a winner] or CRAZY LOVE but heard fantastic things about them and they all got deals.

You can check out lots more about his year’s festival on festival.sundance.org and for the first time ever many of this year's short films are available to download on itunes.

Happy watching,
Todd

Ps - every week we hope to share with you a few thoughts on what we are enjoying right now with the hopes of you enjoying it too. Thanks for the kind mail!

CRAFTING WITH MARTHA

2007-02-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

Watch Todd and Martha create an immaculate Illuminated Headboard and Floating Bed Platform on The Martha Stewart Show.

WATCH TODD ON MARTHA TOMORROW

2007-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Todd and Martha will be creating an Illuminated Headboard and Floating Bed Platform from Handmade Modern. Tomorrow on the Martha Stewart Show.

Look here for your local listing.

WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL TODD OLDHAM STUDIO BLOG

2007-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

We will be posting soon.