Designer Spotlight - Philipp Mainzer

Simplicity, sophistication, clean lines and oozing craftsmanship these pieces have it all. German designer Philipp Mainzer definitely has the art of furniture design down pact and let's face it, his being German pretty much means it is in his blood. 

His pieces are transitional, quietly bold and would fit perfectly alongside both mid century and century old antiques. With customizations in wood, finishes and fabrics they are also easily personalized. There is something about them which to me exudes the comfort of home and curated forms which could grace a gallery space. 

Most of his pieces can be sourced through E15 (http://www.e15.com/) of which Mainzer is the managing and creative director. There website has some great images. Enjoy! 

The Byron Lounge Chair 

designed with Florian Asche, 1999

The Backenzahn Stool/Side Table 

Designed 1996

The Ponte Table 

Designed 1994

Habibi Coffee Table 

Designed 2008

All Images from www.E15.com 

Visual Acoustics - the Genius of Julius Shulman

Last night I was perusing Netflix when I came across Visual Acoustics - a documentary celebrating the life and work of architectural photographer Julius Shulman directed by Eric Bricker.  I'm not quite sure how I had never heard of Shulman before, but his images defined the development of the modern architecture. 

Shulman is a charismatic, creative, unique individual with a great sense of humour. When watching the film his ability to tell a story through his lens is apparent. His depictions of buildings by Richard Neutra, Frank Llyod Wright and Pierre Koenig among others are truly arresting in their simple, but powerful presence.

Shulman passed away in 2009, but his images live on and continue to inspire many today. 

CASE STUDY HOUSE #22,  LOS ANGELES 1960

Architect Pierre Koenig

KAUFMANN HOUSE,  PALM SPRINGS 1947

Architect Richard Neutra

CASE STUDY HOUSE #22,  LOS ANGELES 1956 - 1958

Architect Pierre Koenig

V.C MORRIS SHOP, SAN FRANCISCO 1951

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright 

ARANGO HOUSE "MARBRISA", ACAPULCO, 1973

Architect John Lautner 

Also loving Julius Shulman Los Angeles - Great book which will be a definite addition to my library. 

http://www.amazon.com/Julius-Shulman-Los-Angeles-Metropolis/dp/0847835480

Image Credits:

1. http://www.livincool.com/ 

2. From http://whereisthecool.com/ by Julius Shulman

3. http://www.artnet.com/ by Julius Shulman 

4.  http://www.ananasamiami.com/ by Julius Shulman 

5. http://www.ananasamiami.com/ by Julius Shulman

Artist Adoration - James Nares

I first discovered James Nares at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo NY. I was immediately compelled by the movement, simplicity and strength of his work. This London born- New York based artist uses a rig to suspend himself over large-scale canvases and then paints one seemingly endless brushstroke.

Image from google.com

Achieving an effortless sophistication alongside a powerful sense of purpose - his pieces always catch my eye. So it's no surprise that his work is a favorite of designers. His work might not be in everyone's budget - but a feast for the eyes comes at no cost. 

Image from design-house-2011.blogspot.com

Image from design-house-2011.blogspot.com

From Designer Laura May - As featured in the April/May 2010 issue of Lonny Mag.

Image from lookbook.elledecor.com

Image from lookbook.elledecor.com