Tuesday, October 6, 2009

THE ICONIC AND ATOMIC JULIUS SHULMAN....

The Stahl House - Julius Shulman photography


 



Julius Shulman (October 10, 1910 – July 15, 2009) was an American architectural photographer best known for his photograph "Case Study House #22, Los Angeles, 1960. Pierre Koenig, Architect." The house is also known as The Stahl House. Shulman's photography spread California modernism around the world. Through his many books, exhibits and personal appearances his work ushered in a new appreciation for the movement beginning in the 1990s. His vast library of images currently reside at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. His contemporaries include Ezra Stoller and Hedrich Blessing. In 1947, Julius Shulman asked architect Raphael Soriano to build a mid-century steel home and studio in the Hollywood Hills.


Some of his architectural photographs, like the iconic shots of Frank Lloyd Wright's or Pierre Koenig's remarkable structures, have been published countless times. The brilliance of buildings like those by Charles Eames, as well as those of his close friend, Richard Neutra, was first brought to light by Shulman's photography. The clarity of his work demanded that architectural photography had to be considered as an independent art form. Each Shulman image unites perception and understanding for the buildings and their place in the landscape. The precise compositions reveal not just the architectural ideas behind a building's surface, but also the visions and hopes of an entire age. A sense of humanity is always present in his work, even when the human figure is absent from the actual photographs.

Today, a great many of the buildings documented by Shulman have disappeared or been crudely converted, but the thirst for his pioneering images is stronger than ever before.


Biography
In 1987, the Shulman House was designated a Cultural Heritage Monument by the City of Los Angeles.

In 2000 Julius Shulman gave up retirement to begin working with his current business partner Juergen Nogai.

The Getty Research Institute held a 2005–2006 exhibition of Shulman's prints entitled "Julius Shulman, Modernity and the Metropolis"[4]. The exhibition included sections entitled "Framing the California Lifestyle," "Promoting the Power of Modern Architecture," "The Tools of an Innovator," and "The Development of a Metropolis". The exhibition traveled to the National Building Museum and to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Julius Shulman and Juergen Nogai have had exhibitions at the Design and Architecture Museum in Frankfurt, Germany in Fall of 2005, as well as an exhibition at the Barnsdall Municipal Gallery in Los Angeles 2006, Craig Krull Gallery Bergamont station, Los Angeles, October 2007, and another up-coming show in Spring 2009. An exhibition of their work is also scheduled in Mannheim, Germany in 2010.

On December 16, 2007 Shulman attended a showing of his architectural photography at the Los Angeles Public Library. The exhibit, organized by the Getty Research Institute, included one hundred fifty photographs documenting architectural changes in Los Angeles for the last eighty years. This progression includes the re-development of Bunker Hill, the growth of Century City, the avant-garde architectural designs in Los Angeles, such as Watts Towers, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and the Getty Villa, as well as the growth of Wilshire Boulevard. The exhibition features the industrial engines at the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport that helped fuel the growth of Los Angeles Also, featured diverse residential fabric from Echo Park to South Los Angeles. The exhibit spot-lighted Shulman's unique role in capturing and promoting innovative, sleek Case Study Houses, as well as the contrasting tract housing developments with repeated floor plans.

In February, 2008, the Palm Springs Art Museum presented "Julius Shulman: Palm Springs," guest curated by Michael Stern. Containing over 200 objects, this is the largest Julius Shulman exhibition that has ever been presented to date. In addition to the Shulman photographs, renderings, illustrations and models of many of the buildings that Shulman photographed were presented to compliment Shulman's extensive documentation of a place that was so inspirational to him. Rizzoli published the accompanying catalog, "Julius Shulman: Palm Springs." Additionally, a documentary DVD was produced in conjunction with the exhibition "Julius Shulman: Desert Modern."

Selected Shulman works were included in the Annenberg Space for Photography's inaugural exhibit, LOS ANGELES. One of his last commissioned works was of the Space, which opened in March, 2009, with Shulman in attendance.

Film
Shulman was the subject of a 2008 documentary film, Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman. The film, narrated by Dustin Hoffman and directed by Eric Bricker, explores both Shulman’s art and uniquely individualistic life offering a lyrical portrait of modernism’s most eloquent ambassador. It discusses how Shulman's images helped to shape the careers of influential 20th century architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra and John Lautner. The film won the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature as well as awards at the Austin Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and the Lone Star International Film Festival.

Shulman died at his home in L.A. California on Wednesday July 15, 2009. He was 98 years old. What an amazing iconic force of the ages...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

OH SO....EICHLER!







Joseph Eichler


Joseph Eichler was a visionary real estate developer (not an architect) who utilized highly-respected and progressive architectural firms to create well-designed, yet affordable, modern homes for the masses.

Joseph Eichler's interest in architecture was heightened after moving his family from New York to California in the early 1940s, settling into a usonian house designed by noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Joe Eichler's experience living in this modernist house inspired him to find a way to bring the unique design elements of a modern architectural home to the general public.

Joseph Eichler founded Eichler Homes, Inc. in 1949 and pursued his vision of creating modern homes with architecturally distinct elements for the average family (and average income!). To help materialize his vision, Eichler enlisted the help of distinguished architects and architectural firms such as Jones + Emmons, Anshen and Allen, Claude Oakland and Raphael Soriano who would help design homes and neighborhoods which were reflective of the contemporary and progressive design found in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home where Joseph Eichler had once lived.

Between 1950 -1974, Eichler built more than 11,000 modernist homes. Virtually all of these homes were built by Joseph Eichler in Northern California. Most of the N. California Joseph Eichler homes are located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including Eichlers in Marin (primarily San Rafael), San Francisco, San Mateo, Sunnvayle, San Jose, Palo Alto, Oakland Hills, Castro Valley Concord, Walnut Creek, Sacramento). In Southern California, Joseph Eichler developed five Eichler tracts which are located in Orange County, Thousand Oaks and Granada Hills. In addition to Eichler developments throughout California, he also built a small number of Eichler houses in New York, less than 1 hour north of Manhattan.

Eichler-built homes shared similar design elements including open floor plans, walls of glass which helped blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, and in-floor radiant heating systems which were a luxury typically reserved only for high-end, custom homes.

Despite the fact that most Eichler homes are approaching their 50th anniversary, the've never been more popular amongst homebuyers looking for good modern design that is both practical and livable.

To learn more about Joseph Eichler homes and neighborhoods in Northern California, be sure to visit the Marin Eichler Homes and San Francisco Eichler Homes pages of this website dedicated to Eichler Homes and its founder, Joseph Eichler. Additionally, be sure to preview the interior of select Eichler homes and see tips for restoring or updating a mid-century modern Eichler home.

If you are interested in purchasing an Eichler home, contact Renee Adelmann, a top real estate agent specializing in Eichler & other modern and mid-century modern homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

ATOMIC BARKCLOTH STORES AND SITES!

HERE ARE SOME SOURCES FOR ALL YOUR ATOMIC FABRIC NEEDS. VINTAGE IS GOOD,
BUT THERE'S NO GUARANTEE AS TO HOW LONG THEY WILL ACTUALLY LAST OR TAKE WASHES TO CLEAN THEM. I TEND TO LEAN TO AS MANY OF THE REPRODUCTIONS AS I CAN TO INSURE A GOOD STRONG BARKCLOTH TO LAST FOR MANY YEARS. ONE OF THE BEST PLACES I FIND ATOMIC CLOTH IS ON EBAY. THERE ARE DIFFERENT FABRICS THERE AT DIFFERENT TIMES. OTHER THAN EBAY I HAVE USED THESE OTHER SITES AS A RESOURCE. ENJOY!

http://www.jandofabrics.com/ LOOK UNDER RETRO BARKCLOTH ON THIS http://www.fullswingtextiles.com/1950s-retro.aspx
http://www.barkclothhawaii.com/allatonce/abstracts.htm
http://www.contemporarycloth.com/
http://www.melinamade.com/
http://www.reprodepot.com/



Thursday, April 23, 2009

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ATOMIC BARKCLOTH!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ATOMIC BARKCLOTH FABRICS. EVERY ATOMIC HOME SHOULD HAVE SOME ATOMIC DRAPERIES / PILLOWS /FURNITURE TO IT'S INTERIOR DECOR. THEIR ARE VARIOUS STYLES TO SUIT EVERY MIDCENTURY ENTHUSIAST. THE JET AGE JETSON STYLE DESIGNED PATTERNS ARE OH SO VERY, AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE TIKIS, OR THE STARBURSTS. WHATEVER YOUR PREFERENCE THESE BARKCLOTH MARVELS WHETHER VINTAGE OR REPLICAS SHOULD BE A PART OF THAT ATOMIC LIFESTYLE. HAVE A BALL WITH IT & CHEERS!




















Monday, February 16, 2009

VINTAGE BETTER HOMES & GARDENS BOOKS!

WHEN IN DOUBT YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST YOUR VINTAGE BETTER HOMES & GARDENS BOOKS AND BINDERS FOR USEFUL 1950'S & 60'S ATOMIC DESIGNS. GREAT PHOTOS AND DESIGN TIPS ARE GIVEN IN THESE FABULOUS PLANS FOR ENTERTAINING AND DECORATING YOUR ATOMIC PAD.

Monday, February 9, 2009

PREMIO DARDOS AWARD!

THIS IS AN AWARD GIVEN TO ME BY MY PALLIE KEITH WHO HAS SEVERAL COOL BLOGS, BUT ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF ALL TIMES "THE DINO LOUNGE" WITH A DEDICATION TO THE FABULOUS KING OF COOL "DEAN MARTIN". WE SHARE A TRUE LOVE & PASSION FOR DEAN MARTIN AND I WANT TO HONOR HIM ALONG WITH OTHERS I WILL BE POSTING HERE. KEITH WILL BE HONORED HERE STARTING WITH #1 ON THE LIST.






The Dardos Awards is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.



1) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.

2) Pass the award to another five blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgement, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award.



I give this award to:


#1 KEITH- THE DINO LOUNGE* THE SITE FOR A HIP & COOL TIME WITH A SUPERB DEDICATION TO THE ONE THE ONLY DINO MARTIN. KEITH IS KNOWN WELL FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE OF 1960'S & 70'S STARLETS IN ALL TYPES OF MOVIES TO INCLUDE FRENCH ACTORS AND ACTRESSES AS WELL. HE HAS A TRUE TALENT FOR BLOGGING VARIOUS SUBJECTS IN ALL OF THE BLOGS HE HAS CREATED. THANKS KEITH FOR THE MOST OUTSTANDING OF YOUR BLOGS. IT'S PURE DINO ENJOYMENT! http://coolnessistimeless.blogspot.com/

#2 DINO MARTIN PETERS- I LOVE DINO MARTIN* TO THE CREATOR OF A YAHOO BLOG CALLED i love dino martin AND OF 2 OTHERS WHICH GIVE THE PURE DEVOTION TO THE RANDIEST, KING OF COOL TO EVER WALK THE FACE OF THE EARTH DEAN MARTIN. HE WILL OFTEN BE HEARD QUOTING "OH TO RETURN TO THE DAYS WHEN DINO WALKED THE EARTH". HE IS IN TRUE HEARTFELT DEDICATION & HONOR OF DEAN MARTIN AND SHOULD BE TOTALLY COMMENDED FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LOVE & STEADFAST QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS LEGEND TO PASS ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS, SO THEY TOO CAN COME TO KNOW THE ONE AND ONLY DEAN MARTIN. HE HAS WHAT WE CALL AT OUR DINO PAD... DINO "PALLIEDOM" IN THE MOST RARE & ULTIMATE WAY! THANKS DINO MARTIN PETERS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO.http://ilovedinomartin.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

ATOMIC GOOGIE ARCHITECTURE FOR EATS!

ALL FROM THE 1950'S & STARTING WITH THE FIRST BUILDING, THIS WAS A PLACE CALLED THE PIGSTAND IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THE SUNBELT'S PIGSTAND FIRST BUILT ON THE DALLAS-FT.WORTH ROAD IN TEXAS IN 1921, IS OFTEN CONSIDERED ONE OF THE FIRST, FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF OTHER DRIVE-INS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH AND INTO CALIFORNIA. BY 1931 THE PIG STANDS IN LOS ANGELES AND ELSEWHERE, AS WELL AS CARPENTER'S SANDWICHES AND OTHER DRIVE-IN CHAINS, HAD ADOPTED AN OCTAGONAL FORM FOR THEIR ONE-STORY BUILDINGS, WHICH WERE SET IN THE CENTER OF EMPTY CORNER LOTS. THE CONFIGURATION ALLOWED MORE CARS TO PARK CLOSE TO THE BULDING, MAKING SERVICE EASIER AND ATTRACTING MORE CUSTOMERS. THE EXPLODING NUMBER OF DRIVE-INS SHOWED THAT THEY HAD STRUCK A CHORD WITH THE CAR-MOBILE LIFESTYLES OF AMERICANS; APPEARANCES IN MOVIES AND GOSSIP COLUMN ITEMS ABOUT STARS FREQUENTING THE PIG STAND OR CARPENTER'S IN HOLLYWOOD'S HEART AT SUNSET AND VINE HELPED TO POPULARIZE THE FORM.

PHOTO #2 WAS A DRIVE INN RESTAURANT CALLED HERBERT'S ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED BY WAYNE MCALLISTER HIMSELF. COMMERCIAL VERNACULAR BUILDINGS LIKE HERBERT'S RESPONDED TO THE DEMANDS OF THE NEW MACHINE AGE AND THE CAR ATLEAST AS IMAGINATIVELY AS MANY BETTER KNOWN MODERN BUILDINGS. THE CIRCULAR PLAN AND NEON PLYON WERE TAILORED TO THE CAR CUSTOMER.

#3 WAS THE SPACE AGE RESTAURANT,

#4 WAS THE EVER SO POPULAR "THE WICH STAND" WHICH STILL TO THIS DAY IS REMEMBERED AS THE NOSTALGIC RESTAURANT CHAIN IN WHICH THEY STARTED OUT IN THE 1930'S AS DRIVE-INS, AND THEN IN THE GLORIOUS 1950'S WERE TURNED INTO COFFEE SHOPS. YOU COULD STOP FOR THE DRIVE-IN, COFFEE, DINING ROOM, OR COCKTAILS.

#5 WAS ANOTHER GREAT DRIVE IN FOR BURGERS & FRIES, SODAS & SHAKES.... TO ALSO INCLUDE SOCIAL GATHERINGS.