Gerard O'Brien, REFORM, Los Angeles
"The book inspires me because it is one man’s narrative about his choices with life. The house was the purist expression of that. "
Arthur Espenet Carpenter: Education of a Woodsmith
by Art Carpenter; edited by Tripp Carpenter and Linda Moore
Gerard O'Brien, from REFORM, writes "I just got back from San Francisco, where I was for the holiday. I was lucky enough to also get at chance to go up to Bolinas yesterday and see the Carpenter Round House in the flesh for the 1st time. I had been lucky enough to visit with Art while he was still alive, and been fortunate to handle a number of his important pieces.
If not for Art, I would have never gotten to work with the Blunk estate. It was while attending his memorial service in ’96 that I made the connection that led me to work with the Blunk estate.
Art’s honest narrative of his own choices in life, and the images of his work that accompany it are truly inspiring for me. The book inspires me because it is one man’s narrative about his choices with life. The house was the purist expression of that. "
"A prominent figure in 20th century American furniture design, Arthur “Art” Carpenter (1920-2006) combined great creativity with obsessive pragmatism, helping originate the distinctive California Roundover style.
In this book, twenty years in the making and completed in the last year of his life, Carpenter reflects on his extraordinary career. He discusses his influences, including Western and Asian furniture traditions, modern art, and organic forms of nature, and articulates his philosophical approach to design and workmanship. Filled with personal anecdotes and hundreds of photographs that Carpenter took over a
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REFORM: Gerard O’Brien tells stories about post war California Modernism and the artists / craftsmen that have called the West Coast their home and inspiration. Take a wander into his L.A. Melrose store, REFORM, and get lost in works made in wood, ceramics, glass, and textiles. It's likely you'll see work by Peter Voulkos, Paul Tuttle, Gerald McCabe, Evelyn Ackerman, and J.B. Blunk!
6819 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles CA 90038
323.938.1515