a chat about interiors/craft/california
when furniture became buildings,
when rugs became paintings,
when rooms became stories.
when interiors become community.
COMMUNE: Nichols Canyon, California 2010,
Stan Bitters fountain/wall, David Cressey pots....
image from COMMUNE
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to hear Roman, Steven, and Pamela from COMMUNE, and Gerard from REFORM Gallery speak about their work, and their individualized paths as interior designers, collectors, and gallery owners.
Commune expressed their dedication to working California artists. Supporting and seeking those in our community to extend the conversation about craft, art, and interiors, as well as hopefully passing down these crafts to other generations. COMMUNE has used Alma Allen, the mind-blowing sculptor in Joshua Tree, (who used to have a store in Venice), for almost every project, as well as Stan Bitters, a California ceramicist, for many projects. Also recent collaborations Decorative Carpets, as well as with Adam Silverman and HEATH.
Commune spoke about the POWER of handmade/crafted pieces utilized for their interiors, and the power these objects can have and their ability to shift the energy in the rooms in which they reside. Their work is able to seamlessly integrate notions of high and low, and other ideas that at first seem to contrast, but upon further glance, appear confident, and relaxed.
Gerard O'Brien spoke about Arthur Espenet Carpenter's, "Wishbone Chair", 1988, as well as David Cressey, Stan Bitters, J B Blunk ( the recent show at Blum and Poe), Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman (on view now! go!) , and the legendary California Design shows. Gerard spoke about the idea of objects being sourced from a PLACE, and commented how the "Wishbone Chair" appears to have sprouted from the wet forests of Marin. Hows that for terroir? Stan Bitter's works appear as raw earth carved from the hillside when incoporated into the Nichols Canyon ourtdoor patio. (see above image) It was obvious from this conversation, that Gerard has a focused and strong commitment to telling the stories of these artisans. Together, REFORM and COMMUNE are doing something pretty fantastic.
Have you been to REFORM GALLERY's reading room on MELROSE?
In response to a question from the audience, Gerard commented on the past of decorative arts in galleries, and the blurring between the two. The thought of art + decorative arts not being so compartmentalized is a thought that thrills YHBHS. Thanks for a fantastic talk about art + interiors.
when furniture became buildings,
when rugs became paintings,
when rooms became stories.
when interiors become community.
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"COMMUNE was founded in 2004 as a collective focusing on enhancing life through design. We come from all over the world to share a vision and an aesthetic sensibility in everything we do. Our intent is not to dictate, but to facilitate through unconventional thinking and creative solutions. Our design process is a collaborative effort. Whether the project is a commercial space, a retail environment, a restaurant, a residence, packaging, corporate identity, or a website we approach it holistically. Our diverse backgrounds allow us to see the same project from many angles and to offer solutions that reflect this open-eyed attitude. "
REFORM GALLERY is
6819 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles CA 90038
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