Design Notes

David Lynch in the Studio.

An idea from two years ago became a reality on July 31, when we hosted David Lynch in the Los Angeles, Beverly Blvd Studio. Three-time Oscar nominee, Lynch is among the leading filmmakers of our era. From the early seventies to the present day, Lynch’s popular and critically acclaimed film projects are internationally recognized for breaking down the wall between art-house cinema and Hollywood moviemaking. His gracious manner and inspiring insights to his creative process, entwined with his 30-year commitment to Transcendental Meditation, provided the platform for a very colorful Q&A. Lynch described the experience of “diving within” and “catching” ideas like fish, and then preparing them for television or movie screens, and other mediums in which he works, such as painting, music and design. During the event, our book sponsor, Book Soup, sold every copy it had of Lynch’s new book, “Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness and Creativity.” For those who did not want to leave the event empty handed, we offered Lynch’s signature roasted coffee. (It’s delicious by the way.)

If you’re in the LA area and want to learn more about Beverly Blvd Studio events, visit us on Facebook.

Trubridge in Los Angeles

Join us in welcoming David Trubridge to Los Angeles.  He will be in the Beverly Blvd studio this Thursday to lead a discussion on how his time in Antarctica has inspired his recent work, including his Trubridge pendants.  David is New Zealand's best known furniture designer and regularly exhibits overseas in Japan, North America and Europe.  His presentation will include a slide show and Q&A. 

We recently received the 5 foot Koura pendant and were delighted to find the crate is fashioned from the template for the coordinating Coral Pendant. The Koura pendant is almost as tall as the people who create it!  Koura is part of a new ethical design series by David Trubridge that is being developed as a result of his Antarctica Arts Fellow experience.  Koura is the Maori name for the fresh-water crayfish, whose curled shape is reflected in the light.

We will be giving away a Coral Pendant, signed and presented by David, to one lucky attendee the night of the event.  If you would like to RSVP for the event please follow the link: beverlyblvd@dwr.com

Susie Cordes

 Studio Proprietor, Beverly Blvd.

Calling audio geeks and design freaks.

DWR has ventured into the realm of consumer electronics with the addition of the Geneva Sound System to our collection. When I first saw it, the Geneva stereo inspired a classic case of purely superficial design lust. Apparently the Geneva sounds as sophisticated as it looks. While this doesn't really affect my personal purchasing decision, those of you in the New York area who ARE concerned with the interior and exterior capabilities of the stereo are invited to DWR SoHo's Studio on Tuesday, November 27 to hear Fabian Meier, CTO of Geneva Lab and a leader of Geneva's in-house design team, explain the technology behind the stereo and how it fits into the tradition of furniture for music that started a century ago with the Victrola. You can bring your CDs, turntables, or MP3 player and try out the system with your own musical selections. As a bonus, one lucky attendee will go home with a black iPod Nano, perfectly suited for use with the Geneva.

Daughters of design.

Last Thursday, September 27, the Boulder Studio was honored to host "Daughters of Design" with guest speakers Susan Saarinen, Carla Hartman and Celia Bertoia. Over 75 people enjoyed an educational history filled with stories, family photos and memorabilia.

Susan Saarinen, daughter of Eero Saarinen, kicked off the event with a detailed history of the family dating back to the early 1800S. She shared photos of the Saarinen house she grew up in as a child. Everyone was fascinated by the weavings her grandmother Louise (Loja) had created which covered the sofas in the house. Susan followed in her father's footsteps and is now a landscape architect in Golden, Colorado.

Carla Hartman, granddaughter of Charles Eames, followed with wonderful stories of her time spent in the Eames house; how the interplay of light, color, season and weather continually changed to highlight different features of the space throughout the year. Carla is now Director of Education for the Eames Office and resides in Denver, Colorado.

Celia Bertoia, daughter of Harry Bertoia, concluded the presentations with family photos as she talked about "the man" Harry Bertoia. She shared heartwarming stories of growing up with him, a man full of energy that lived his life to the fullest by embracing his passion for art and design. Once a Boulder local, Celia now resides in Bozeman, Montana where she runs her company Perfect Timing.

Readymade celebrates fashion.

Last week, at our Potrero Studio in San Francisco, we threw an event to celebrate Readymade magazine’s fashion issue launch. The party was a huge success, packed full with glamour guys and gals in blue suede stilettos (which I coveted). Our intrepid proprietor, Eric Hildebrandt, made a catwalk out of tape on the floor, and Readymade had the models walk between the crowd and the furniture. Many of the clothing designers were in attendance, and they used the same models from the cover of that issue. I can’t say I remember everything about the evening (which may or may not be due to the vodka luge, courtesy of Hangar One). Thanks to Readymade and the great folks at the Potrero Studio for throwing such a fun event.

Art and Design Meet in South Beach

Stua's Jon Gasca at DWR
Friday, December 8th 7-10pm

Concurrent with Design Miami and Art Basel, DWR South Beach is proud to welcome Jon Gasca, artistic director of Stua, in an exhibition of his abstract photography. Gasca will be on hand to present two series, Architectural Net and Lights. This is the premiere exhibition of his work, which investigates light and architecture and the ways in which these elements act as a backdrop for environmental messages. DWR is the exclusive retailer of Stua products in the U.S. In true South Florida party form, cocktails will be served. Please RSVP to southbeach@dwr.com by December 6.

Providence on Fire

WaterFire was born in 1994, when Rhode Island artist Barnaby Evans was commissioned to do a piece celebrating Providence’s 10th First Night event. An utterly unique installation, WaterFire lives on the three rivers that intersect in downtown Providence and now consists of 97 braziers that are lit and tended to by torch-bearers who float along in four boats (which are classically named: Daedalus, Prometheus, Icarus and Athena). Considered a vital part of downtown Providence’s renaissance, WaterFire is now an ongoing installation with lightings happening weekly through September. Community-oriented events – including concerts, readings and other cultural happenings – now use WaterFire as a backdrop. DWR will honor this Providence institution on September 16, when Evans will give a presentation at our Providence Studio, followed by a ceremonial lighting from DWR CEO Ray Brunner.

Up and coming designers

DWR isn’t just about classic mid-century modern. We’re always looking for the next big designers coming down the pike, the next classics. To that end, on August 30, at our Denver Studio we’re welcoming students and faculty of the Art Institute of Colorado. The event will feature several examples of the best work from the Art Institute of Colorado’s Industrial Design department. Entries will be judged by a panel and the winners will be on display. Representatives of the school’s faculty will discuss the Industrial Design program. It’s a rare opportunity to see the next generation of designers. Check back here to see the winners.

The Eames Film Festival

According to the Eames Office, Charles and Ray Eames made over 100 short films between 1950 and 1982. The Eames Office has done a beautiful job of preserving their legacy – archiving the pair’s films, photography and other artistic and design-oriented endeavors. DWR has teamed up with Eames Demetrios (grandson of Charles Eames) and Bernadine Styburski, executive director of Eames Office, to present the Eames Film Festival. It’ll be on tour through our Studios all over the country. Click for details.