For everybody this current summer time “Nor Easter” brings wet stormy days but for me it’s inspiration for this blog. While I hear the wind hauling out there and the rain making that relaxing noise when it hits the roof of my home; John and I are talking about what inspired the architects and designers to switch from the traditional lines of furniture, objects and buildings to the ones that began the Modern era. Why didn’t they just leave well enough alone? What inspired the leap into a new direction?
We have done a little bit of research and we know that everything started with some schools and programs to bring more art and design in Europe and around the world. So all the designers and artists who probably were already thinking outside of the box, were now encouraged to bring their ideas and dreams to fruition. Others suggest that with the turmoil of the 1930’s, the new fresh look of modern was a sign of hope. I can imagine it was almost like saying we can create something not war related that will bring happiness to the masses and when we come out of this we will have a chance to go on with our lives.
In regards to furniture and objects; we know that artists and designers brought the idea of stream lined functionality to the pieces by way of new materials and new material processing methods. Such as plastics and bent plywood. These new materials and processes brought costs down which made good design affordable and mainstream. Mainstream translated to more exposure, more interest and more demand. Many incredible works of art, furniture and architecture flourished during the 1930’s to the early 1970’s.
Alas, by the mid 1970’s the modern age became stale, gimmicky, poorly made and over produced. However, the true works of art and quality design never faded. And in 1983 when Cara Greenberg coined the new phrase Mid-Century Modern they all did shine ever brighter.
So cheers to the great people who dare to be different, think outside of the box and created something so great that we can all enjoy now!
W. B. Yeats said, "An age is the reversal of an age." He was right in many ways, even in terms of art and aesthetics, but we can never really escape influences, always take aspects of the old along with us in different ways. Eventually, we also go back to the earlier ages to pull out what was best and try to reapply it. Well, we try to get what was best, but we do make some bad choices and mis-applications, too. And with furnishings and art, we can never fully escape the influences of the market (buyers) and limitations of knowledge, ability, and media, try as we may to stretch those. I think I had a point when I started, but I suppose I'm just thinking out loud.
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