I went to a movie screening last night. It was called Infinite Space, and focused on the architecture of John Lautner. I have long been a fan of his work, but the camera shots in this movie took my appreciation to a whole new level. Now, it’s no secret that Howard Roarke is one of my favorite literary characters. Say what you will about Ayn Rand, but she writes some really strong characters. You can hate her politics, and that her books are pushing objectivism pretty blatantly, but if you can get past that and just focus on story, some of the aspects of her writing are absolutely brilliant. Of all her characters, Howard always hit me close to home. A talented architect who refuses to change for anyone, and will only take on projects he believes in. To me, John Lautner is as close a personification to Howard as anyone will ever be. The way that he uses the environment, then blends his structures to fit the space, is nothing short of miraculous. Instead of drawing up a sketch and putting whatever he wants on a lot, he first visited the lot and took sketches of the curves and natural formations, then he would build the structure accordingly. It’s the way I think all architecture should be, and really forces you to see that architecture truly is art.
He of course received a ton of criticism for doing what he wanted, and some went so far as to call his architecture cheap looking. Well, I don’t know what buildings those people were looking at.
He was commissioned for 22 public buildings, none of which was ever built because of the controversy surrounding his name. It’s a crying shame if you ask me. He did build one small school in Southern California which is still used as a school. His most famous structure is this stunning building in Acapulco, the Arango house.
Well, people have been bugging me for years to get started on my art project ideas, and this film finally pushed me over the edge. I’m going to buy some canvases and an easel and get to work. Thanks John Lautner, you’ve been an inspiration. And thanks to all the folks who have bought his homes and restored them back to their original beauty, instead of trying to “improve” them by adding second floors and added space.
His homes are very unique and like an art piece in themselves. I'm so glad that the movie re-inspired you to do what you love! Good luck and can't wait to see some of your creations on your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI have never done art of any kind, but I always have a million different ideas swimming through my head. A ton of my friends are artists and they keep getting on me to just do it already. So now I'm going to.
ReplyDeleteThere is a cocktail reception at his Elrod home next month. If I'd have known about it sooner, I would've paid the $150 and made the trek. It's been used in a ton of movies, and it's an amazing house.
You know I love the architecture. You actually introduced me to Lautner's work.
ReplyDeleteBut if I had to choose a fictional character to compare him to, obviously it would be the steadfast righteousness and creative boundaries knocked down by the work of one, Mike Brady (wow, that was a long way to go for a stupid joke 30 years past its time...but it was worth it).
I have gone much further, for much worse jokes. The best thing about you bringing up Mike Brady is that it reminds me how everyone on that set was sleeping with each other. Good lord! Plus, before I knew any better and came to loathe ranch style homes, I actually really liked the Brady house. Mainly for the kitsch factor. The decor in that house was so hideous it almost hurt the eyes, and I loved it.
ReplyDeleteIf you need any help putting a brush to canvas, let me know. I'm certainly not a certified instructor, but I've been painting for over a decade in all different mediums, so I think I might be able to help.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend you starting with tools you're familiar with, though... pens/pencils/markers and paper. I have plenty of art supplies if you're interested in making an evening of it.
If you want it to be a private thing, that's cool too and I completely understand!
Thanks, but if I do this it will be 100% me, with zero instruction. I will trial and error when I use paint and brush. I want zero input on my creative outlet from someone else. I don't know if that sounds weird, but I'm really serious about not doing any sort of training about this.
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't sound weird to me!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm just glad you're doing it. I think it's really wonderful. I would love to see what you come up with!
You know I'll be showing you right when I'm done. In actuality I'm waiting on some tax money. I already have a ton of ideas.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! It's too bad you didn't save a cabinet door for yourself!
ReplyDelete(my captcha word is "mingly." As in - I went to a party and got all mingly with some hot chicks!)