Lalique - Jewelry Genius

One of the most admired jewelry artist in the world is Rene Lalique. Although known for his glass, his jewelry is magnificent.   His inventive designs contributed to the popularity of the decorative arts in the 1890’s.   His extraordinary jewelry, based on selecting a motif from nature, became very important to the popular Art Nouveau style.

While reading art catalog, I discovered that Lalique, unlike many other jewelry makers, spent several years studying art and later had an apprenticeship in the jeweler’s craft.  Some of the most breathtaking pieces of jewelry by Lalique involved flowers, bugs and seeds.  Lalique’s “A Bee and Flower Brooch” is a classic example of Lalique’s imagination and his influence from the French countryside.   This small detailed piece of jewelry contains abalone, gold, enamel and glass.  

Lalique’s jewelry is popular not only because of his creative designs but also he possessed a  mastery of the techniques.  It’s been said that he would accept only the highest quality in his work.  His enameling is an excellent example of the high standards that Lalique possessed.

Lalique, a very important art jeweler and Art Nouveau designer died in 1945.  There have been many great jewelry makers since Rene Lalique.  My guess is that many have borrowed something from this great genius.

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Olympic Art

I am still waiting for something big to take away from the Olympic games in London this summer.  My expectations were that the art world would be on fire in London.  That we would experience art in a brand new way.  What I would like to see is something spectacular from this event to later be placed in the art history books.

The opening presentation viewed by millions was enjoyable.  Some will view this as a great artistic theatrical presentation.   Anish Kapoors’ magnificent tall sculpture will forever be a part of the London scene.  Anna Chromy’s statute, Olympic Spirit I am told is also a great work of art.  The fact that it can only be viewed by the athletes makes it more special.    This Chromy’s statute will be eventually auctioned off and will eventually have a new home. 

I recently read that museum visitations in London in general are down (as expected) during the first week of the Olympics.  Of course the Tate Modern has continued to enjoy a nice increase in visitors with its new exhibits.  The theatres in general are doing well.   Displaying an exhibition of hats on statutes around town I thought was very humorous and inventive but not great art.

I know the closing ceremonies will be spectacular. Maybe it will be the photographs taken by various individuals that will have a lasting place in the history of art from the London Olympics. I’m hoping, once the Olympics are over, that there will be something that we can look back at and know for sure that art history was made in London during the 23 Olympics.

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Art Nouveau - Nature and Abstraction

The term Art Nouveau comes from the name of a shop that opened in Paris in 1895 according to Nikolaus Pevsner’s book, The Sources of Modern Architecture and Design.   A house designed in 1892 and build in 1893 in Brussels probably marks the period when the style transferred to architecture.  The beginning of the style of Art Nouveau is placed somewhere between the years of 1883 and 1888. 

One of the individuals associated with Art Nouveau in the early years was Arthur H. Mackmurdo.  Mackmurdo was a young wealthy architect and designer.  He wrote a book in 1883 and referred to Sir Christopher Wren’s churches in London as Art Nouveau.  The reasoning for this association is that there were certain characteristics present that are often associated with the style.  These characteristics were asymmetrical flaming shapes derived from nature.

It is believed that Mackmurdo was influenced by William Morris and others.  Morris, a craftsman and  designer, is credited with encouraging young painters and architects all over to focus on helping people in their everyday lives. 

Art Nouveau became a universal success.  There were many others early that made significant contributions to the development of Art Nouveau.  The Paris Exhibition of 1900 was a major celebration of the art style.

Russell Cowles - The Traditionalist

I had the occasion a few days ago to read an article in a old art magazine. I love reading magazines and this one was particularly insightful although it was published some time ago. As I viewed the magazine, I ran across an article on a artist that was previously unknown to me, Russell Cowles.



The article was in the 1945 issue of American Artist Magazine. The article was an interview of artist Russell Cowles by Ernest W. Watson. This article included a personal side of Cowles, examples of some of his work and his view on art.



Russell Cowles states that his work at that time embodied (1) a stronger sense of picture plane and (2) a color approach in flat masses. Cowles is quoted as saying that “When you paint in flat color areas you seek a color equivalent for modeling, achieving the necessary definition for form through line.” The article provides a color illustration, “Autumn Wind” a painting Cowles produced in 1937. Several black-and-white illustrations of paintings by Russell Cowles is also included in this lengthy article.



The author concludes that Cowels is a traditionalist when it comes to “good painting.” Russell Cowels was a traditionalist who continually tried to achieve definition of form through line. I found his work interesting. This artist’s work appeared to be anything but traditional.

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Art Festivals

I love this time of the year because it is the beginning of fair and festival period in my home town.  About this time every year, several fairs and festivals are listed in the media as must-attend events.  These festivals occur rain or shine. This is an opportunity to get outside and to see and experience something new and exciting.

Several of the art festivals in my area have been around for many years.  The most exciting for me are the street art festivals.  Last weekend we had what is considered one of the top ranked art fairs in the county.  The Talbot Street Art Fair included more than 250 artists from across the nation.  Another great thing about this festival is that admission is free.

I recently read that art festivals will be curtailed in London this year because of the 2012 Olympics.  Some believe that local festivals of all kind will not be able to compete with the sports.  It seems that the Diamond Jubilee celebrations along with the planning for the upcoming Olympics will keep many people from enjoying regular festivals in London.

Hopefully, no major occurrence will prevent fairs and festivals to appear in your area.  If you are fortunate enough to be located in an area where lots of festivals will occur, you might want add these to your calendar. 

Protecting Book Collections

A lot has been written about protecting and caring for art work but I rarely seen articles about caring for books.  I collect art and local history books and often wonder if I am taking the right steps to preserve these priceless items.

Some time ago I read the book, The Care of Fine Books, by author Jane Greenfield.  This book is a helpful guide book for those of us that are serious about caring for our collections.  Some of the  things that are mentioned are protection from light, cleaning and dusting and the shelving of books.  Proper handling of the book and making sure proper the proper climate is maintained is also mentioned.

I volunteer a large library where the books and periodicals are cared for at a very high level.  The books, magazines and journals are stored in a light and temperature controlled environment.   The humidity is also controlled.  It’s not too humid or too dry.  They use no-nonsense metal bookshelves that are sturdy and do not sag.  Special clamps are used to keep the books and other publications upright on the shelves.  There shelves are not over croweded.   It seems like every  precaution has been made to insure that the books are properly maintained.

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Although I do a lot to care for the books I treasure, I’m pretty sure there is much more I can do.  I I think most of us would like to believe that our book collections will be around for a very long time.

Sendak - More Than Children's Books

A lot has been said about Maurice Sendak due to his passing this week.   I have enjoyed reading his books for children especially the award winning book, Where the Wild Things Are.  Very few writers who are also illustrators have accomplished as much as Maurice Sendak.  What is not widely known about this artist is that his illustrations extend to more than just children’s books.

In the book, The Art of Maurice Sendak, friend and playwright, Tony Kushner writes about Sendak's life and art work.  In addition to books for children, Sendak illustrated a few CD covers and posters.   He became a stage designer in 1975.  He was subsequently worked as the designer for several stage productions.  Sendak collaborated with Carole King on an animated special for CBS, Really Rosie.  He also produced the covers for books of other writers.

Maurice Sendak was a true artist.  He was the award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books and much more.