The Ciseal Journal

Through his work across the fields of architecture, interior design, textiles, and graphic design, Alexander Girard became one of the most influential designers of the twentieth century.  Even today, Girard’s work with color, texture, decoration, and handmade details are regarded as touchstones of classic modernism.  He is widely regarded as the greatest colorist and textile designer of the mid century era.

Eero Saarinen is one of the most well known mid century designers - and for good reason.  The Finnish-born Saarinen is regarded as one of the masters of American 20th century furniture design as well as architecture.  He’s best known for his neofuturistic style, and his designs feature beautiful, bold curves and a pioneering use of materials.

Three lessons I’ve learned for why STEAM is the path to a more wholistic future.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s distinguished career centers on his most famous structure: Fallingwater.  Originally a weekend home he designed in 1935 for Liliane and Edgar J. Kaufmann, it’s sparked wonder for many who dream of what it would be like to live over a waterfall in the remote forest of western Pennsylvania.  It is a masterful application of Wright’s unique style, and I hope you enjoy the history and thoughtful design of this home as much as I do.

You’re perhaps familiar with Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park, but what many don’t realize is that Epcot started off as a much bigger idea.

Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House at The Henry Ford demonstrates a new way of designing a shelter, and while it was never produced on a mass scale it challenged the way other designers and architects viewed technology, manufacturing, and design.

I first learned about Herbert D. Ryman (1910-1989) while on vacation in Walt Disney World, and his art has been inspiring me ever since.  He was both a commercial and a fine artist who had an insatiable need to sketch the world around him and bring fantastic ideas to life through pen, ink, watercolor, and oil.  His work as a Disney concept artist set the tone for every Disney theme park until he died in 1989.

Every February, Palm Springs Modernism Week attracts thousands of Modernist fans from across the globe.  For mid century modern buffs, it’s quite possibly the most wonderful 10 days of the year.  There is so much to see and do during Modernism Week that it can be difficult to narrow it down to what you have time for - even if you’re in town for the whole 10 days.  To make the most of what there is to do, it helps to do some research before you go.  Hopefully this guide will help you narrow it down a bit to help you make the most of what there is to do during your trip.

I like to think of myself as a reformed engineer - one who has gone from a complete lack of knowledge about the creative arts to fully embracing the important role art and design have in a technology-driven economy.

It’s June, and every year around this time I start dreaming about road trips.  Being born and raised in Michigan, some of my favorite destinations like Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks are “up north.”  While driving to these destinations, I’m usually dreaming about soaking in their natural beauty on quiet hikes, sampling local brews and eats, and relaxing under the stars.  These dreams are usually in full swing as we drive through another destination that most wouldn’t even think to stop at and explore: Midland.

My path to this point of making bent plywood things for a living all started when I got my first real job at the GM Technical Center in Warren, MI.  At the time, I didn't have a clue about this mid century architecture and landscape design mecca.  Little by little, though, the design bug began to emerge as I was surrounded by the purposeful yet beautiful vintage architecture, interior design, and landscaping.

I get asked all the time how I got started in hand crafting bent plywood furniture and what's my inspiration, so here's some of the story.