I'm on the Hunt for Some Personal Pieces.

I'm currently on the hunt for these pieces for my own home: C. Jere flower/starburst sculpture, Nelson bubble lamp and a TV / media credenza.  These are not easy to find anyway, but especially hard to find at "my style prices" (def. cheap)

I missed out on a Room & Board Nelson style Cigar lamp on Craigslist this weekend because the seller obviously did not care about a first come first serve policy.   Hey, what can you do?   She was selling a brand new large Cigar Lamp for $75 OBO. They go for $379 at Room & Board.  So yeah, it stung a bit to lose out but that's how it goes.  That's okay though - I really prefer the round ball or saucer style to the cigar. Hey, I would have taken it for $75 though!

I came across the starburst / flower C. Jere sculpture on Craigslist today but I can't put out $450 for home decor at this point....nor do I really want to.  Anyone ever come across one at an estate sale or garage sale?  Not me. ;(

Lastly, I really want a new credenza in the living room for our DVD player, hubby's PS3 and the receiver.  Something kind of like this style:

Which Estate Sale Do I Go To?

This is a tough decision.  There are many great estate sales this weekend but 2 in particular that I need to choose between to hit first, bright and early.

First sale: Starts at 8am Saturday.  Features 2 Paul Laszlo end tables I would kill for and a variety of smalls/decor and C.Jere sculptures.  There is also a huge Danish credenza/cabinet and Danish dining set that will bring the dealers out.  Hey, aren't I technically a dealer?  Um, I guess.  Scratch that, "that will bring the vintage shoppers out". My point being, I'm sure the line will begin at 6 am or earlier for those hard core shoppers.  I'm not included in that group.  I can't get out of bed when it's dark out, even for Paul Laszlo... well, wait a minute, maybe I can:

PL, I love you.  Look at those lines!!

Gorgeous. I would love to have this but no space in my home. ;(

Chotchkies galore. I love me some me some smalls!

I love old electronics too. I'm eyeing that green TV in the back and the radios. Hey check out that clip light on the end.  

These were just some of the interesting pics. There's a house full of stuff.

Second Sale: (Pales in comparison) Starts at 7am Saturday.  Features: Danish modern bedroom set by American of Martinsville, Lane tables, vintage china and glassware, a full garage of tools, etc.

Now, this one does not look as pleasing but that might be a good thing.  That could equal less people and treasures buried deep in the messes.  Check out some of the messy pics.   

There are 4 pieces to this set. 

I can see myself digging through piles. I love that!

Who knows what could be hiding in the garage. I love industrial modern things.

So you see, I'm a bit torn. Go to the prize sale #1 and somehow get myself there VERY early or go to the second sale, not as good looking, but I'd still need to be there early, and hope for a smaller crowd and some unique finds.  

I think I'm leaning toward sale #1.  Go for the gold, right?  The second sale may or may not be good and the bedroom set is just okay anyway.  Where the heck would I store it? The PL tables at the first sale are spectacular. Why not at least TRY for them right?  Ok, I think it's sale #1.  Wish me luck getting out of bed early. 

Have great weekend!!

Fun Monday Finds.

I stopped into 2 thrift stores this afternoon on my way home from a meeting (yes I ALWAYS work thrift stores into my day) and I found a few cool things.

Flying brass birds attached to a piece of wood.  These sculptures are too cool.  Very Jere-esque right?  I think I'll keep this one.  Check out the other one I found awhile back, which is for sale in my shop currently. 

Mid Century Modern Upholstered Bench. 

Look at that vinyl - it's in perfect condition!  It's heading for my shop this week. 

Fun retro digital alarm clock with 2 alarm settings and push button "technology".  I love old clocks but this one will be for sale in my shop soon.

Happy Monday! 

Brutalist Architecture and it's following Art

What makes something Brutalist?  And what is Brutalism?

The terms Brutalist and Brutalism were coined by architects Alison and Peter Smithson in 1953.  The words are derived from the phrase "Beton Brut" which translates to raw concrete.  Le Corbusier, a swiss architect known for his role in modern architecture, used Beton Brut to describe the poured board-marked concrete with which he constructed many of his post-World War II buildings.

So what do Brutalist buildings look like?  They share repetitive angular lines, and are typically made with concrete, though you will also recognize this style through the use of rough, blocky shapes and exposed materials and forms. Here are some classic examples: 

Geisel Library at University of California San Diego

Habitat 67 Apartment Buildings in Montreal Quebec Canada 

The Torre Velasca in Milan

And much like furniture that was inspired by buildings, think Broyhill's Brasilia line, art was born from the stunning lines and striking presence of the new modern buildings of this time.  Insert Brutalist Art.  What is it?  It's a highly recognizable art, much like the Brutalist buildings, with geometric hard lines, and a feeling of exposed "guts" and materials.

C. Jere, a pen name created by 1960's metalwork artists (and brother-in-laws) Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, command the primary recognition of Brutalist art.  Their goal was to produce "gallery quality art for the masses". I think they accomplished that.   You can definitely see the Brutalist inspiration in their art:

Birds in Flight

Flower Wall Sculpture 

I want it! 

Maple Leaf Sculpture

Raindrops

Chandelier

Update: example of Brutalist furniture:

and check out this post on Mr. Modtomic's blog