Halloween Attacks!

This years Halloween Jack O’Lantern is dedicated to my Dad, who has collected Mars Attacks trading cards since he was a little boy.  What a giant brain!!

Mars Attacks Pumpkin by Joanna Lemle

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Adore A Door: Climbing Up The Walls; Neve Tzedek, Israel

The narrow streets of Neve Tzedek are picturesque, filled with century old structures that house little shops, cafes, and stunningly beautiful homes.  Though technically a part of Tel Aviv, this neighborhood actually predates the urban hub. It was established in 1887 by a group of Jewish families looking for relief from the bustle of Jaffa.  The area fell into disarray in the middle of the 20th century, but went through a period of revival after many of its buildings were placed on preservation lists in the 1980s.  Nowadays, Neve Tzedek is quite the popular destination.

For an area overflowing with charm, one house seems to attract more attention than the rest.  This structure sits on a street corner, where figures sit on benches and cling to railings; some even seem to hang out of windows.

The sculptures are beautiful: chubby and cheerful.  Of course, I couldn’t help but notice the ornate bright red door at the entrance.

The Sound of Structure

The concept seems simple enough.  Take some metal scraps (consider rummaging through the recycling bin), a metal plate  (try a trip to the flea market), and some metal dowels (hey, maybe you’re even feeling up for a good ol’ fashion dumpster dive).  Now find yourself a torch (well, that’s a bit harder to come by).  The task: create something beautiful in both solid and vibrational form.  Still sound easy?  Now go back in time over 50 years, forgoing all modern technology.  No Apple gadgets to work from, no ordering parts from overseas at the click of a button, no google searches to research different techniques.  All these things considered give new light to the work of Harry Bertoia.

An Early Sound Sculpture — Circa 1955 — Beryllium copper and brass

A multifaceted Italian artist, Bertoia produced an extraordinary amount of work.  Perhaps the most interesting of his expansive portfolio are his tonal sculptures.  Their innate attractiveness mixed with their functionality are such an interesting exploration in sound and structure.  Bertoia combined metals of varying composition and shape to create pieces that when activated by touch or wind, generate mysterious and ethereal tones.

Sound Sculpture — Circa 1960 — Beryllium copper and brass

Recordings of these sculptures in action can be heard on his many albums, entitled “Sonambient.”  On a few occasions, Bertoia even played them live in concert.  The two above pieces are made of beryllium copper and brass.  Interesting to see the evolution from short, numerous posts to fewer, longer ones, with the addition of small canisters perched at the top.

Untitled — Circa 1960 — Welded copper and patinated bronze

Some other works worth noting are Bertoia’s tree and dandelion pieces.  These are a true testament to his ability to transform metals into seemingly organic forms; an exceptional blend of creativity, artistic ability, and nature.  This untitled work is made of copper and patinated bronze.  These pieces were recently up for auction at Sotheby’s as part of the 20th Century Design catalogue, and in my opinion, are simply beautiful.

Photos Courtesy of: Sotheby’s New York, 20th Century Design, Including a Private Collection of Mid-Century Design and Ceramic Art, Auction 7 March 2012