Artistic, innovative, and observant, Ray Eames was a saver and collector of things that inspired her — and needed those things to surround her as she worked, as evidenced by her desk at the Eames Office (above, shot in 1976). Get a glimpse at several spaces that take a page out of Ray’s book and showcase the many items that motivate their occupants during the workday. Read more
Herman Miller and the Eames Office are two of the collaborators working on an interesting project in support of Operation Design – a not-for-profit that connects students with architects and designers. Twenty Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs are being worked on by street artists and will be displayed in the windows of Barneys New York from May 11. If you like what you see you’ll be able to but the chairs in online auction. Stay tuned for more information and pictures of the chairs.
We mentioned a while back about launch of House Industries Eames Century Modern font. Well the font is finally here, in all its mid-century glory. It was launched last week at the Eames Office in Santa Monica. The exhibition runs until April 1, 2010.
Mark Giglio is an Oakland based freelance graphic designer who has worked with 2k by Gingham, Apple, Nike and Dwell, to name a few. Currently, he is working on a series of products under his studio label Pen Pencil Stencil. It includes pillows, wallpapers, t-shirts, and even wooden figurines inspired by Japanese Kokeshi Dolls. Recently, I had the opportunity of seeing Mark’s collection in person and to speak with him about his workspace.
How long have you been working from home? 8 years now. Before that I had been working at some really amazing design firms that helped inform me of what a great working environment can be like. I think I’ve taken a lot of that with me and it’s influenced a lot of how my space is now.
What do you like most about your space? That it’s my place to experiment and think. Also all of my favorite objects, books and personal projects are there. So it is very comforting to be there and work. It’s really nice to be surrounded by those things that inspire you. I often freelance on projects away from my studio and when I return it is the best feeling. It can’t be beat because it is my personal space.
Is there anything you would change about your workspace? I’d add about 1,500 square feet on it so I could have a place to print and also a small wood shop. That would be perfect. I really enjoy my small workspace a lot but I think it would be great to have the space to spread out a bit more to accommodate the other things I like to do. Something like the Eames office where they were creating such a diverse mix of things under one roof would be amazing.
What are some of your favorite objects in your studio? My most favorite object of all is the La Fonda del Sol menu I have that was designed by Alexander Girard. It’s such a great design piece. When I was given it I just stared in awe at the suns on the cover. I couldn’t believe what I was holding in my hands. I never thought in a million years they still existed. Then it just got better as I opened it up. It’s hard to beat those color combinations, they are really amazing.
Do you feel that your working environment has any influence over your work? I think it does. It keeps me motivated and inspired to keep on making things. Being in my studio is my favorite place to be. It’s were I go to have fun everyday.