“The connection between Charles and Ray Eames and renowned Dutch graphic designer isn’t related to furniture, even though in this picture Crouel is sitting on an Eames 670. I found the connection here, in an on-line biography of Mr. Crouwel’s work. ‘Although his ideas were Bauhaus-related, unlike many Crouwel was not a dogmatist. He was fascinated by the ideas about serial and mass production, as he stated ‘we need the machine since we have no time.’ But he also believed ‘the machine cannot replace the precision of the human eye and human feeling.’ Crouwel’s work has always consisted of these two essential elements: the emotional aspect and the rational one.’ That’s also a good way to describe the work of Charles and Ray, who always attended to the human element, and who brought ample craftsmanship to their industrially produced designs.  Another connection – Charles and Ray always made clear that they were not ‘ists.’  Their work addressed needs, not abstract principles.”

Daniel Ostroff, editor, EamesDesigns.com

The story in Elle Decor that featured this image was titled “Eclecttico Sofisticato”:

“I don’t believe the word eclectic applies here, except perhaps to the desk, which contrasts with other things in the room. There are many things in the room with which the Eames chair has a strong affinity. It has an affinity with the ceiling with its exposed, unpainted wood beams that are there for support, not decoration.  And in the cement floor which is bare of decoration or covering. The walls also appear to be the same. Next there is the electrical fixture, which it is left exposed, the conduit for the wire isn’t buried inside the wall, it’s left where it can be seen for what it is, along with the socket.  Finally there is an iron machine wheel, leaning up against the wall, shaped the way it is to address the need for which it was created. Just like the chair.”

Daniel Ostroff, editor EamesDesigns.com

In this new series we’ll track Ostroff’s journey spotting Eames design…everywhere. And If you come across anything please feel free to send it in. Just leave a note for us in the comment section.

“I connect Eames designs to this picture in at least two ways,” says Daniel Ostroff. “First, the man is sitting in a chair from the Eames Aluminum Group, while working, drinking coffee, and walking his dog.  This fits with how Charles and Ray Eames thought about their designs, in that they hoped that any one of their designs could serve many purposes.  For example, the Eames Aluminum Group was originally called “The Indoor Outdoor Group,” because the Eames idea was a chair that could be used indoors or out.  And another  Eames connection is to the tag line, “Make it happen.”  Charles and Ray frequently admonished those around them that ‘ideas are cheap.’  It’s important to not just have an idea, but to ‘make it happen.’”