Photos: Christine Kim/Secret Agent PR

What do you listen to while you work?
I usually listen to a pretty eclectic range of music styles and my interests are constantly shifting. In recent years, I find myself listening to mostly electronic, ambient, experimental, world, ethnic, jazz, and classical.

How do you listen?
In my art studio, I use a vintage Technics SA-800 “old school” monster receiver driving a vintage pair of Yamaha NS-690 speakers. I love the warmth of the sound that vintage stereo equipment produces. I also play music, so my setup doubles as a recording studio.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers?
CKUA Radio Network, university radio station CJSW, CBC radio, Last.fm, iTunes, and the Discovr music app.

Does music influence your work?
I think it does — most likely not knowingly — but I do think it plays a role in my creative process by affecting my overall mood and energy. When I discover new talent, I’m particularly motivated and it does translate to my work indirectly.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste?
The radio stations I tune into definitely contribute to discovering new music. When I listen to foreign language stations, I will use Shazam to determine the artist. Additionally I use the app “Discovr Music” on my iPhone and iPad. Last.fm is also a fantastic resource for finding artists who are similar to the ones I already like.

My friends, artists, and events in my life influence my musical taste. I’m consistently on the hunt to discover new, exciting, and interesting music. I tend to gravitate towards the more obscure and “as of yet” undiscovered talent, so I’m very open to suggestions.

What song or artist best represents the work you create?
My work is best defined by the “electronic” and “experimental” music genre (as a whole) rather than a single song or musician(s). With my art work, I experiment a lot with textures, shapes, colors, and especially randomness and therefore I find that my artistic process is most similar to experimental electronic music.

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist:
A comfortable and nicely balanced space that you feel most connected to. This playlist is an aural journey, so to speak, and comfort is key. Sitting in the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Oiled Santos Palisander and Black Leather) is an exact balance between being asleep and being awake — a perfect place for music listening and to give that music you’re about to listen to — and yourself — the comfort and attention it fully deserves.

Thedor’s Playlist:
1. Khanamoot, Loscil
2. Fahrenheit (Unreleased Long Edit), Asura
3. Temple of Unfed Fire, Pepe Deluxe
4. Beacon, Liquid Stranger
5. Ciudad de Las Ideas, Vicente Amigo
6. Jobim: Chega de Saudade, Rosa Passos
7. Fear and Trembling, Pat Metheny & Brad Mehldau
8. Assalam Felawan (Peace to You), Bombino
9. Colours & Patterns, Entheogenic Sound Explorers
10. Sheets, Promise and the Monster
11. Criminals, The Tallest Man on Earth
12. Mountain Wind, Mamer

Photos: Thedor Erkamps

1. Nelson Asterisk Clock – Improve your punctuality with the clock modeled after actual punctuation. The Asterisk Clock combines bold symbolism with sleek monochrome style creating the perfect modern timepiece. Find yours at Design Within Reach.

2. “Florence” Prolon Melmac Dinnerware – Add some serious credibility to the current Melmac revival with these vintage serving pieces designed by Harper. Bright and bold, they bring a mod bloom of color to your table. Get the set on Etsy.

3. Pavement Fabrics – The asterisk shows up again in this graphic textile designed by Harper in 1950. Some 60 years later, the design still resonates, inspiring a new generation of modern interior. Find it at J&O Fabrics.

4. Nelson Marshmallow Sofa – Though attributed to Nelson, the piece was also a Harper creation, designed while he was part of the Nelson office. The sofa’s 18 panels were originally meant to be injected plastic discs, but were eventually swapped out for traditional construction and upholstery. Own the one-of-a-kind design from Herman Miller.

5. Pavement Boltabest Serving Tray – With this vintage tray, the asterisk makes one more appearance. The subtle colors and fine-lined graphics are both sophisticated and lighthearted. It’s distinctly modern and still homey, a smart vintage addition to your kitchen. Find it on Etsy.

6. Nelson Ball Clock – Arguably one of the most recognized of Harper’s many timepiece designs created while at George Nelson Associates. Originally produced by Howard Miller, they’re now available at Design Within Reach.

Photos linked within the text.

What do you listen to while you work? I listen to a wide range of music — anything from Sigur Rós to Rammstein to Lana Del Rey. I guess what really matters is what I am working on or if I am “working” at all. I usually just leave it on shuffle, it is a good way to weed out the “how did that get there?” songs. Lately I have been on a remix kick; there is a lot to sift through to find the good remixes, but they are out there.

How do you listen? When I’m at home, I use headphones plugged into my Mac to block out all of the distractions and so that I don’t become a distraction to the rest of my family. (I still need to put a door on my den). At my daytime gig, I listen through a set of old Labtec speakers that still sound pretty good. There are four of us in our office and we all share the “DJ” responsibilities.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? My favorite places to find music are blogs and Tumblr sites. (Recently, I have been finding some really nice remixes by just searching the keyword “remix” from my Tumblr dashboard.) SoundCloud also has some pretty nice tracks. Friends and coworkers are always sharing their music finds as well.

Does music influence your work? I don’t think music directly influences my work, but I am willing to bet that subliminally it plays some role. I really can’t dive into a project without it. When I am working on something that is repetitive or doesn’t require a whole lot of thought — populating a website, for example — I like to listen to something that has a pretty good repetitive beat and seems to keep me on task. On the other hand, if I am creating something new (branding, for example), I like to listen to music that has more of an epic or dramatic feel.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? I usually find recommendations through friends’ blogs or Facebook pages. I really don’t find myself actively seeking new music; it just happens to be wherever I am looking for inspiration in one form or another. It is hard to say who influences my musical tastes; as of late, it has been my kids. I have a 10-year-old, a 7-year-old, and one coming in June. They are really starting to get into music and I often find myself asking, “Would my kids listen to that or is that suitable for my kids to listen to?” I also think that what influences me changes — it comes and goes with what is happening in my life.

What song or artist best represents the work you create? That is tough question. I think that could change from time to time as well. It would need to be a creator, someone who can take ideas and thoughts and make a great piece with them. Lately I have really liked the work of Pogo. He takes bits and pieces and assembles them to make a great song — complex yet simple.

Ideal place to sit and listen to your playlist: I have always loved the Eames Soft Pad Lounge Chair and Ottoman (tilt swivel, four cushions, arms, white base and frame with black leather). It has a tech feel while being a comfortable lounge chair — epic.

TYLER’S PLAYLIST:

1. Dead Hearts, Stars
2. Juke Joint Jezebel, KMFDM
3. Fostercare, Burial
4. Glosoli, Sigur Rós (Tyler says, “this video is epic.”)
5. Expialidocious, Pogo
6. My People, The Presets
7. Young Blood, The Naked and Famous
8. Kings and Queens, 30 Seconds to Mars
9. Waiting for the End, Linkin Park
10. Comeback Kid, Sleigh Bells

Photos: Johnny Trevino, except first and last, Kim Fetrow

P.S. Check out Tyler’s post on restoring these vintage Herman Miller Eames Shell Chairs.

Artist Matte Stephens has worked with a variety of clients such as IBM, Disney, Boston Globe and American Express. His paintings have graced the spaces of Jonathan Adler, Rare Device and Velocity Art and Design.

Matte lives and works in a beautiful mid-century modern home in the southwest corner of Portland, Oregon.  His studio is warm and cozy, and filled with objects that tempt and tease the eye. I spoke to Matte about his inspiring workspace and it’s effect on his painting.

How long have you been working from home? Around 15 years. My first real space was a basement with no furniture and canvases on the floor. I’m very  happy with the way it is now.

What do you like most about your workspace? I like that it is small. I have had a large workroom and it was hard for me to keep up with everything I need. Now I have everything within arms reach.  I have really enjoyed the Eames Storage Units. I keep all of my art supplies in the one right of my desk and it really helps keep my room tidy and looks great. Organizing my workroom has always been a challenge. I work in a traditional medium, so there is a lot of stuff that goes along with it.

Looking around your studio it’s obvious you have a love for mid century design. How and when did you first become interested in the furniture of this time period? I was introduced by a librarian in my home town in Alabama when I was around 20. I had found a copy of The Herman Miller Collection published by Schiffer Books and I have loved everything mid century modern ever since. After that one of my first art dealer’s father was a Herman Miller representative during the 50′s 60′s and 70′s in northern Alabama. He had all sorts of mid century things in his home and office. He gave me my first Eames shell chair.

What are some of your favorite objects in your studio? I really love a pair of  wooden eggs that I have that are attributed to Alexander Girard, two 1960′s elves that I have had for years that bring me luck,  a few vintage Herman Miller ads signed by Irving Harper who has been very kind to me over the last few years with his time, advice and friendship. [Harper designed Herman Miller's logo]

Do you feel that your working environment has any influence over your painting? To me it’s the most important thing when working at home to have an inspiring workroom. I spend a lot of time in the room so I have tried to make it as inspiring  and comfortable as possible. As you can see I love mid century design and I feel its one of my main influences. Being able to live with and work with good design makes everything more efficient and it’s just great stuff.

Editors note: There is more about Matte on Dave Cuzner’s blog – Grain Edit. ]]> http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/graphic-inspiration/feed/ 15 http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/421/ http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/421/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:47:39 +0000 Cerentha Harris http://wwwqa.hermanmiller.com/lifework/?p=421

Designer Todd Oldham has come up with the perfect child’s gift – a craft book (Ammo Books) that engages all of us. And best of all it is inspired by some of Herman Miller’s favorite designers. I asked Todd about Kid Made Modern…

In Kid Made Modern you’ve got over 50 craft projects for children inspired by designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Noguchi – all of whom have a strong connection to Herman Miller. What draws you to these designers? When we started out conceptualizing the book we knew we wanted it to be equal parts of how-to projects, art technique essays and love letters to our favourite artists that contributed to the mid- century aesthetic.

I am not terribly interested in the idea of nostalgia or vintage notions but what I do find fascinating about this group of artists is the spectacular communication of their ideas and the desire to connect. They were real artists exploring new ideas that resonate still today.

We chose a cross section of artists from different mediums like Alvin Lustig, Luis Barragan, and Calder as well as better known heros like the Eames and George Nelson. One of the main points I wanted to share with the book was how to be a fan, be inspired, but do not copy – a serious problem in modern society.

So in the instance of the Eames we did a stop animation film inspired by their kaleidoscope films. With Noguchi we made origami paper cubes that slip over twinkle lights and a poster board sculpture that examines form and function.

We have just made a fun new website for the book – kidmademodern.com - that has film. We finished a sweet and a little bit creepy stop animation for Alexander Girard and a psychedelic tribute to Verner Panton.

Which is your favorite project? I like them all fortunately but I have a real soft spot for anything to do with duct tape. I have made most of them and I have seen someone make all of them so they are indeed tested with functioning directions. I did want to write the directions in a precise enough way to follow but with room for personal interpretation and I think it worked

What are you giving for Christmas this year? And what’s on your wish list? I am making my Christmas presents this year, as usual, and if I told you i might ruin a few. I am a very lucky guy and I don’t really have a wish list.

Photo credit: © 2009 Todd Oldham/Courtesy www.ammobooks.com