“What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark? It would be like sleep without dreams.” — Werner Herzog
This week’s edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere presents experimental storage space, the impeccable Miller House, an entrance into the minds of autistic artists and “fantasy science.”
Legendary designer and architect Eero Saarinen constructed his elegant, mid-century Miller House in 1957. This timeless piece of modernity, once a private family residence, is now the property of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and has recently opened to the public for the first time. The colors! The carpets! The elaborately patterned window draperies! [Via Dwell]
Illustrator Katie Scott recently took on a familiar subject, but with an entirely unorthodox vision: imagining a (fictional) version of the human body. As she says, “The foundation for this project came from a recent interest in early science, and particularly antiquity’s habit of entirely fabricating the inner workings of the world around them. I like the idea that in an age of such scientific uncertainty, anybody with enough conviction in their theory (and a well drawn diagram) could claim science for themselves, resulting in incredibly strange and peculiar scientific thought. So with this in mind, my aim was to make a book of fantasy science, with a focus on the hybridisation between different categories of nature.” [Via It's Nice That]
I’m obsessed with Drawing Autism, a recently published book that celebrates the artistry and self-expression found in the drawings, paintings and collages created by individuals diagnosed with autism. The work of over 50 international contributors exhibits unique perspectives on how these individuals see the world and their places in it.
Here’s an excerpt from an artist’s answer to the question, “At what age did the act of creating art enter into your life?
“I was deeply mesmerized with all things aesthetic and sensory from at least six months of age. Being meaning deaf, I saw musically. Being face blind, I was attuned to movement patterns. Being object blind and context blind, I’d tap everything to make noise, to hear its ‘voice,’ flick it to feel its movement, turn it to experience how it caught light, toss and drop and shred and snap and sprinkle grass, sand, twigs, leaves. I’d lick and run my hands and face over surfaces, wrap myself into fabrics. I’d align myself with symmetry and lines, mold myself into forms to feel their shape as them, stare at colors and lights and shapes trying to become one with them.”
[Via 50 Watts]
A topic as mundane as “storage” might not seem worthy of experimentation. However, it seems that an intrepid fellow by the name of Eric Schall (as well as LIFE Magazine) sought out every size and type of closet, chest and cabinet about fifty years ago, producing both miniature and life-size models to support their notions. It’s crazy to imagine a time when closets were a foreign idea, but pre-World War II, everything was kept in trunks, wardrobes and on hooks. To someone with a lot of stuff (and nowhere to keep it), this is a project I wish I’d been a part of. [Via AM on the Present Tense]
Do you know of a forward-thinking art, style or design blog? Post it in the comments! And make sure to check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!
92 comments
Sign in to add your ownStudioZen says:
Su-weet! I love the mid - century homes...
1 year ago
SquidWhaleDesigns says:
wonderful! Love the autism art. Must pick up that book & check it out for myself.
1 year ago
VeraVague says:
wow. drawing autism is now on my list. thanks for this great article.
1 year ago
rosebudshome says:
Great information, thanks.
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Why is it that we never have enough storage space? I took a break from sorting through boxes in the basement to come upstairs and see this article speaking of storage spaces. I can't imagine not having closets! Several years ago, I lived in a house built in the 1930s. There were no closets in the bedrooms, which was not a good thing for a family of five! Interesting article, as usual, Alison. :)
1 year ago
artemisartbiju says:
As always, your article is very good. Congratulations.
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
... oh, and I love that vintage doily bunting!
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
I cannot wait to read Drawing Autism...that subject fascinates me. Thank you so much for introducing it to us.
1 year ago
sonyarasi says:
The mid century rooms I would love to have.
1 year ago
VintageWoods says:
This is absolutely amazing! I want a home like this!!!
1 year ago
jessjamesjake says:
Fab, as always.
1 year ago
spontaneousreality says:
katie scott's work is simply brilliant..also thanks for sharing drawing autism!
1 year ago
JasmineLund says:
These are awesome! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
What an incredible insight into autism that quote provided- beautiful artwork too. I have to check out that book myself.
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
What an incredible insight into autism that quote provided- beautiful artwork too. I have to check out that book myself.
1 year ago
visionquest says:
wow..
1 year ago
Slowshirts says:
I use to work with autistic adults when i lived in Oakland California on numerous art projects for years at an art center. I was amazed and inspired every day i spent with them.
1 year ago
ZhongFuJewelryDesign says:
Autism is fascinating - I have two Aspies in my family. And I loved the psuedo-science illustrations!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
This is absolutely amazing!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Great post!!! Wow!
1 year ago
evermind says:
50watts.com looks awesome
1 year ago
Silvia66 says:
Fantastic post! Very impressive!
1 year ago
Silvia66 says:
Fantastic post! Very impressive!
1 year ago
redhardwick says:
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
That Miller House is absolutely HUGE... my entire house would easily fit into that single room with the rather trendy recessed seating area! And I loved the idea of fictional science... such convincing pictures look exactly like they really DID come out of a Victorian science book! I found the autism quote to be a fascinating insight into an almost alien way of interacting with the world & definitely something to be remembered & pondered. And finally... closets! Here in the UK we still keep our clothes in wardrobes & built-in closets as part of the fabric of the building are something only seen on TV. I'm not sure we'd want to give up the freedom of designing our own storage spaces...
1 year ago
franz66 says:
So good to know that some of those old MidCentury homes in the MidWest are being preserved and re-appreciated... we lost so many. I would have loved to have seen a photo of the pool area!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
That's crazy I can't imagine a world without closets, where would I keep my skeletons!
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
I like the mid century home.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Amazing articles!
1 year ago
1dream says:
Thank you, I like it..
1 year ago
AlpineGypsy says:
That mid-century home: WOW. So modern, and yet it has been over 60 years since it was designed! Unbelievably beautiful.... And the autistic artist's quote....so fascinating, and poetic. Thanks, Heidi
1 year ago
girliepains says:
Great decor!
1 year ago
tangente says:
Very interesting
1 year ago
rebourne says:
I love the home and especially the glimpse of the sketches. Lovely article through and through!!
1 year ago
EchoesOfSummer says:
The Miller House is inspiring me to re-decorate, beautiful features. The closets have made me reconsider new uses for my black trunk/coffee table!
1 year ago
stilettogirl says:
Awesome! I had no idea the Miller house was open for tours! I think I'll take a trip out there for some inspiration!
1 year ago
zwzzy says:
Ahhhh that bird collage is amazing!!
1 year ago
amberike says:
Sooo cool!
1 year ago
earlybirdcreations says:
Love the storage space models! Great article once again :)
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Fantastic as usual. Love "Drawing Autism" a family fave.
1 year ago
notApplicable says:
Love love love the 'sofa pit'!
1 year ago
foundaryvintage says:
I love the Eric Schall feature- what a spin on retro American culture- displaying our undeveloped modernity in such an ironic way
1 year ago
theroyal says:
always incredible
1 year ago
taketotheoars says:
great article... i'm loving the mid-century house. so inspiring!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
All great articles worthy of a closer look. Thanks.
1 year ago
SailThouForth says:
I love the bit on storage space! Such creative closets. It seems I never have enough storage space. Maybe I ought to be more crafty with what I do have...
1 year ago
MaineCoastEngraving says:
This post drew me in and kept me mesmerized for a good while. Thank yoU!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Love the vintage rug~~ Great items. The coffee soap sounds yummy!
1 year ago
pinkbeadshop says:
Nice ...
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Very interesting! A unique perspective! Great images! I really love the first image of the string knotted "macrame" style around the bottle. Thanks!
1 year ago
Jungle says:
The detailing of everything is so unique!
1 year ago
leahmarjorie says:
I like the picture of the sunk in den lined with a sofa. What would life be without toss cushions, after all? :)
1 year ago
ChayaGallery says:
The whole 50 watts article is amazing ! The quote here memerised me - brought me to tears - stuck me to my chair. I know so many kids that have been diagnosed - what an eye-opener - Thank you !
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
It is so amazing what autistic and savant people can do with thier artistic talents! I must get that book. And the Miller house is amazing - so 1960's! And I LOL when I read Littlewrenpottery's comment -too funny!!
1 year ago
FranceGallery says:
Really interesting decor and art.
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Love the nice and clean decor of the mordern decor.
1 year ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Wow. I forgot closets didn't always exist. Amazing shots. I love the one from above.
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Awesome!
1 year ago
AlannaRK says:
I love love love that quote.
1 year ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
My grandparents home, built in 1930, originally didn't have closets because closets were counted as rooms back then and property tax was increased by the number of rooms in their area. They used wardrobes instead. Of course they also didn't have nearly as many clothes as we have these days. My grandfather added a few closets and a nice pantry to the house in the 1960's. My Grandmother was thrilled!
1 year ago
jennibram says:
Exciting and beautiful, as always.
1 year ago
VidGirlsandDolls says:
Wow the Mid Century room, My taste. Love it !
1 year ago
SunAhJewelry says:
Love this article! The homes are so inspiring, now I'm in the mood to redecorate!
1 year ago
daisyvortex says:
OK, that stuff was just salivating!
1 year ago
acuriousbrood says:
Good read. Stunning scientific illustrations.
1 year ago
adrianaallenllc says:
Drawing autism: it's just amazing how much hides behind the 'walls'...
1 year ago
coolranchstudio says:
this was SO fun! love your post.
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Great fun post!
1 year ago
ShimmeringShack says:
I love every part of this! Thanks : )
1 year ago
tripperdungan says:
Those Katie Scott illustrations are amazing.
1 year ago
BarnshopAntiques says:
I loved it all - as usual. :)
1 year ago
shop1848 says:
Fantastic article! Fabulous spaces!
1 year ago
shavingkitsuppplies says:
That's it, I need a conversation pit. So much. Eero Saarinen was a genius.
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
The living room in the Saarinen home is just gorgeous. I could totally live there.
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
LOVE that dressing room!
1 year ago
IndyspireArt says:
Thank you, Alison, for sharing about the Miller House. I was not aware of it, but now I will definitely make the trip. It looks fabulous!
1 year ago
anakim says:
Thanks!
1 year ago
EllaBands says:
Those are some dreamy spaces!
1 year ago
asundrynotion says:
Extraordinarily well done this week, though always a treat. Miller House is a jaw-dropper and Katie Scott's work is simply beautiful and deeply thoughtful. Closets! Would love to had a couple. I heard old houses didn't have them often due to being taxed as rooms. Surprised, delighted to see the Werner Herzog quote. Just read review of his new film : Cave of Forgotten Dream, documenting the Paleolithic Chauvet Cave In southern France. Terry Gross of NPR's Fresh Air just did a great interview with him too. Worth the listen: http://www.npr.org/2011/04/20/135516812/herzog-enters-the-cave-of-forgotten-dreams
1 year ago
silversamba says:
yummy visual feast! thanks!
1 year ago
dementedsnowflake says:
great article and images, two thumbs up!!
1 year ago
nowvintage says:
Wow I love the sunken living room, even has steps through the couch!! That house is amazing! I just have to put this in here, I have a whole set of those crochet bottles in my shop; http://www.etsy.com/listing/57122372/set-of-four-vintage-70s-hippie-candle
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
Yay! The Miller House is always so great to see, how rad that it's open to the public now. Road trip :)
1 year ago
DaHukaHouse says:
Such an interesting read. Thanks for including the book excerpt; well worth reading again.
1 year ago
marylouiseevans says:
that Miller House is just dreamy
1 year ago
frenchdip says:
thanks for the eye/mind candy!
1 year ago
HibouCards says:
I'm always looking forward to these articles! thanks again for sharing such amazing finds :)
1 year ago
Marumadrid says:
I can't imagine myself living in such big spaces... I live in a tiny apartment, and those huge houses looks like a museum! :S
1 year ago
veronicadiago says:
great house....if only
1 year ago
treasurehunter88 says:
As a special education teacher, I am amazed by the Autism Art. I can't wait to check out this book. I have students with Autism and I have to say they are remarkable, and one in particular is an AMAZING artist. Thank you for the book recommendation, I can't wait to purchase!
1 year ago
dearpumpernickel says:
Wow. The autism drawings just blew me away completely.
1 year ago
MiamiSun says:
wonderful share!
1 year ago