An Eames Primer (Architecture/Design Series) by Eames Demetrios

by Eames Demetrios

The first book to capture the philosophy and spirit behind the work of Charles and Ray Eames, An Eames Primer offers an in-depth look at the couple's prolific legacy--one that has placed them among the most important American designers of the twentieth century.Those who know one or two aspects of the Eameses' work are often surprised to learn just how far and vast their range extended. Yet throughout their myriad works, from architecture and furniture to exhibition design and filmmaking, their core philosophy prevails. An Eames Primer is the first book to illuminate this seamless connection.Author Eames Demetrios explores the rich energy of the Eameses' world from a unique perspective, informed by his close relationship with Charles and Ray. He shares personal anecdotes, previously unpublished photos, and his extensive interviews with former friends and colleagues of the Eameses to make connections between the Eameses' influential philosophy and their widely admired work. For those unacquainted with the designers, the stories behind the design process will inform, entertain, and inspire, while readers with an extensive knowledge of the Eameses' work gain a deeper level of understanding their process.Compact and highly accessible, An Eames Primer is the definitive introduction to the life of this century's most influential designers.

Genres: Design, Art Design, Nonfiction, Architecture, Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Eames Demetrios is an author, filmmaker and artist.

His most recent book is Kcymaerxthaere: The Story So Far... (Folio 1). It is the latest expression of a 15 year project (and very much ongoing) known as Kcymaerxthaere, a global and multi pronged work of 3 dimensional (and more) storytelling. Manifestations include writings, video, performances, images, installation, limited edition prints and more (www.kcymaerxthaere.com)

Published at the very end of 2017, it is a compendium of the first 138 (more or less) installations. Presenting them first visually and then in text only form--and for the first time in story order. There will be numerous events around this release in 2018--watch the events section.

There have been other Kcymaerxthaere books, including two travel guides. Volume 4 concerns what we would call linear Europe. Volume 6 concerned sites in the linear US.

Demetrios' best known book is An Eames Primer, a thematic biography of legendary designers Charles and Ray Eames (who were also his grandparents), which is now into its 2nd edition and multiple printings.

His work is in a number of private collections and that of University of Georgia. His film and video works have shown at numerous museums and festivals: Library of Congress, Gulbenkian (Portugal), Smithsonian Institution, MOCA (LA), LACMA (LA), Meguro Art Museum (Tokyo), Film Forum (LA), Sundance Film Festival, Cairo Film Festival, and dozens more.

Demetrios has worn a number of different hats since graduating from Harvard, including multimedia work, consulting, exhibition design, and his ongoing role as director of the Eames Office.

In addition to his 10 books, Demetrios has contributed to many more and gives talks internationally (in 50 countries spanning 6 continents). He has made over 70 films and videos of various lengths over the past 30 years or so. Themes and topics include a fiction feature on homelessness, a documentary on Sambo Mockbee’s Rural Studio, and the Malibu/Old Topanga Fire. Demetrios continues to lecture frequently on many topics, ranging from design to science, from scale and sustainability to his own work. He lives in southern California with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasionally slow and perhaps grandson-author-biased, this is a wonderful look at decades of Eames work and philosophy. They share so many strategies, mindsets, turns of phrase shared with other greats in the fields of architecture and design. To cite a few consistently recurring themes: manipulating models as a first basis of iteration; taking pleasure seriously; deconstructing the problem, solving for each its independent pieces, and reconstructing the bits; the importance of constraints (and working diligently to identify all of them); design being finished when a solution resembles the diagram of the problem; details; approaching the problem space as a learner; levels of scale; and so on...

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It can be slow at parts if you aren't interested in the art-form being discussed but, overall, it's awesome. The perception of the process of art and how Charles and Ray Eames brought perspective to design through simple humanity and problem-solving techniques really elevated my understanding of the design world. It also gave me a new found appreciation for the warehouse art studio I currently work in as well as a history to grab hold of when it comes to my own struggles as an artist pursuing honest art as a way of life. Woo!

[Francine Fang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eames couple is so creative.

[Tim Lapetino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent and deep introduction, not only to the work of Charles and Ray Eames, but to their thinking as well. Their Grandson and an accomplished writer and filmmaker, Eames Demetrios, does an amazing job capturing not just the facts, dates, and pillars of design appearing throughout these pages -- but also leaves an indelible impression of what it might have been like to share a cup of coffee with Charles and Ray.

The book is peppered with quotes, stories, and the projects that stretched across the working life of Ray and Charles. It's inspiring, not just because of the work, but because of the seamless tapestry of thought woven through everything the pair touched. Eames often quotes Charles' motto to "never delegate understanding," and this and many other ideas about hosting, the power of tactile experience, and content driving design -- these are the things that inspire me the most, over and above the incredible work of Charles and Ray. (And the work is amazing. Slightly sad to say that this volume could use a lot more large-scale photos, but I presume that gorgeous photography of Eames furniture and work is the purvue of other books.)

It's the greatest compliment to say that Eames Demetrios understands design's first "power couple" well enough to get out of the way of their story, while still unfurling it with beauty, warmth, and intimacy. Highly recommended.

[Kamal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read a number of other books about the Eameses, this book is the one that paints them in the best possible light. This may be because the book is written by their grandson and heir, Eames Demetrios. While the book is an important record of Ray and Charles oeuvre and working methods, it tends to gloss over the conflicts that were prevalent during the operation of their studio -- particularly the interpersonal conflicts between the Eameses (esp. Charles)and employees who wanted credit for their work. Demetrios works hard to present them (Charles and Ray) as collaborators with each other as well as everyone else in the office; he is quite to shy away from characterizing their way of work as very top-down and domineering, which may be closer to the experience of those who worked under the Eameses. If this were not the case, the office probably would have kept operating after Charles' death. Charles Eames affair is also ignored. While one can make the argument that this has nothing to do with his studio life, that argument then undermines the idea of the blissful husband and wife team that most histories (including this one) present.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Great book of an amazing duo. The book was written by their grandson so it was clearly biased at times and some arguments seemed a bit forced, but it still succeeded in showing just how impressive the Eames’ achievements were.

I didnt really appreciate or know much about their films before reading this book (I only knew about Powers of Tens beforehand). I look forward to watching more in my spare time.

I wish a bit more was said about the lack of credit given to those who helped. I feel like the argument of the Eames couple being the leading voices was a bit weak, other designers still helped and they shouldve still been given credit for their assistance.

But overall a great book of two extraordinary designers. I definitely recommend reading this if youre a fan of their work.