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Eames: Beautiful Details
" Beautiful Details" celebrates the seamlessness and fluidity in which Charles and Ray Eames operated as both a husband-and-wife team and as designers unrestricted by traditionally profesionally boundaries. Select details of their life and work, from their refined designs to to their innovative experiments, and even including images depicting the everyday poetic moments of their lives, and are shared here in this exhibit within a book.
Inspired by Charles's immersive and original slideshows, in which he expertly selected and grouped images together that communicated information in an aesthetic, direct, and accessible way, this book strives to visually created the Eameses' life and work by taking the viewer through a delightful joruney, focusing on their "beautiful details."
The packaging design of the " Beautiful Details" slipcase is a pattern inspired by the triangles and colors of one of their most inventive, if lesser-known, designs for children, simply called, "the toy." It also pays homage to the patterns they used on their well-loved House of Cards. The Eameses brought a sense of humor and joy to everything they created, and the design and layout of the book aims to convey that spirit in a visual feast for the eyes.
It is a testament to the Eameses and the lasting value of good design that their Eames lounge chair, created in 1956, endures today as perhaps the most recognizable and coveted piece of mid-century furniture design. Their experiments in technological innovations, like molded plywood and fiberglass, resulted in such classic pieces as the bent plywood LCW and DCM Chairs, the Molded Plastic Chairs, and the Aluminum Group; all of which are still in production by Herman Miller.
Likewise, Charles and Ray designed and built their own home in 1949 in Pacific Palisades, and it is still revered as a landmark of modern architecture. Built as part of the Case Study program in California, sponsored by Arts & Architecture magazine, it was one of the earliest experiments in pre-fab construction, using off-the-shelf industrial parts. But unlike the austerity of much of modern architectural design, their factory-like shell was lovingly lived in along with their personal collections of folk art, treasures from their travels, and everyday objects refreshingly displayed with affection and without pretense.
In exhibition design as well, " A World of Numbers ... and Beyond, 1961," for IBM is considered groundbreaking as an interactive, educational, and experiential way to communicate the wonder and magic of math. Similarly, their seminal film, Powers of Ten, 1977 , expresses the mathematical concept of multiplying to the tenth power, in a very direct, simple, and powerful way.
Inspired by Charles's immersive and original slideshows, in which he expertly selected and grouped images together that communicated information in an aesthetic, direct, and accessible way, this book strives to visually created the Eameses' life and work by taking the viewer through a delightful joruney, focusing on their "beautiful details."
The packaging design of the " Beautiful Details" slipcase is a pattern inspired by the triangles and colors of one of their most inventive, if lesser-known, designs for children, simply called, "the toy." It also pays homage to the patterns they used on their well-loved House of Cards. The Eameses brought a sense of humor and joy to everything they created, and the design and layout of the book aims to convey that spirit in a visual feast for the eyes.
It is a testament to the Eameses and the lasting value of good design that their Eames lounge chair, created in 1956, endures today as perhaps the most recognizable and coveted piece of mid-century furniture design. Their experiments in technological innovations, like molded plywood and fiberglass, resulted in such classic pieces as the bent plywood LCW and DCM Chairs, the Molded Plastic Chairs, and the Aluminum Group; all of which are still in production by Herman Miller.
Likewise, Charles and Ray designed and built their own home in 1949 in Pacific Palisades, and it is still revered as a landmark of modern architecture. Built as part of the Case Study program in California, sponsored by Arts & Architecture magazine, it was one of the earliest experiments in pre-fab construction, using off-the-shelf industrial parts. But unlike the austerity of much of modern architectural design, their factory-like shell was lovingly lived in along with their personal collections of folk art, treasures from their travels, and everyday objects refreshingly displayed with affection and without pretense.
In exhibition design as well, " A World of Numbers ... and Beyond, 1961," for IBM is considered groundbreaking as an interactive, educational, and experiential way to communicate the wonder and magic of math. Similarly, their seminal film, Powers of Ten, 1977 , expresses the mathematical concept of multiplying to the tenth power, in a very direct, simple, and powerful way.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2012
7 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Eames Demetrios
24 books20 followersEames 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 23, 2016
It is hard to believe that before picking up this book I had not heard...or at least not retained any knowledge of this dynamic couple: Charles and Ray Eames. Certainly I had experienced their output--their chairs, produced by the Herman Miller Furniture Company, a staple of classrooms or airports I have lingered in. This book helps you to really get to know them through their art, writing, films, photography, design, architecture, furnishing, games and so on. Truly a renaissance couple, Charlie and Ray lived life through their own unique lens, looking for was to serve others through their art and craft. Their hospitality was in their design. They retained a childlike curiosity all their lives. You get a sense of their inquisitive spirit from the various TV appearances they made. And you get a sense of the depth of their knowledge watching films like "Powers of Ten" or "Cable: The Immediate Future." And yet they also made films like "Blacktop" which could be seen as avant garde (almost Brakhage-like). This pair had their hands in lots of pots and produced excellence in all of the endeavors they plunged into. Highly recommend this book as well as the hours of meandoring on YouTube and Google that it has sparked since reading.
December 2, 2014
Tener en las manos un álbum familiar y contar con el privilegio de que los protagonistas pasen las hojas contándote la historia poco a poco, es exactamente lo que sucede al hojear este libro.
De Charles y Ray Eames afortunadamente se ha escrito mucho. Su vasta producción —y vaya que fueron prolíficos— y su gran capacidad por documentar todos los aspectos de su vida, han dado material para todo tipo de estudios y acercamientos a esta singular pareja creativa. Los Eames son, sin lugar a dudas, una de las referencias más importantes del diseño de la segunda mitad del siglo XX. El mundo y las redes que construyeron se ligaban a todo lo que sucedía en Norte América en esa época y su trabajo logro tener una escala global, podríamos decir que el imaginario que crearon es, aún hoy en día, fundamento importante para la mística contemporánea del diseño.
Reconocidos en su momento y altamente exitosos esta virtuosa pareja supo conducir su vida profesional rodeada de amigos y por supuesto de su familia. Es precisamente su nieto, Eames Demetrios, el que le da vida a este maravilloso volumen. Un libro en donde la historia de los Eames se cuenta desde un punto de vista muy personal, lejos de los análisis y escrutinios de estudiosos y académicos. Con cientos de fotografías y pocas líneas de textos se tiene la sensación de estar escudriñando un álbum familiar. Las pocas palabras son personales y de gente allegada a ellos, lo que le da el tono perfecto. El formato del libro redondea la intención, además de que la edición es espléndida y muy cuidada.
Este sabroso libro pasa a ser mi favorito en la colección que sobre los Eames he formado.
De Charles y Ray Eames afortunadamente se ha escrito mucho. Su vasta producción —y vaya que fueron prolíficos— y su gran capacidad por documentar todos los aspectos de su vida, han dado material para todo tipo de estudios y acercamientos a esta singular pareja creativa. Los Eames son, sin lugar a dudas, una de las referencias más importantes del diseño de la segunda mitad del siglo XX. El mundo y las redes que construyeron se ligaban a todo lo que sucedía en Norte América en esa época y su trabajo logro tener una escala global, podríamos decir que el imaginario que crearon es, aún hoy en día, fundamento importante para la mística contemporánea del diseño.
Reconocidos en su momento y altamente exitosos esta virtuosa pareja supo conducir su vida profesional rodeada de amigos y por supuesto de su familia. Es precisamente su nieto, Eames Demetrios, el que le da vida a este maravilloso volumen. Un libro en donde la historia de los Eames se cuenta desde un punto de vista muy personal, lejos de los análisis y escrutinios de estudiosos y académicos. Con cientos de fotografías y pocas líneas de textos se tiene la sensación de estar escudriñando un álbum familiar. Las pocas palabras son personales y de gente allegada a ellos, lo que le da el tono perfecto. El formato del libro redondea la intención, además de que la edición es espléndida y muy cuidada.
Este sabroso libro pasa a ser mi favorito en la colección que sobre los Eames he formado.
March 23, 2015
This book was published by Ray and Charles Eames's grandchildren in honor of the centennial of Ray's birth in 1913. The book is packed with photographs of the couple, their family, their home, the objects that inspired their designs, and their designs. The formatting and layout of this book are awesome!
Ray and Charles Eames are two of my favorite designers. From furniture, to medical equipment, to toys, to textiles, to games--this couple made a major impact on American culture during the mid-century era of the twentieth century.
I had the good fortune of visiting a special display in honor of the centennial of Ray's birth in 1913 in Sacramento, California. The exhibit was held at the California Museum in Sacramento in 2013-2014, and I visited the exhibit at least three times! I was so taken by Ray's talents and personality, I wrote a blog post in June, 2013, which may be found at: http://www.junemccraryjacobs.com/ray-...
I particularly admire Ray's graphic textile designs. This book contains images of her childhood paper dolls--drawn and painted by the youthful Ray--and some of her textiles. Her artistic gifts were evident from a young age.
This book is a fine tribute to the importance of the Eameses as designers, business owners, and grandparents. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the elements of design, mid-century furniture, toys/games, textiles, and photographs.
I borrowed this book from our local public library.
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Ray and Charles Eames are two of my favorite designers. From furniture, to medical equipment, to toys, to textiles, to games--this couple made a major impact on American culture during the mid-century era of the twentieth century.
I had the good fortune of visiting a special display in honor of the centennial of Ray's birth in 1913 in Sacramento, California. The exhibit was held at the California Museum in Sacramento in 2013-2014, and I visited the exhibit at least three times! I was so taken by Ray's talents and personality, I wrote a blog post in June, 2013, which may be found at: http://www.junemccraryjacobs.com/ray-...
I particularly admire Ray's graphic textile designs. This book contains images of her childhood paper dolls--drawn and painted by the youthful Ray--and some of her textiles. Her artistic gifts were evident from a young age.
This book is a fine tribute to the importance of the Eameses as designers, business owners, and grandparents. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the elements of design, mid-century furniture, toys/games, textiles, and photographs.
I borrowed this book from our local public library.
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February 7, 2017
"Everything hangs on something else."
"Innovate as a last resort."
"Innovate as a last resort."
December 28, 2018
Inspirational.
Charles and Ray Eames were master of design at so many different media. This book captures their diversity of genius. Provides photo essays on all their important work in a human context. Limited text, which is the right amount for a book like this.
It doesn’t provide a lot of background, it more about inspiration than education.
Lots of photos. Many of them small, arrayed on the page in a grid like a slide show. The overall impact is multidimensional.
A beautiful book about design that works. If you need creative inspiration, I can’t think of a better option.
Charles and Ray Eames were master of design at so many different media. This book captures their diversity of genius. Provides photo essays on all their important work in a human context. Limited text, which is the right amount for a book like this.
It doesn’t provide a lot of background, it more about inspiration than education.
Lots of photos. Many of them small, arrayed on the page in a grid like a slide show. The overall impact is multidimensional.
A beautiful book about design that works. If you need creative inspiration, I can’t think of a better option.
August 4, 2020
Definitely a coffee table book in all its definitions. Very light on the works and disciplines of the creative couple. Wish it was a bit more in depth much like the Girard book AMMO published as well. This is light in history and mostly anecdotal from family.
April 30, 2017
A beautiful coffee table book thoroughly capturing the tremendous creative and romantic partnership between Ray and Charles Eames.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews