My favorite art documentary is a series we caught on cable a few months ago on the Art Nouveau movement in Europe and the U.S. It's subject matter is nature beautifully stylized in all kinds of media: architecture, glass, stained glass (think Tiffany), pottery, posters and paintings, metal etchings, jewelry. It emphasized excellent craftsmanship, to have everyday functional objects that were exquisitely beautiful but "modern" (the turn of the 19th/20th centuries), and to elevate craft to the level of art. The movement, I remember well, experienced a revival in the 1960s, mostly in record album and wall art. Many of my drawings around that time were greatly influenced by it.
The most thrilling part of the documentary was the section on the Wells Chapel in Surrey, England. The architectural elements added were done in terra cotta in astonishing detail and complexity. Highly inspiring and impressive. Amazing, amazing work.
I see some influence from the movement in my work: the square trays with vines and leaves:
The most thrilling part of the documentary was the section on the Wells Chapel in Surrey, England. The architectural elements added were done in terra cotta in astonishing detail and complexity. Highly inspiring and impressive. Amazing, amazing work.
I see some influence from the movement in my work: the square trays with vines and leaves:
And I've also used that same theme on handles for pitchers, vases and tiles.
Another influence that echoes the Art Nouveau philosophy generally is that I want to make everyday, functional objects that exhibit great craftsmanship and beauty. So this documentary was not only inspiring but served as a spur.
Another influence that echoes the Art Nouveau philosophy generally is that I want to make everyday, functional objects that exhibit great craftsmanship and beauty. So this documentary was not only inspiring but served as a spur.
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