Book Description
He had no professional license, but was named one of the "three best architects of 1957" along with Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe. He drove a red Ferrari with the license plate VROOM. His succession of wives brought him clients and influenced his designs. He relied on a staff of talented assistants to realize his ideas. If ever there was a product of Hollywood, it was architect Craig Ellwood (1922-1992). A fiction of his own making--even his name was an invention--Ellwood fashioned a career through charm, ambition, and a connoisseur's eye. By the 1950s Ellwood had a thriving practice that infused the Germanic rationalism of Mies van der Rohe with an informal breeziness that was all Southern California. A series of dramatic, open, and elegant houses made him a media star, and interest in him and his work has only increased in recent years. California Modern: The Architecture of Craig Ellwood is the first compre-hensive monograph on this prolific, influential, and complex character. Copiously illustrated with contemporary images--including many striking black and white photographs by Julius Shulman--plans, drawings, and specially commissioned new photography, California Modern traces Ellwood's fascinating personal history, provides a critical evaluation of his work, and establishes his importance as a pivotal shaper of the California style.
Customer Reviews:
Initial Comments .......2007-05-31
Excellent value for money,hard cover,gloss paper,good graphics and photos.
Text covers Caig Ellwoods full career and life.
Upgrade and a bow to superior knowledge!.......2002-04-20
Based on Jeff Ellwood's assessment, I'm upgrading my rating for this book by a full star as blood is likely thicker than admiration.
A very honest look at my father's work and life.......2002-03-19
This is an excellent and comprehensive book about Craig Ellwood's life, both professional and personal. It is thoroughly researched, well laid out and fascinating in its detail.
In sharp contrast to Rob Davis' review of this book, I have to say that from my point of view as Craig Ellwood's eldest son, Neil Jackson's book presents a very accurate and honest depiction of my father's work and life. There is no "prejudicial attitude" on Jackson's part. While it is true that the words of my father's former employees should be taken with a grain of salt (obviously!), I can attest that much of what they have to say is correct. Not all of it, but they are not totally off-base. Jackson leaves it up to reader to arrive at his or her own conclusions.
I also take issue with Davis' assertion that Jackson was "rankled" at Craig Ellwood's lack of a license. To the contrary, Jackson allows the irony of Ellwood's being an "architect" (with quotation marks around the term) to speak for itself: license or no license, his work was significant and important. Jackson's book is far more accurate than Meredith Clausen's "concise" hatchet job. Jackson actually took the time to get his facts straight. Clausen's "exposé" was riddled with gross errors and based on mis- (and dis-)information, with little discernible attempt to do the research to get it right. Her article was self-serving rubbish. It is clearly Clausen who wrote from a prejudiced attitude, not Jackson. Without an axe to grind or some personal agenda, Jackson provides an honest look at Craig Ellwood the person. The book is impressive for its extensive research, for the balanced presentation of Ellwood's life and body of work, for the depth of information provided and for the choice of illustrations included.
My only disappointment was with the cover photograph, which is not the most representative of Ellwood's work. This was the US publisher's choice, however. The UK publication has a much better, more visually pleasing cover.
For anyone who wants the most complete and balanced work on Craig Ellwood, this is the book. It is neither a whitewash nor a hatchet job. Rather, it is the best attempt so far to capture and record the spirit of an imperfect, perfectionist designer whose work influenced his associates and American architecture itself for decades.
No Inspector Morse here...........2002-02-16
This book is reminiscent of the Paramount Pictures executive that wrote of Fred Astaire "Can't act. Can't sing. Balding. Can dance a little."
The book is spottily written and makes too much of Ellwood's humble family background, that he changed his name, and is reported not to have been able to draw. It follows University of Washington Professor Meredith Clausen's exposé of a couple years back, which tread on the same subject matter, though more concisely.
Once much published in the architectural press, Ellwood had until recently been fairly well forgotten, which is a shame in that modern design would have been poorer without his undeniable contribution. The central precept of Neil Jackson's book seems to hinge on whether Ellwood was a designer that communicated via graphic means or an exponent and impresario of modernist design. That he wasn't licensed seems to rankle the writer (and the architectural profession) perhaps mostly in that his office continuously produced award-winning work from its inception to Ellwood's retirement.
A series of verbatim interviews with several of Ellwood's past associates' paints a generally unflattering picture of both Ellwood and in the process, the interviewees themselves. Much is made of Ellwood's high living style but in the end the reader learns very little of how he lived except for the foibles of his mid-life crisis. While the reader is regaled with carefully researched minutia like Ellwood's business telephone listings in the late 1940's, there are significant gaps in the story.
Missing entirely is any description of Ellwood's sense of humor, his visual sensibility, his methods of communication within his office or personal details like whether or not he lived in a house of his own design.
More than his associates and most of the architectural profession, Craig Ellwood knew how to create opportunities for good design and this is the critical distinction between those that rise to prominence and the 98+ percent of practitioners licensed (or unlicensed) that don't. In his pursuit of demeaning Craig's generally enviable career, the author has even stooped to suggest that publisher John Entenza's homosexuality might have been a factor in the consistent publication of Ellwood's work in Arts & Architecture magazine, as Craig was a strikingly handsome fellow.
A more logical explanation of the Jackson's seemingly prejudicial attitude may come from embarrassment at having devoted the predominately laudatory Chapters 5 & 6 in his previous book (The Modern Steel House. Van Nostrand Reinhold. New York. 1996.) to Ellwood's work as a designer, only to later discover that the technical design of many of the projects could, well after the fact be attributed, in part or whole, to others.
Typographically this book is hard to read having been set in too light and too grey a typeface. It is poorly illustrated, the pictures being generally too small and lacking in descriptive quality.
This book is worth reading but should be taken with a grain of salt as the melancholy accounts of Ellwood's former employees, now claiming full responsibility for his genius, come more than 10 years after Ellwood's death.
Perhaps like Fred Astaire history will be kinder to Craig Ellwood.
Book Description
One of the most sought-after books on California modernist architecture is back in print. This is an exact reprint of the elegant 1968 Italian edition, showing Ellwood's ground-breaking work from the three Case Study Houses through his later commercial and residential projects, including the Daphne house, the Rosen house and the Scientific Data Systems factory.
Customer Reviews:
Cool then, cool now........2002-01-22
As a teenager I was awed when this book about my father was published. I have one of the original copies which I value very much. It is gratifying to know that there is a resurgence of interest in Craig Ellwood's work so many years later. If you are a fan of his work, or if you want to get a good feel for Southern California architecture of the '50s and '60s, you will want this book. (OK, so I am biased! It is still a cool book.)
A statement of simplicity, that form follows function........1999-01-31
I did not realize how influential my father Craig is today, until I searched on his name and it lead me to this site. Here I learned that Ester McCoy's book about my dad has sold over 500,000 copies. That leads me to believe that there is a great interest in his work today, and that he is definitely influencing tomorrow's architecture. His favorite thing to do was to teach architecture, and with reprints of these great books, I believe that he continues to do just that today.
Adam Ellwood
Average customer rating:
|
Craig Ellwood: In the Spirit of the Time
Alfonso Perez-Mendez
Manufacturer: Gustavo Gili
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Architects, A-Z
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 8425218039 |
Customer Reviews:
suberb book.......2004-09-07
I wish to admit that I'm not an architect or designer, nor do I work in any field related to them. Having said that, I found Mr. Perez Gomez's book on Craig Ellwood to be the kind of architecture book that I'm always looking for, but can rarely find. It explains in great detail (at least for a non professional) the structural elements of the buildings presented. The text is so much more rewarding than most books in this genre because he actually explains at lenght what makes these buildings special, how they're put together and what their place is in the chronology and development of Craig Ellwood's career. I'm a great fan of architecture books about this era and after reading this book, I finally have the feeling that I have been educated beyond a few pat statements from a well intentioned tour guide, which is the usual feeling I have after most books of this type. In addition, the wealth of photographs comtemporary to the construction of the buildings and the incredible number of color present day images where aplicable make it one of a kind in my experience. I wish to take nothing away from all the rest who are writing these sorts of books, but to give big compliments, reccomendations and thanks for this one.
Average customer rating:
|
Craig Ellwood Con El Espiritu de La Epoca
Alfonso Perez-Mendez
Manufacturer: Editorial Gustavo Gili
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Spanish
| Foreign Language Nonfiction
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Diseño Interior
| Hogar y jardinería
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
No-Ficción
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
| Automotriz
| Ciencias Sociales
| Crimen y Criminales
| Educación
| Estudios de la Mujer
| Feriados
| Filosofía
| Gobierno
| Hechos Verídicos
| Planeamiento Urbano y Desarrollo
| Política
| Sucesos de Actualidad
| Transportación
General
| Arquitectura
| Profesional y Técnico
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
Diseño Interior
| Arquitectura
| Profesional y Técnico
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
ASIN: 8425218063 |
Product Description
With Craig Ellwood 15 Houses we start reprinting in hardcover book format the issues of the 2G Architecture Review that have been out of print. Craig Ellwoods career was extensive, including over one hundred documented buildings. Houses were Ellwood`s beginning and the origin of his experimentation. And since he designed domestic architecture up to the later years, the houses provide a comprehensive view of his career. Ellwoods residential work also benefited from the experimentation in his commercial architecture. The selection has been marked by the state of conservation of the houses. Fortunately, the number of them in good shape represent the breadth of Ellwoods career. The publication of all this material, rather than undermining the tale that Ellwood told of himself, demonstrates the high standard he maintained throughout his production.
Craig Ellwood (Clarenden, Texas, 1922) was one of the architects who during the 50s took part (alongside Charles Eames, Pierre Koenig and Rafael Soriano, among others) in the celebrated Case Study Houses programme organized by the Arts & Architecture magazine with the aim of promoting modern architecture and experimentation with new industrial materials in domestic architecture. Ellwoods relatively short professional career spanned the years from 1948 to 1977, when he retired at the age of 55.
Book Description
Each card in this inspiring deck offers an idea to stretch your approach to observing and chronicling the daily events around you. You'll learn how to harness the power of words (what to write about, and what to write with), explore extreme photography techniques without having any previous photography experience, focus on the little things (like a two-inch section of a painted mural you drive by every day), and discover unusual ways to create a self-portrait (from plastic wrap and tree lights, to close-ups of your hands). Includes 50 cards and a creativity notebook to record your own art-journal explorations.
Customer Reviews:
Very Cool Concept.......2007-09-26
I love these creativity cards! The graphics on one side are unique, interesting, colorful, and eye catching. The prompts on the flipside are thought-provoking, meaningful, and different. The small journal is a great creative jumpstart in itself. I love the colors and techniques that were used to produce the backgrounds. Think I'll even attempt to create some of those myself. The box housing the creativity cards and journal is sturdy and pleasant to look at.
This is a fresh concept, and I am enjoying this package very much.
By the way, this is in no way a "how to" of any type. It is intended to make you think about doing old things in a fresh way or to help you attempt something new altogether.
Highly recommended.
Wow!.......2007-08-05
these cards are amazing. each one is a little piece of art in itself. you'll want to frame and hang them. except then you wouldn't be able to turn them over and get a shot in the arm of inspiration... yummy. i'm too afraid to work in the little workbook as yet, tho. i don't wanna mess it up. :)
if you're looking for cutesy, pretty art, tho, look somewhere else. this is real, gritty from-the-soul art. the kind that hits you "right there". and hopefully will help you make your own journal pages that do the same.
several of them are geared towards photography but lots of it is the kind that can be done with even an el cheapo camera. the author will also have you using tape, glue, spraypaint, and maybe a few things you never thought of as art supplies before. this is the kind of journaling that begs you to jump in and get messy.
if you do any kind of visual journaling, i highly recommend these cards and workbook.
So Much Fun.......2007-08-05
I got this after much thought. I figured it was just another "how to do a journal book". But, I found it to be much fun to do the exersizes and if you are an artist with a block, this will help to unblock you. It can give you ideas you never really thought of before on approaching your art work. Plus, as I said, it is a lot of fun to do the exersizes suggested on the individual cards. The kit also includes a fun little notebook/journal book to do as you please with. If you teach art, these are also fun ideas to inspire your students. I plan on doing that with my students this Fall.
This is a Gem.......2007-07-26
First of all, this will make a perfect gift for anyone crafty or involved in journaling, scrapbooking, altered books, ATCs, etc. It's a very affordable gift that keeps on giving.
The author opens your eyes to new ways to be creative in a way anyone, whether an "artist" or not, can use everyday observations to create real, unique, personal, fun, journal pages. She'll encourage you to take in all your surroundings and find a common element - she was able to find the common element while sitting in an Italian restaurant and watching war protesters: she, the waiter, the protesters were all waiting, caught up in a moment in time which was the theme she used for one one of her journal pages. She uses paint, photography and any object that she can use to express herself in her work -and makes no apologies. I LOVE this little gem. Just lovely and real. You won't be disappointed.
Great things come in little boxed sets..........2007-07-04
I noticed that there was a 1 star review of "Wide Open...". No offense, reviewer, but clearly you don't have a clue. Yes, the cards in the set are sort of vague -- if you are looking for step-by-step instructions for making something, don't waste your money on this. And, yes, you do need to own... and have some very basic knowledge of... art supplies (again, no offense, but if you've been within spitting distance of an art supply or craft store, then you'll know what gesso is).
[Ok, stepping off my soap box and done with the snarky comments.] Randi Feuerhelm-Watts is such an inspiration! I love her style and the ideas for inspiration that she presents on the cards go way beyond some of the tired, old suggestions that seem to always crop up in art/craft publications.
I read all the cards in one sitting (because I'm obsessive like that!) and I did notice that some of them related to each other. Not that they are dependent on each other or that you would be lost if you pick them at random... but I did observe some links between the individual ideas. I think this is great for continuing themes in your art work. Also, while she references photography quite a bit (she is a photographer after all), I definitely do not feel that any of the ideas are pigeonholed by the techniques. The author's basic ideas translate really well no matter what kind of visual artwork you might do.
The cards themselves each feature snippets of the author's artwork on the back. This alone is incredibly inspirational. You almost get double the bang for your buck - pull out one of the cards to interpret the visual side and then come back to it later for inspiration from the narrative side.
My only complaint would be about the Creativity Notebook... I wouldn't really call it a complaint, persay. I guess I'm just ambivalent about it's inclusion in the set. On one hand she has provided some great backgrounds to help you combat "white page syndrome" as well as some random instructions to offer a jump start to someone who is new to visual journaling. But on the other hand, I don't see myself personally using it since I already have half a dozen journals and prefer to make my own backgrounds (once you get on a roll, its half the fun).
The ideas and techniques are presented in Randi's conversational style, along with her great little stories. While I have not had the pleasure of taking a class with her or meeting her, she comes across as the kind of person you'd love to have as an art friend because she'd always be inspiring and challenging. I think that's the greatest thing about this kit... she's managed to package a ton of her personality and a lot of what I imagine she teaches in her workshops into one cool product. This set definitely gets a front row spot on my art-bookshelf.
Book Description
For scrapbookers looking to expand their craft, this guide is the perfect find, opening up new avenues to spark their creative drive. They'll find:
* Ways to use scrapbooking supplies to create amazing handcrafted cards for every occasion, from a new baby to the holidays
* A diverse spectrum of cards, appealing to a wide audience of tastes
* Projects utilizing common scrapbooking techniques, such as paper tearing, embossing, embellishing, and more
* Lists of necessary tools and materials for easy organization and planning
With 200 fun examples, along with step-by-step instructions for re-creating them, this book will have scrapbookers growing their skills and passions in new and exciting ways.
Customer Reviews:
love to craft.......2006-09-06
I am pleased I bought this book to add to my collection. The ideas are good and offers interesting suggestions to break our of your routine of making your usual cards. I have made and adapted a number of the cards and constanstly received rave reviews from the reciptants of my cards. Great buy, worth the money, have no problem recommending this book!
Card Making Review.......2006-03-20
This book is a great book with lots of colourful pictures to help you on your way or to help you mix and match. Paper sizes for the cards would have been a helpful addition for some of the cards. But all in all, a good book.
Customer Reviews:
Practical, Well Designed Learning Tool.......2007-08-22
This book is really a well thought out workbook. The pages are designed so you cut out and assemble the pop-ups, then paste them into the book as a resource. You might want to get two, or to copy the flat page before you cut it out to have a reference for what you started with. All this said, this is an excellent, well thought out learning tool, and because YOU do the assembly, you learn more and pay less. I might have wished for line drawings with more examples of how the pop-ups could be used, but that is a very small quibble, about an outstanding book.
I'm a little disappointed.......2007-07-20
A little disappointed with this book. It is a good place for beginners to start, but doesnt go into the more technical aspects of pop-up construction. The ideas for shapes and pop-ups are explained, followed by a cut/fold/paste model you can put together yourself. However,there are no formulas given about what degrees of angles can be used, what the ratio of the planes to the bases are. Not a bad book, just not as advanced as I had hoped based on the cover drawing. Yes...I judged the book by it's cover :)
Awesome Book.......2007-03-21
This book is awesome -- teaching you the principles of paper engineering so you can make countless creations.
Artsy-Craftsy, not just Artsy.......2007-03-17
The book contains templates from which one is able to base designs, which is nice, however most of the designs were not exactly what I was wanting. Everything is kind of basic and "craftsy", whereas I was searching for something more art-oriented, more detailed and creative. Thankfully, I bought this with another, which exceeded all my expectations. The title of that book is The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating over 100 Original Paper Projects.
Topnotch How To.......2007-03-16
This book provides the basic engineering schematics for 10 types of pop-up and pop-out paper structures. It also includes the patterns to experience making them. It doesn't clutter up the process with the writer's suggestions for what to do with these basics; rather, it's up to you to use your imagination to create your own uses. Excellent book for an adult who wants to tackle this intriguing craft.
Average customer rating:
- Much better than most paper crafts books
- something different, something FUN!
|
Gift Wrapping & Greeting Cards
Gill Dickinson , and
Mike Palmer
Manufacturer: Chartwell Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Home & Garden
| Bargain Books
| Stores
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Papercrafts
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0785807004 |
Customer Reviews:
Much better than most paper crafts books.......2001-08-25
Very complete. I loved the many templates of different shaped boxes - from hearts, hexagons to flat boxes and more. The techniques - block printing, wax rubbing, etc were explained step-by-step with pictures for each step. Lots of good pop-up ideas also shown clearly. I'm sure I'll use these ideas for many cards and packages. One material was not entirely clear to me (sugar paper) but I could easily subsitute any thick paper, I think. Well worth it if you like to make your own cards!
something different, something FUN!.......1998-09-12
This book is full of fun paper projects.....something for novices to the more experienced "paper artist". All kinds of media are used....tin cans, plant material, fabric. There are projects for different holidays, as well as unique ideas for decorating, packaging, and wrapping hand-made or purchased gifts. Instructions are clear, with lots of diagrams and how-to's. If you are an expert paper artist, you probably have seen many of these ideas before, but for the rest of us....it's a book full of "goodies"!
Book Description
Images from early 20th century: kids and cats, witches and bats, apple dunking, fortune-telling, ghosts, pranks, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Lovely Postcards.......2007-09-21
I was thrilled when these arrived.
They are so lovely I almost wish I had ordered another set to cut out and use while saving the other.
The cards are a nice quality stock and have a shiny finish to them.
The colors are bright and cheerful.
I am beyond pleased.
Beautiful!.......2007-08-24
4 postcards per page, printed in beautiful rich color on heavy stock. perforations between cards - you will probably want to use a paper trimmer to get a nicer edge before using them. A nice variety of wonderful vintage halloween designs featuring children. great for postcards, or as decor!
only ok.......2007-08-23
Comes several postcards to a page that you must tear out yourself. Neat images though.
Vintage halloween postcards were lovely.......2007-01-03
I used these cards as thank you notes for my daughter's vintage style halloween/birthday party. I was very satisfied with the quality and the pictures included. there were many appropriate children's images.
Halloween Postcards.......2005-08-23
This book delivers 24 adorable vintage halloween images. I was very pleased with the format and quality of the cards. I highly recommend this item. You won't be disappointed!!!
Book Description
Delightful collection, reproduced from rare originals, includes beautifully rendered images of children, cupids, flowers, doves, and idyllic scenes of romance. Tender turn-of-the-century messages accompany each charming card. Simply detach, add a personal note, and mail. Co-publication of Dover and Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Postcards.......2007-02-22
These were pretty and authentic looking and easy to mail. I found some of them to be a little too romantic to send to friends but overall thought this set was a wonderful value and loved the pictures.
Book Description
Avid crafters have known that scrapbooks have spawned an enormous number of unique and beautiful supplies, tools, and techniques that can be used to create hundreds of fabulous gifts, home decorations, jewelry and more.
Using scrapbook supplies, you can publish your own book; design your own cards, calendars and stationary; decorate frames, lampshades or coasters for your home; design your own jewelry using metal snaps, charms, and beads, and create the look of decoupage on candles, magnets, and trays with fantastic results. Set aside your stencils and use die-cuts to decorate rooms, doors, and mirrors; make your own jewelry, napkin holders, and tiebacks using ribbons and twill, and create holiday decorations and ornaments in minutes. And that is just the beginning.
In all, there are 25 how-to projects with step-by-step instruction, followed by variations of other materials that can be substituted. It is the perfect book for scrapbookers, paper artists, memory artists and crafters.
Customer Reviews:
This book inspires creativity!.......2007-01-09
This book is so pretty to simply look through for inspiration. The layout and color photos are absolutley beautiful. Many of the materials for the projects are inexpensive or I already have them on hand from scrap booking and card making. It is a great book to gather creative ideas from. Most of the techniques are not difficult but the results are beautiful. I thoroughly enjoy paging through the book for ideas and inspiration.
Book Description
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like greetings from Santa Claus! These antique cards, most of them dating from the turn of the 20th century, offer a unique and jolly way to extend best holiday wishes. They're also a colorful and inexpensive complement to scrapbooking and crafts projects.
Customer Reviews:
Santa Claus Postcards.......2006-11-09
I was under the impression that these cards were regular Christmas cards and not postcards. Hence the 3 stars, otherwise I like them alot.
Books:
- Catalytic Activation of Dioxygen by Metal Complexes (Catalysis by Metal Complexes)
- Chemical Process Equipment, Second Edition: Selection and Design
- Chemistry for the Protection of the Environment 4 (Environmental Science Research)
- Chiral Chromatography
- Classic Spot Illustrations from the Twenties and Thirties: by James Montgomery Flagg, Gluyas Williams, John Held, Jr., et al (Pictorial Archive Series)
- Compartmental Modeling with Networks (Modeling and Simulation in Science, Engineering and Technology)
- Control of Polymerization Reactors
- Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics: Drugs vs. Cosmetics, Second Edition (Cosmetic Science and Technology Series)
- Courbet and the Modern Landscape (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum)
- Critical Mass: Happenings, Fluxus, Performance, Intermedia, and Rutgers University, 1958-1972
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
- Playing the Selective College Admissions Game
- Early Modern Humans at the Moravian Gate: The Mladec Caves and their Remains
- History: Fiction or Science
- Man Corn: Cannibalism and Violence in the Prehistoric American Southwest
- Pivotal Politics: A Theory of U.S. Lawmaking
- Little Panda: The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo
- The Alchemy of MirrorMask
- Herman Miller: The Purpose of Design
- Forest Plants of Northeastern Ontario
Raphael Soriano
Eichler: Modernism Rebuilds the American Dream
Craig Ellwood. Architecture
A. Quincy Jones
NorCalMod: Icons of Northern California Modernism
