a bird in the bush damn it - sgraffito Italian modernist ceramic Aldo Londi ?

If you see this bird I am obsessed with it and have to have it. One of those awful Ebay misses.
 Step1 ) forgot to bid
 Step 2)  not sold ask for a buy it now
Step 3) Buyer asks for more clarification on which of his items it is
Step 4) Buyer lists without responding to me
Step 5 Go to check your message an hour later, and someone else has bought it on the buy it now.

Please let me know if you see this bird  and send it home. Any other info on who made it would be appreciated it has a sort of Aldo Londi feel to it

Retail mid century modern aint half bad

Now and then you find things that are brand new that are just well done. I wanted to pass along these items that I think are worth a look.  Of course I am in no way affiliated to CB2 or West Elm heck I only have 5 followers but I am so excited about that!

 I like the alcove wall shelf from CB2  http://www.cb2.com/storage/furniture/alcove-wall-shelf/f5491
 I bought one for my nick nacks and  was very  happy with the quality and proportions. It can attain a kinda Japanese or Paul Mccobb feel on days where I do not throw junk on it.

Their red book case is also fun  http://www.cb2.com/storage/furniture/wall-bookshelf/f6553


West elm has these  John Paul Phillipe sculptures on sale
http://www.westelm.com/products/john-paul-philippe-sculptures-a996/?pkey=csale-new

Very nice but still not as nice as my Ivan Terestchenko's

Abstract Modernist Industrial Garden Sculpture

I am thrilled to have acquired two wonderful  sculptures from Al Roche.  I was just browsing google images of abstract sculptures when a pic caught my eye it was from  this  great blog http://www.gardentyrant.com/2010/09/in-brimfield-mass-you-will-find.html entry.
Long story short I stalked this guy down. Blog showed sculptures at Brimfield, called the field at Brimfield, no info but he is from Texas, much stalking and found him devoid of website, flickr or facebook!

I love his work it is simple and the proportions and angles are so right.. I had no idea it would be so hard to  find simple large garden art. After finding it would be cost prohibitive to have his sculptures delivered from Texas to LA, crazy nice Al offered to deliver them for me for a very reasonable amount and a meal.  I also got to meet his lovely wife who is a vintage textile expert.   I think some of his pieces will soon be at the Philadelphia Garden Show, and of course right here on our humble little street.
I also have this one and the last one is a piece I had to pass on. What a gem.

And here are some pieces at Brimfield

 I would also have been very happy with this playground below (from someone else's blog post- way back- sorry lost info)

California Cubsit modernist mid century mosaic

Well after much patience and being told this was not for sale, was for sale, was not for sale, will be for sale, cannot find the keys, cannot find the keys again,  etc and 2 very patient and reasonable movers.  I finally have this stunning mosaic. I bought it sight unseen.  At parts there are actual crystals sticking out.

Many of the small tiles ( in excess of 300,000) are  sticking up on their side to create visual effects like clothing fringe and an argyle pattern.



It came from a mid century home in Beverly Hills by architect William  Stephenson.  IT is slated for demo. Actually the house is not really all that, and I was surprised to find once I entered it I was not that outraged that it was being torn down.

UPDATE- Artist was Dan Toledo only other much smaller piece I found actually was sold years ago by Palm Galleria

http://www.redfin.com/CA/Beverly-Hills/1705-Angelo-Dr-90210/home/6822604

I do not think this is an Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman or Millard Sheets mosaic.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Ok now how do we hang this puppy 103" x 46"

Ivan Terestchenko sculpture - really mine? I feel so lucky

I was lucky enough to purchase these two wonderful ceramic sculptures from the excellent photographer and artist Ivan Terestchenko. He  also makes time for  a great inspiring blog.
http://itopus.blogspot.com. 

I think his eye  is so refined becuase visual balance is like breathing to him. It simply is and must be. Thanks Ivan I will treasure these and thanks to David John of http://youhavebeenheresometime.blogspot.com/ for introducing me.

These pieces have all the presence s of large works. They have a  potential energy and gravitas that confounds their size.  As close as  I will ever get to having a little Calder on my table top. I am surely happy.

Home is finally happening

Unpacking mid century treasures of sentiment more than value

Well home is taking shape - putting out mid-century bibs and bobs. It still lacks a bit of a sense of humor but hopefully that will come with time.