creative forces

Blog # 58…June 2016

 Art Nouveau (sometimes called art moderne) that lovely curvaceous form that emerged at the end of the 19th century, reflects in many ways  the elements of softening and changing that were beginning to appear in society. It was an early example of globalization too, originating in Brussels and appearing in slightly different forms in France, Germany, Spain, Scotland and Japan. People were as tired of the traditional landscapes and portraits as they were of the ruling monarchies and the rigid layers of class.

                                                                                                                                
New materials and techniques allowed the creation of new forms, allowing artists to capture some of the human agency that had been lost during the industrial revolution.  The ability to bend wood and metal led to beautiful staircases and luminous stained glass windows and their representation on posters (another new form) that still decorate our  bedrooms and offices.          

Full disclosure here, I’ve never had a clear sense of the difference between the arts – nouveau and deco - so this is a personal voyage of discovery for me, maybe for you too.  

Charles Rennie Macintosh desk

There are some similarities in the origins of Art Deco which first attracted notice in 1925 at an exposition of decorative arts in Paris.  The style (as with Art Nouveau) was a reaction to major world events.  The horrors of World War 2 had created a mood of cynicism and a shift in sensibility.  The decorative and romantic images of Art Nouveau were replaced by sleeker, more sophisticated forms, extending from architecture to fashion, art and furniture.

Toronto Stock Exchange

If you live in Toronto, take a look at some of the remaining examples of  Art Deco buildings, and keep your eyes open, maybe there are some near where you live too... or furniture, or dishes.

Still no sign of our Iraqi family…they’re safe and continue to learn English and we’re prepared for their arrival in case it happens quickly. We met recently to re-invigorate our enthusiasm and heard of some good work by a couple of the committee members to ensure housing that will welcome them whenever the machinery turns in their direction.  Stay tuned.

 Blogspot has a mind of its own and sometimes decides to switch the font size mid stream without consulting me.