Friday, January 27, 2012

January Recap > Inside Eames Words

Eames Words

On a rainy-then-suddenly-sunny Saturday morning, 50 friends of de LaB gathered at the A+D Museum for a tour of the exhibition Eames Words hosted by co-curator Andrew Byrom. It was the final event in our Eames Themes series, exploring the many Eames-related shows as part of Pacific Standard Time.

Eames Words

As a designer who focuses on beautiful typographically-driven works of art, Andrew had a unique perspective for curating and designing the exhibition, which he did alongside the great designer Deborah Sussman, who worked at the Eames Office for many years.

Eames Words

One of the most distinctive elements of the exhibition are the large letterforms that spell out EAMES across the front of the space. The two E's continue into the museum and serve as shelves that run through the space.

Eames Words

Throughout the exhibition are quotes from Charles and Ray Eames as well as everyday objects that influenced their thinking and their work. The experience is like getting a peek inside their methodology.

Eames Words

For example, Andrew explained how toys were a very important part of the Eames Office, from observing and celebrating toy trains for a film, to designing their own toys like their House of Cards.

Eames Words

It made us all think differently about those Legos and Tinker Toys from our youth.

Eames Words

Food was another critical element for the Eames process, both as it related to understanding a culture and as it served as a creative medium.

Eames Words

One of the most delightful parts of the show was a tablescape inspired by Ray Eames, who used to arrange gorgeous and complex table settings for her guests.

A rebus written by Charles Eames

And then the whole group solved a rebus written by Charles Eames. (It was hard!)

I love this quote, attributed to Charles Eames

The exhibition is one of the most fascinating shows of Pacific Standard Time. Thanks so much to Andrew and to everyone at A+D for hosting us. If you still haven't seen it, head over to the A+D before February 20—the show has been extended!

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