Esoteric Survey

Peaking out of the greenery in beautiful Ojai is the Bald House by Richard Neutra. Built for Howard and Lois Bald in 1941. Howard was a horsemaster at a nearby school. The two-acre site overlooks the Ojai Valley to the west and the mountains to the east. This is one of just two houses Neutra designed in Ojai. The current owners purchased it 35 years ago. Sydney was a fan of Neutra's work and saw the ad in Variety magazine. They have been excellent caretakers, which included reversing a number of changes made by a previous owner. Luckily the cabinetry and hardware were never altered. As you'll see in the photos below, it's in remarkable original condition. Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10) Stucco with redwood is alternated around the house. Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10) Source: Julius Shulman, © J. Paul Getty...

Studio Rick Joy (1999) Architect Rick Joy's studio and the adjoining Convent Avenue Studios are located in Tucson's Barrio Historico. The mixed-use project is a combination of private and public adobe courtyards that transition from office to residential. Many of the buildings are rammed earth, a signature construction method used by Joy.  There was a Max Gottschalk chair in the main studio. However, when looking through Rick Joy's website, I came across this photo. Along with four other Gottschalk chairs, there is a monumental sculpture by Jack Boyd.  Source: Studio Rick Joy And here is a period photo with what looks like the same Boyd sculpture on a Max Gottschalk table.  Source: Dave Hampton The visit was part of a bike tour my friend and talented photographer,  Logan Havens , led me on.  Logan also knows where all the Charles Clement works are.

James Lovera bell La Gardo Tackett, Hans Bellmann and wicker  Soleri Bells Pomo Clock

The recent passing of John Baldessari reminded me of the 2017 exhibition I went to and never did a post about. This was the first major retrospective of his work in Latin America.  The exhibition explores his work as an artist and professor.  Aprendiendo A Leer Con John Baldessari - Museo Jumex Early instruction paintings Goya Series Virtues and Vices (for Giotto) Pride from Virtues and Vices (for Giotto)  features The Equitable Building by Welton Becket John Baldessari in Mexico City in 2017 Source: Claire Kennedy / Courtesy of the Estate of John Baldessari and Marian Goodman Gallery

Peter Shire, Evelyn Ackerman and Pomo Iron things