ArtBuzz

Frank Llloyd Wright Fence with Slate, Glass & Copper Insets

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The design of these Prairie Style fence sections was inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement. The abstract floral pattern echoes Frank Lloyd Wright styled clerestory windows surrounding the courtyard where the original fences are installed.

This fence owes as much to Frank Lloyd Wright's central ideas as it does to his design motifs. The colors of the natural slate, iridescent glass mosaic tile and copper insets, along with the rust finish, accord with his philosophy of "organic architecture," which maintains that structures should develop out of natural surroundings. The use of materials for their natural colors and textures, as well as for their structural characteristics is also characteristic of Wright's thinking. The staggered placement of the fence sections within the courtyard allows them to enclose and define the area while preserving a sense of spaciousness. A glass wall looks out from the living room of the house into the courtyard, making the outdoor living space an extension of the indoor space.

Designed to withstand the harsh winters of Northern Michigan, this fence should last hundreds of years with minimal maintenance.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright Fence
medium	Steel, natural slate, vitreous glass, copper
size	48" x 48" x 1.5" (inquire for pricing on other size panels)
availability	by commission (see commissions page for details)
price	$1,500.00 per four foot panel
	Purchase single panel for $1,850

 

Acrobats Dance Across Your Yard or Garden In This Fantastic Steel & Mosaic Fence

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The Acrobat Fence shown above is featured in JoAnne Locktov's most recent book on mosaics: Mosaic Art and Style: Designs for Living Environments.

The graceful figures cavorting along this fence suggest both the motion of their dance and the music that moves them. The obvious joy of these figures is engaging, but their simplicity is what really captivates us: we can easily see ourselves, someone we know, or the person we might like to be in this dance. My goal with this design was to capture the gesture of the figures such that the mind completes the movement, making a still image appear to be in motion. What also fascinates me about this design was the process of working with the negative space between the figures, to create another level of equally interesting pattern… the overall design strongly resembles musical notation.

The simplicity of these figures allows them to fit nearly any story or culture. Check out the wonderful garden fence I made for Howard Hast & JoAnne Olsen— telling the story of their life together through a series of narrative fence panels. Equally flexible, the materials are suitable for creating functional work such as fences, railings and furniture or more decorative projects such as relief murals. The construction of these panels is designed to withstand the harsh winters of northern Michigan, insuring that these fences will last for generations.

The prices above pertain to the design as shown. If you are interested in commissioning a unique piece to express your own story or ideas, please contact me.

 

Acrobat Fence
medium	Steel and vitreous glass tile
size	48" H x 120" L x 2" W (inquire for pricing on custom sizes)
availability	by commission (see commissions page for details)
options	The figures' heads can be done in vitreous glass tile or hand-textured copper
price	Call or email for pricing.

A Conundrum For Your Flower Bed

 

Every now and then a piece surprises you, and that can be the best feeling in the world. This garden screen is one of those... Most of the time, I set out to acheive an effect or feeling and I know from the very beginning how I plan to go about it. An idea often evolves as I put it together but even then, it's based on ideas about what has worked in the past or a new theory that I'm trying out.

This one mystifies me a bit. The top and bottom elements are so different from one another, and yet they hang together perfectly to bring a harmony and interplay to the overall work. I can't put my finger on a ready explanation for it, I just have to stand back and accept it. My best guess is that it's a bit like an inspired jazz riff… putting together elements that should clash only to find that the rythm and that high phrase just groove together in a way you'd never think they could until you experienced it. Like a peanutbutter and mustard sandwich.

This piece functions equally well as an indoor piece (sculpture, room divider) or outdoors as a trellis or gate for the garden. Base is removable for transportation, or to allow permanent installation as gate.

 

Abstract Art Nouveau Garden Screen, 2004
medium	Steel, copper
size	68.5" x 38.5" x 3"
price	$1150.00 SOLD

 

 

Abstract Modern Ironwork Design Available For Commission

click thumbnail to view larger images of previous work in this style.

 

When I do custom work, I usually provide several drawings for a client to choose from. This drawing was an alternate design for some security grates I did for the windows of a Chicago residence. Although we went with one of the other drawings for that job, I would love to find an opportunity to use this one as well. I think it would make an absolutely stunning gate.

This design is open to many interpretations depending on what you're looking for. It can be be adapted for security grates, a repeating fence design, a wall-hanging sculpture or even a garden trellis. The black represents steel and the accent color represents copper or bronze. Because the design is so open-ended it's impossible to give a fixed price without knowing the size of the project. To discuss a commission, email me with measurements or questions and I will work up a bid based on your unique situation. Also keep in mind that with custom work, anything is possible— so if you feel that this design is inspiring but "not quite it" let me know what would make it just the thing for you!

 

Modern Design On Target
medium	steel, copper
size	scaled to your requirements
availability	by commission (see commissions page for details)
price	email measurements for a price quote

On The Fence: Mondrian or MacIntosh?

 

This is one of my all-time favorite improvisational fences. I found the antique gridwork in a local scrap yard and knew immediately what I wanted to do with it. Inspired by the designs of Charles Rennie MacIntosh, the addition of a frame and two small circular elements brings a quiet, almost zen-like balance to a discarded object. Okay, maybe you're thinking it's more Mondrian than MacIntosh, and I see your point, but if those circles aren't perfect modernist flowers, well… Now imagine this fence as a trellis for roses, morning glories or whatever climbing bloom you favor. Can you see it?

The base is easily removable for transportation, or to allow permanent installation as a gate or fence section.

 

Charles Rennie MacIntosh Garden Screen
medium	Steel
size	48" x 36" x 2"
price	$650.00 SOLD