All posts by romicortier@yahoo.com

Architecture

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

July 2, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Ballroom, Photo Romi Cortier

PORTRAITS of the FALLEN MEMORIAL, Photo Romi Cortier

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Presidential Limousine, Photo Romi Cortier

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Presidential Helicopter, Photo Romi Cortier

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum was host to The Portraits of the Fallen Memorial exhibition from May 10, 2014 – July 6, 2014.

I will admit that I was apprehensive about going to the Nixon Library to attend the Portraits of the Fallen Memorial exhibition. However, after spending the better part of the day touring the massive exhibits and beautiful grounds, I found it quite educational. I’ve decided that while this may be my first experience at a Presidential Library, it certainly won’t be my last. It was after all, a museum. A museum complete with gifts to President Nixon, clothing worn by First Lady Pat Nixon, campaign memorabilia, video footage… oh yeah, and of course those pesky watergate tapes. I may be a left leaning guy politically, but If I can’t keep an open mind, then I’m just another extremist.

The most poignant part of my experience at the Nixon Library was to see President Nixon‘s birthplace, and then understand the trajectory of his life that brought him full circle to his final resting place next to First Lady Pat Nixon, about 100 feet from where he was born. I was a bit startled to see their headstones, but I know it’s a sentiment my late mother would have loved, to be buried near her roses.

I also have to say that I love the pomp and circumstance associated with all things Presidential, regardless of party. To me, that’s simply being American. I loved seeing the Presidential Seal on the 1967 Presidential Limousine that carried Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter. Apparently it weighs as much as that Presidential Helicopter… all 11,000 pounds. In fact, the 1977 Guinness Book of World Records states that this is “the most expensive car ever built… cost for research, development and manufacturing was estimated at $500,000.” President Obama’s 2009 Cadillac Limousine is assumed to have cost $300,000. I would have guessed higher considering the expense of technology… maybe it’s made in China. (Oops, did I just say that?) Seriously though, if you live near a Presidential Library, or are considering visiting one, I highly recommend it. You’ll without a doubt be enriched by your experience. And if all else fails, attend a wedding at one. My research shows that this particular Presidential Library is a hot spot for weddings.

FYI – American Flag Protocol recommends our flag should lead, not follow, and should always be attached to the front right corner of an automobile, preferably the chassis.

Art

Portraits of the Fallen Memorial at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

July 1, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

Romi Cortier at Portraits of the Fallen Memorial, Photo Curator Sherry Moore

PORTRAITS of the FALLEN MEMORIAL at the Richard Nixon Library and Museum closes this Sunday July 6th.

Three years ago curator Sherry Moore contacted me to participate in this amazing project to commemorate and remember our fallen soldiers from the Iraq or Afghanistan War. This project is near and dear to Sherry’s heart, as she too is a veteran. There are 158 portraits of the California fallen completed to date, with an ultimate goal to depict each of the over 6,500 fallen U.S. heroes. This exhibit demonstrates the importance of serving our country, but is also a reminder of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and the impact their service has had upon their families and communities.

My contribution to this memorial project was the portrait of Christopher G. Nason, bottom photo, second from the left. My research indicated that Mr. Nason had a tremendous affect on those he came in contact with, leaving them with a big smile. Therefore, I chose brightly colored stars for his background, to imbue his patriotism with his lively spirit. I also used gold leaf on the sides of the 5×5 painting to create a little extra glow around him.

I myself am from a long line of military personnel, however, I knew the military experience wasn’t for me. Both my birth father and step father served in the military, and I have a nephew currently serving as an officer, as well as a nephew-in-law serving. Therefore, giving back in this very small yet personal way by painting Christopher G. Nason, was the very least that I could do. Having suffered a tremendous loss myself this year, brings home to me the very painful reality of losing anyone we love, whether it be a parent, a child or a significant other… loss is loss. I wish I’d started my blog sooner to get the word out during the beginning of this very important and touching exhibit. However, If you aren’t able to see it before it closes, I’m confident there will be other opportunities to view it here in southern California.

www.PortraitsoftheFallenMemorial.org or on Facebook

Architecture

The Heart of John Lautner’s Harvey Residence

June 30, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Harvey Residence, Main Entry, Photo Romi Cortier

Harvey Residence, Foyer, Photo Romi Cortier

Harvey House, Circular Main Room, Photo Romi Cortier

Harvey Residence, Living Room, Photo Romi Cortier

Harvey House, Mid-Century Lighting, Photo Romi Cortier

The remarkable Central column above might be the Heart of John Lautner‘s Harvey Residence , or it might also be Actress Kelly Lynch and Mitch Glazer who are committed to mid-century preservation. In 2008 they opened their home to the public via the MAK Center and the Hammer Museum in conjunction with the Lautner retrospective ‘Between Earth and Heaven’.

Marked as a tear-down, the couple bought the home in 1998 and set to work restoring the 1950 residence. No two Lautner homes are alike, even if this concentric design reminds you of his iconic Chemosphere home. While Lautner had a strong preoccupation with geometric forms, such as the circle and triangle, his homes are ultimately rooted in the concept of integrating the home into its location, creating an organic flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. If the words ‘Organic Architecture’ ring any bells, you might be thinking Frank Lloyd Wright whom Lautner apprenticed under at Taliesin .

The fact that all of this might be lost because the home sits on a remarkable piece of property with a 180 degree view, or more, is unthinkable. Imagine sitting in the grand central room while listening to chamber music as the lights of the city twinkle behind the performers… it’s pure magic. As luck would have it, several years ago one of my clients gave me her tickets for The Da Camera Society, who specialize in Chamber Music In Historic Sites. Therefore, I’ve been in this home twice, and Kelly and Mitch as usual are remarkable hosts. They wouldn’t know me if I walked in through their doors again, but that’s not the point. The point, is that they’ve restored this remarkable home and kept the doors open, even to the public.

Interior Design

Furniture from the Mondrian / De Stijl exhibit at the Pompidou Center

June 28, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Gerrit Reitveld Table, Pompidou Center 2011, Photo Romi Cortier

Gerrit Reitveld Chair, Pompidou Center, 2011, Photo Romi Cortier

Theo Vn Doesburg, Cornelis Van Eesteren, Building Model, Photo Romi Cortier

In early 2011, I made a mad dash to Paris for a four day weekend to see the Mondrian / De Stijl exhibit at the Pompidou Center. Decadent yes, but it was a must see event for an art history geek like myself. De Stijl, Dutch for ‘The Style‘ was a movement from 1917 – 1928 that sought to wipe out all historical references in art, architecture and furniture, creating a new design vocabulary for the 20th Century.

Painter Piet Mondrian and furniture designer/architect Gerrit Rietveld are the two most famous people from this period. Their works were the subject of this monumental exhibit at the Pompidou Center, an exhibit that had a strict policy against photography with guards in every room chasing down anyone with a camera. How did I get these shots you ask… not easy. (lets hope they don’t find my blog) It was so exciting to get to see these works in person, although I almost didn’t make it to the exhibit entrance. Do you see the little glass tube at the top of the Pompidou Center, 6 stories up, not a good thing for a guy with a fear of heights. When the elevator doors opened, I almost fainted. Complete strangers in the elevator grabbed my arms, told me to close my eyes, and then walked me to the entrance of the exhibit. So worth the trauma!

It was exciting to see the evolution of Mondrian’s paintings from the cubist inspired ‘The Still Life with Ginger Pot II‘ to his starker images that we’re all so familiar with, such as ‘Composition with red blue and yellow’ 1930. Many people associate this ‘look’ with the 1960’s or 1970’s thanks to the Partridge Family Bus from the television series ‘The Partridge Family. However, it all started about 50 years earlier.

Art

The Evolution of Artist Alberto Murillo

June 27, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Alaberto Murillo, 'Nassau, 50 x 40, (private collection) — Alaberto Murillo, ‘Nassau, 50 x 40, Acrylic/Resin on Board (private collection)

Alberto Murillo, 'Taormina', 50 x 40, Acrylic/Resin on Board — Alberto Murillo, ‘Taormina’, 50 x 40, Acrylic/Resin on Board, Image courtesy JoAnne Artman Gallery

Alberto Murillo, 'Chanel No. 5', 30x40, Acrylic/Resin on Board — Alberto Murillo, ‘Chanel No. 5’, 30×40, Acrylic/Resin on Board, Image Courtesy JoAnne Artman Gallery

It’s been very exciting to observe the Evolution of Artist Alberto Murillo during the last couple of years. I fist became of aware of his work at the JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach. I’d wandered into her gallery after having lunch with a friend, and she greeted us with such enthusiasm. New to the neighborhood in 2008, her gallery is part of ‘Gallery Row’ at 326 North Coast Highway. She gladly gave us a tour and began educating us about her roster of artists.

At that time, Alberto’s work was very horizontal, or vertical depending on how you hung it, with thin lines of acrylic/resin on board. I thought it was unique, but it didn’t resonate with me. Cut to a gallery opening a year later with pieces like ‘Nassau‘ and ‘Taormina‘ and I was very intrigued. Murillo explained that he’d observed the resin on the floor after creating the vertical pieces and loved how the colors over lapped and melded together. He refers to this as his ‘Therapy Series‘ that helped pull him out of a very dark place. The latest twist to his work is sandblasting away part of the resin to create an image, such as ‘Chanel No. 5′. Matte against shiny. It’s absolutely stunning in person. If it’s good enough for the Givenchy Family in NYC, then it’s good enough for me… adding it to my ‘must have’ list.

Where Art Inspires Beauty