They buried their hand-carved pieces for six weeks in a container of special soil that caused them to oxidize quickly but naturally. They started this in 1954, and it took them six years to perfect the process. Their pieces were sculptural yet functional, and their motifs were taken from nature and history.
Philip called their work "functional art," using a tag-line in 1960s that said, "It's not just functional and not just art. It's an investment." Their style was intentionally conservative, so their work would fit in with any style, whether traditional or modern.
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Wow, I really love all of these pieces! The detail in the close ups is truly spectacular. Thanks for the profile on these amazing artists!
ReplyDeleteI was blown away by the detail too. Thanks to my SIL for telling me about this father-son duo!
DeleteSuper cool. I put a Dana question on a post that will be up in a little bit. :) Sort of like I spy but mid-century modern design.
ReplyDeleteYou've stumped me on the I Spy question...but I haven't given up the search.
DeleteWow, these pieces are amazing!! Really like the surfaces, I' ve always been fascinated by the effect time and the elements have on materials, I worked a lot with rust as a student. Thanks for this post:-)
ReplyDeleteI think it's fascinating that they buried them to achieve just the patina they wanted.
DeleteAnother related dynamic duo. Too cool!
ReplyDeleteYes, and even more interesting since Philip was Erwine Laverne's brother. I read that the family was split apart by the lawsuit, and I wonder if Erwine and Philip became estranged.
DeleteThe lawsuit was between Erwine and his brother Louis
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