Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Frank Lloyd Wright celebrated in Boise

The man who created a new way of life through architecture is explored at the Boise Art Museum


The Boise Art Museum?s Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit includes more than 100 original objects designed by Wright. ?Barrel Chair,? (above) 1936, cypress (solid and plywood) and ?Hanging Lamp,? (below) 1902, glass and brass, are two of the pieces on display. Photo courtesy The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Scottsdale, Ariz.

By Cornelia Russo

For the Express

According to one of America's most renowned architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, "A building is not just a place to be. It is a way to be."

Have you ever wondered how the American people's love affair with their homes started? Well then, look to Wright. His mission was to create and furnish dwellings based on his personal lifestyle vision for man.

October is the last month to catch the Boise Art Museum's exhibit on Frank Lloyd Wright, which explores how he pursued that mission. The exhibit includes more than 100 original objects designed by Wright including furniture, metal work, textiles, drawings and accessories. "Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful" opened on July 15 and will close Oct. 22.

The exhibit chronicles his life before his life began, in 1867. According to legend, his mother predicted that he would be an architect—his first toys were Froebel geometric building blocks. His father, on the other hand, abandoned the impoverished family. These familial themes of a strong mother, difficult relationships and financial woes would shape Wright throughout his personal life and career.

In 1887, despite not having an architecture degree (he graduated as a civil engineer), Wright went after his dream job with the famed architectural firm of Louie Sullivan. Wright's burning concept was to create a decidedly "American style, not just perpetuate the architecture of western civilization."

He borrowed $5,000 and built Oak Park, the first of three personal residences highlighted in the exhibit. Through photographs of the Oak Park house and designs of chairs, glass panels and lighting, Wright's groundbreaking ideas come to life.

Seven thousand square feet later his home also included a full-time home office, backlighting, recessed lighting, lofts, glass roof, and an extensive interior use of earth's materials, especially wood—paneled walls, coffered ceilings and restyled wooden furniture.

Through the years he became known for large, open, dining-living-kitchen spaces; multi-functional furniture; a very uncluttered look; a prominent, focal-point fireplace; and blending the indoors with the out of doors. Wright also positioned small areas leading into a larger, dramatic one and windows above eye level. All these innovations seem commonplace now, but were deemed radical in his day.

Wright's blueprints were further affected by a trip in 1905 to Japan where he delighted in the country's cultural simplicity. He eliminated attics and basements. Interior ceilings soared. He allocated the most space to the most-used rooms. (To that end his six children slept in the same partitioned bedroom.)

Often bankrupt, and married three times, Wright determinedly yearned for recognition and longevity. He started merchandising his home furnishings like dinnerware, rugs, lamps and wallpaper through manufacturers and corporate connections, like a 19th century Martha Stewart. Wright even ran his own apprentice architecture center, Taliesin Fellowship.

Part of the museum's exhibit is a 50-minute documentary film. This details his second 37,000-square-foot home, Taliesin ("Shining Brow"), and Taliesin West in Arizona. Both illustrate Wright's insistence that a structure fit the land and local materials be used.

Beyond his death Wright has achieved his goals of longevity and of being every man's designer. He changed the quality of life in this country through his groundbreaking American style.

Boise Art Museum is located in Julia Davis Park, Boise. Visit www.boiseartmuseum.org for more information.




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