Inspiration

[4t64rd]

the luxurious textures and shapes used on musical instruments... they are built to last a lifetime or two (if you don't buy them at Walmart), the mechanics are simple, bulletproof when used properly, and finished to a high degree.





The textured metal and art deco shapes used in diners, every part looks like it was designed by the same guy, no committee decisions.

[oldcarmike]

I love the Streamline Era school of design. The 'aerodynamic' flow of these items does something for me. The desire to bring a smooth elegance to everyday items was one of the hallmarks of the time. Everything was new, advanced, and spoke of a great time and an even better future.

What housewife of the 1930's would view housework as drudgery when she's surrounded by these great everyday appliances?





Even the kids could get into the spirit of the day!!



And when Dad came home from a hard day at the office, he could relax in style and comfort.



And when the whole family took a trip, the beautiful Burlington Zephyr train would take them in speed and style.

[zman]

I love toasters... funny how you can get inspiration from them as well...

[zman]

and fans...

[pitman]

It's all about the chairs, baby. I'll see your Mies Barcelonas, and raise you...

One Marco Zanuso "Lady" chair...

This being a traditional site and all...

[JOE C.]

Carlo Mollino.......modern architect, furniture designer,teacher,ski instructor,aviator,race car driver/designer, photographer.....
definitely an inspiration.

[Big A]

You can't have Barcelona chairs without a van der Rohe Barcelona table...



Alright Señor Zenor, you started it. My grandfather (an architect) had good taste. I'm priveledged to be the guardian of a pair of Wegner "The Chair" chairs...



...a pair of Wegner folding cane chairs...



...an Eames (looks like a Bertoia, don't it? Eiffel Tower base give it away as an Eames)...



...a pair of Finn Juhl "45" chairs...



...and because I'm a chair geek who spends most of his time sitting in front of a computer, I got myself an Herman Miller Aeron chair...

[38zephyr]

I love and am inspired by 30's and 40's : toys , design , advertising , trailers etc. All very influential on me when trying to figure out what would look best on a car , bike or whatever I'm looking at . To me the 1937 / 1938 deco streamline era was as good as it gets ! Excellent thread , neat stuff .

[scootermcrad]

Originally Posted by zman

and fans...

Fans rule too!!!

[rustydeuce]

Procreation created my Inspiration...

[VirgilHilts]

More in a whimsical way I've always loved "googie" architecture. It is somewhat bittersweet though. The flying car world we were promised as kids never happened but the buildings still remain here and there sometimes like an accustion but I still like to think that the Jetsons world might have been.

[scootermcrad]

Originally Posted by VirgilHilts

More in a whimsical way I've always loved "googie" architecture. It is somewhat bittersweet though. The flying car world we were promised as kids never happened but the buildings still remain here and there sometimes like an accustion but I still like to think that the Jetsons world might have been.

You can almost visualize the moving walkways!

My love of architecture, cool old brick and stone buildings specifically, is the reason I'm destined to leave Las Vegas! I find that when I'm in an architecturally significant space I am more creative and work with an abrstract and open mind. The space around me tends to be a direct reflection on my mood and total productivity. So I guess you COULD say architecture is very inspirational for me as well...

...now if only I could weld in work space with cool old wood floors without setting the place on fire!!

[leadsledbuick]

Originally Posted by scootermcrad

This is a neat thread! I like this!

I get a lot of inspiration from all things mechanical. Something some of you may find as strange and unusual that has inspired me is the graceful construction style of early time pieces. The way the frames are cast/constructed, style of the gears, the gizmo factor and the way things were painted all wrapped up into one functional piece. Mechanical art that has been functional for 100's of years! Take a gander...

(all pictures from Mark Frank's "My Time Machines" website)


WILLIAM POTTS, LEEDS, ENGLAND. 1900. Model No. 7




ARSENE CRETIN, MORBIER (JURA) FRANCE, 1903



Check out the engine turning


LUDWIG. HAINZ, PRAGUE, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, 1907





If you want to see more, here's the link to his collection. Obviously this is not high speed inspiration, but from a mechanical, functional and craftsmanship standpoint very influential (at least for me).
http://www.my-time-machines.net/
http://www.my-time-machines.net/my_t...ollection1.htm

Now... on to what REALLY gets me revved up.... AIRPLANES!! WWII specifically! Love 'em!





What's not to love about the construction, performance, paint.... everything to do with these pieces of history! Very, very influential to me!

These pictures here are inspirational to me,I love the fact that things like this are honest,you get to see how it works,the process and why it works the way it does,I guess I'll qoute Indian Larry(R.I.P.)I love the guizmoisom and the mechanics of things.

[Jack Luther]

I have to agree that this is a really great thread! Someone has already mentioned it, but I think it is worth repeating-- look at musical instruments and equipment. Great curves, just like on a great car. Great finishes, just like on a great car. Great tones, just like on a great car. I'm also partial to old amplifiers, radios, stereo gear, vacuum tubes (yes, people collect these, too, and they are like little scuptures in a bottle) etc., for the same reasons. Hope to see a lot more photos on this thread. Thanks to all. Jack Luther.

[Mike Zenor]

Originally Posted by Big A

Alright Señor Zenor, you started it. My grandfather (an architect) had good taste. I'm priveledged to be the guardian of a pair of Wegner "The Chair" chairs...

Totally tits, Andrew... I think my favorite chairmeister was the totally underappreciated Vladimir Kagan (he's still alive and designing, BTW). A couple of his...

[pitman]

This is a grand thread. Nate, that dinosaur factory is outstanding. Here's a pic from the Spanish Architect Gaudi of his church in Barcelona, I'd love to see this one.

[chrisman]

Another Bruno Mathsson, this one is called Jetson:



A mechanical dream. Leica M4:



Photography, like Robert Frank's:

[38zephyr]

I know the Chrysler building is kind of obvious , but man ...

[Big A]

Some day I'll have a Noguchi table...



And if we're talkin' streamline era industrial design, we're talkin' Raymond Loewy...

[scootermcrad]

Originally Posted by leadsledbuick

These pictures here are inspirational to me,I love the fact that things like this are honest,you get to see how it works,the process and why it works the way it does,I guess I'll qoute Indian Larry(R.I.P.)I love the guizmoisom and the mechanics of things.

It was even MORE incredible hearing those things RUN!!!! Like nothing I've ever heard! For those of you in the chicago area, if you ever get a chance to take a tour if that guy's house, you should seriously bring an extra pair of pants and underoos! You will soil them for sure!!!!! Was difficult taking it all in.

Sound of these clocks segways right into this quote...

Originally Posted by Jack Luther

look at musical instruments and equipment. Great curves, just like on a great car. Great finishes, just like on a great car. Great tones, just like on a great car. I'm also partial to old amplifiers, radios, stereo gear, vacuum tubes (yes, people collect these, too, and they are like little scuptures in a bottle) etc., for the same reasons. Hope to see a lot more photos on this thread.

A car is a LOT like an instrument in so many ways if you think about... does anyone feel having a radio isn't critical because they like the sound of their car?? Nothing like a car "singing" for you!

In relation to the same quote and the part related to old amplifiers and vacuum tubes... How about the Nixie Tubes! (squirrel, are you reading?)



or other similar vacuum tubes that do neat things...





Maltese cross had to come from somewhere... right?




It all started with a guy name Crooke! CRT crazy!!!

CLICK ON THIS LINK!!!! (couldn't get it to display)





AWESOME!!!