Sunday, May 16, 2010

Books and Chairs : Two Great Things that Look Great Together


Chairs. Love them.


Books. Can't live without them.


Put the two together in a beautifully styled photograph in your glossy book or magazine and you'll stop me in my tracks.


I know. It's weird that I should have such an affinity for these images that I've torn more than a few from magazines and saved so many others to my photo files. I've also made note of several artists, kindred spirits perhaps, who have actually taken the time to paint books on chairs.

Vincent Van Gogh painted his friend Paul Gauguin's chair in 1888 while they stayed together in the yellow house in Arles.


Contemporary artist Maira Kalman painted a chair with books in her uniquely charming fashion. Perhaps this one is in her own book. I would love to get my hands on a copy and find out for sure.

WordWeaverArt, an etsy artist, titled this work "Comfort" because it recalls the feeling aroused by the image on a cherished greeting card. Comfort. I imagine that's exactly what books and chairs are all about for me too.

My freakish obsession led to my own photographic efforts...


What do you think?
Should I see someone about this?


Chair photos culled from unrecorded magazine sources except for the white chair draped in pretty scarves and equally pretty pink phone. That one I found on Flickr, here.

10 comments:

Kathysue said...

I have a thing for paintings of chairs also. They call to me. Have you seen the Biltmore collection chairs I would love to have some in the black and white series. They are wonderful. I find paintings of rooms amazing. I know it has to do with my love of design but I am with you on the chairs, love them,Kathysue
PS Did you do something different to your header, it looks really great!!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love the pictures you've shown! It does make for a nice look and, when you've got lots of books, I think it makes for a creative way to show them off.

cotedetexas said...

love this! soooooo true!!!!
thanks for the shout out yesterday!!
Joni

Tammy@InStitches said...

I love your chair vignette !

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Love these! What is it about a chair with books that looks so inviting? I never noticed that they were so frequently photographed together, though. Interesting!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Tracy, I love both books & chairs too. And your photo really captures them nicely as well. Fun post!

kay ellen said...

I love every chair vignette Tracey~~~wonderful!!

xoxo
Kay Ellen

Imagery by Kimberly said...

Good Morning Tracey!!

Awesome post and you love these images because of the artist that you are.... they satisfy your talented eye oh creative one.

Of course, help yourself to any of my photos whenever you want. I am happy to share with you.

I hope things get better for you soon. And they will!! Until then, keep the faith and thank you for inspiring us.


Love,
Kim

Unknown said...

i love displaying my books, and what a creative way to do so!
xox alison

Jan's camera said...

I love your photo of the chair.