#sonambient

[billlaotian]

[vowism]

Harry Bertoia was a mid-20th-century sculptor and furniture designer known for his innovative approach that seamlessly blended art and functionality. Born in Italy in 1915 and later moving to the United States, Bertoia studied at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he developed a unique perspective on design. His most famous works, including the Diamond Chair and the Bertoia Side Chair, showcase his ability to transform functional furniture into sculptural art pieces. These designs, made with metal wire, reflect Bertoia’s commitment to combining aesthetic beauty with practical use.

Central to Bertoia's philosophy was the belief that furniture should not merely serve a functional purpose but should also be viewed as works of art. His iconic Diamond Chair exemplifies this approach, combining sculptural beauty with comfort. Bertoia adhered to the principle of "form follows function" but elevated it to an artistic expression, creatively using materials like metal wire to design lightweight yet strong furniture. Nature also served as a significant source of inspiration for Bertoia. He meticulously studied natural forms and structures, incorporating their organic curves and shapes into his designs. This connection to nature is evident in many of his works, which often mimic the fluidity and elegance found in the natural world.

Bertoia's legacy extends beyond his individual works, influencing numerous contemporary designers such as Marc Newson, Thomas Heatherwick, and Karim Rashid. His contributions to modern design are celebrated for their originality and artistic merit, proving that functionality and aesthetic pleasure can coexist harmoniously. His sound sculptures, known as Sonambient, further illustrate his innovative spirit, engaging both the visual and auditory senses of the observer. Through his pioneering designs, Harry Bertoia has left an indelible mark on the world of art and design, demonstrating that everyday objects can transcend their utilitarian origins to become extraordinary works of art.

[4--light]

In conjunction with the exhibition 'Atmosphere for Enjoyment: Harry Bertoia’s Environment for Sound,' MAD commissioned New York–based musicians Lizzi Bougatsos and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe to create sound and video recordings with Sonambient sculptures. 'Atmosphere for Enjoyment' explores Bertoia's sounding or tonal sculptures. Collectively called Sonambient, these are works made of metal rods that make lush, resonant sounds when struck. Beginning in 1968, Bertoia began setting up an eighteenth-century stone barn on his property in Barto, Pennsylvania, to house and record these works, and this is where Bougatsos and Lowe made their recordings. On April 11, 2016, Lowe performed this piece, "We Echo Now His Love," at the Sonambient Barn. Under the alias Lichens, he creates live, spontaneous compositions often described as otherworldly. Both artists' work, influences, emphases on percussion, ambient music and dedication to improvisation made them compelling performers to relate to and animate the sounding sculptures installed at the barn, an experience reflected here. Video by Johann Rashid.

[soudasouda]

Harry Bertoia Sonambient series via collecteurs Follow Souda on Tumblr

[thomasmartinnutt]

Harry Bertoia. Untitled (Sonambient), 1976

[research-lighting]

Harry Bertoia Sonambient series via collecteurs Follow Research.Lighting on Tumblr Source: https://soudasouda.tumblr.com/post/750574172206481408/harry-bertoia-sonambient-series-via-collecteurs

[jadonulrich]

Harry Bertoia Sonambient, 1970s Nickel alloy with bronze base 52 × 11 3/4 × 11 3/4 in

[the-inevitable-minor-fires]

Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe

"Spell Casting"

an encounter with Sonambient sculptures/structures by Harry Bertoia

Museum of Art and Design

[subrab]

Sonambients - a film by Jeffrey & Miriam Eger

[donospl]

MUZYCZNE REKOMENDACJE: „Sculpting Sound”

Pyroclastic Records, 2023 Harry Bertoia znany był za życia jako jeden z największych projektantów mebli. Po komercyjnym sukcesie swoich kultowych drucianych krzeseł, Bertoia poświęcił się rzeźbie. Jedną z jego głównych prac była seria rzeźb dźwiękowych, Sonambients, których dźwięki wywoływał dotyk, wibracje otoczenia, czy też wiatr. Sam Bertoia uchwycił to na jedenastu płytach wydanych w…

[autodidactadelavida]

Mood.

[adoomado]

Harry Bertoia.

[musicmakesyousmart]

Harry Bertoia - Here and Now / Unknown

Sonambient

1978

[sipland]

Just for beauty, sound and sight...

[scandinaviancollectors]

GEORGE NAKASHIMA, Nakashima’s New Hope Studio and home, Pennsylvania, USA, 1954-1957, featuring furnitures by Nakashima, Sonambient bronze sculpture by Harry Bertoia (USA, c.1960s), Isamu Noguchi’s Akari ceiling lamp (USA, c.1950s) and a rug prototype Dark Moon I also by Nakashima (1959). / Pinterest

[thomasmartinnutt]

Harry Bertoia. Sonambient, 1970