Andrew Geller: Deconstructed at Nassau County Museum of Art

Author and documentary film maker Jake Gorst, grandson of iconic architect Andrew Geller, will be talking about his grandfather and signing copies of his book Andrew Geller: Deconstructed, at the Nassau County Museum of Art on Saturday, September 26th at 3pm.  The event is being held in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibition The Moderns, Chagall, Degas, Léger, Miró, Picasso and more...

Do not miss Jake Gorst's unique presentation which is full of stories about his grandfather, the "architect of happiness", and his influence on architecture and design from the 1950s onwards. Tickets available here

Andrew Geller Beach House Sagaponak Long Island 1966 (Elkin House)

Andrew Geller: Deconstructed

As most readers of this blog know The Cool house was designed by iconic modernist architect Andrew Geller, best known for his geometric Long Island beach houses and design work for Raymond Loewy.  Sadly Andrew Geller passed away in 2011 but he left behind a treasure trove of blueprints, photographs and documents that his grandson Jake Gorst has collated and preserved to ensure his grandfather's legacy.

From these sources and the interviews that he recorded over many years, Jake Gorst has lovingly produced a tribute to his grandfather.  Andrew Geller: Deconstructed provides readers with a unique insight into the mind of an artist who over a fifty year career impacted the course of design and architecture.  I received my copy yesterday and it is delightful, full of images never before published. 

Jake is currently promoting the book at a series of events including a book signing on April 13 2015 at 7pm at the Book Revue in Huntington.  Andrew Geller worked throughout the twentieth century mcm design revolution, his architecture can be found from Montauk to Texas and his commercial work took him from the restaurants on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center to Israel.  I can't wait to get my copy signed and listen to Jake share personal anecdotes about "the architect of happiness".  See you there?


Images from Andrew Geller: Deconstructed by Jake Gorst copyright © 2015, published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com 

The Rise and Fall of Books

The Rise and Fall of Books, a documentary by Jake Gorst, (Leisurama (2005), Farmboy (2006) Modern Tide: Midcentury Architecture on Long Island (2012)) explores the influence that books have on society, the rise of e-media and subsequent demise of print and the use of books as art. It features Buzz Spector, arts professor at Cornell University and a celebrated artist who uses books as a medium in his installations. The movie's soundtrack is scored by Peter Holsapple, and Chris Stamey of The dB's. 

Personally I'm a big fan of digital books. I love that when I travel I no longer have to carry a bag of books and magazines that weighs more than my checked luggage. I was an early kindle adopter and when I got an iPad the kindle app was one of the first installed.  But, I still need physical books to browse and pore over: gorgeous illustrated books about design and architecture, books of photographs, travel books, cook books and of course, children's books.



At the end of the clip above, there are a few frames focused on a beautiful manuscript written in Dutch that is over 300 years old. The surprise and joy of seeing that book in the documentary reminded me that this is something you don't get with a download; the celebration of the physical and unique presence of printed matter, something you can experience in a sensory way. That doesn't happen with electronic media, no matter how high the resolution of your screen.

This documentary is at the post-production stage and funds are needed to get the movie to the viewing public. A GoFundMe.com page has been set up to raise money to complete the project. Pledges start at $15, which gets you a postcard and your name in the closing credit. Rewards at the top end include a large-format Buzz Spector art Polaroid and for fans of The dBs, the actual drum head from the cover of The Sound of Music.


To support the project or read more about it click here. You won't regret it!

Silent Supermodel

Corsi: The World's First Supermodel-Documentary a new film by director Jake Gorst takes as its subject the most famous model you never heard of, yet a man whose face and body is familiar from countless works of art.
Have you ever wondered about the faces you see in paintings? How they appeared so lifelike on the canvas? Artists' imagination? John Singer Sargent, Edward Burne-Jones and Pierre-Auguste Cot all used Antonio Corsi as their model. Those rippling muscles sculpted in the body of the Native American warrior "Appeal to the Great Spirit" by Cyrus Dallin, reproduced on the Beach Boys' Smiley Smile album? Cosi posed for the statue. This film will tell the story of Corsi's life from gypsy boy to silent movie star and famous artist's model; how he overcame prejudice and befriended royalty before losing his fame and wealth, ultimately dying of consumption, that most tragic yet romanticized death, in 1924.
Wander over to the kickstarter page for more information on this fascinating man and pledge to get the movie made. This is a story begging to be told.

Modern Love

We were in Palm Springs last week for Palm Springs Modernism Week, and particularly thrilled to attend the world premiere screening of Modern Tide: Mid-century Architecture on Long Island.

From the Frank Lloyd Wright Rebhuhn House in Great Neck Estates designed in the late thirties, via the whimsical beach houses along the south shore designed by Andrew Geller in the 50s and 60s to the Herbert Beckhard House built by the architect for his family in Glen Cove in 1964, Long Island is dotted with modernist treasures. This film showcases the unique architecture across the island, a testament to beach cottages that still stand fifty years later despite hurricanes and rising property values, and a remembrance of others that have succumbed to the developer's wrecking ball or been remodeled out of all recognition. Academics, historians and family members reveal fascinating details about the architects' vision, the influence of artists from Fernand Léger to Jackson Pollack and the effect the proximity to New York City had on their work.

Of course if you love architecture, especially modern architecture you will want to go see this movie but if you have any interest in Long Island, in its unique geography, urban planning and building codes, you should make a point of seeking out Jake Gorst's documentary. It raises important questions about how design and architecture fit into our surroundings and the lives we choose to live.

Modern Tide: The Movie

Modern Tide: Midcentury Architecture on Long Island from Design Onscreen on Vimeo.

Just two short months ago historian and film maker Jake Gorst was here taking shots for his documentary on mid-century modern architecture on Long Island. Now the movie is finished and Modern Tide:Midcentury Architecture on Long Island will have its world premiere at Palm Springs Modernism Week 2012. From the clip above and the stills I've seen the movie will be powerful, an homage to the great architects who worked on Long Island, amongst others Frank Lloyd Wright, Albert Frey, Horace Gifford and Andrew Geller, celebrating structures still standing and mourning those that have been lost. And with the beautiful Long Island scenery as its backdrop how can it be anything other than a must-see ticket?
We will be in Palm Springs for the premiere, soaking up some desert sun and touring a few modernist homes including the Twin Palms Estate E. Stewart Williams designed for Frank Sinatra, the Albert Frey designed Raymond Loewy house and the Wexler and Harrison El Rancho Vista Estates. More later...

Curvy

Panoramic shot of the great room taken by Jake Gorst at the movie shoot yesterday. All those hard lines and angles suddenly transformed into soft curves. How cool is that? Very cool, is the answer. Very cool indeed.

The Making of a Movie

When Friend of The Cool House, documentary movie maker, historian and writer Jake Gorst, asked if we would mind him filming our house (designed by his grandfather, noted architect Andrew Geller, we were thrilled. I had assured him the weather would be beautiful, skies blue and absolutely, positively, no rain, guaranteed. That turned out to be a promise I couldn't deliver but at least it was warm, dry and bright inside. Our house is the last of the houses to be shot for the movie, which is now officially in post-production. It's scheduled to be released Spring 2012 - tomorrow in film making time - and I can't wait to see all the fabulous Long Island modern architecture featured. Until then we'll have to make do with a few shots of the shoot...


Jake Gorst on the last day of shooting for an upcoming Long Island Modern Architecture film


Lenny Marks checking the shot, lighting and a million other details


Tracey Gorst, Jake Gorst and Lenny Marks reviewing the Martini Shot


The final, final shot of the day, starring Cassis the Cat. I guess this is the Pousse-café shot!

Valuing our Heritage

The Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film project gives us a unique opportunity to document and preserve the catalog of a significant contributor to America's architectural heritage. The value of this undertaking as a future resource for research into architecture, social history and design should not be underestimated. Although it reached its kickstarter goal a few days ago the cost of cataloging the archive and making a documentary about Andrew Geller's work will be much higher than the $3000 raised so far. There is still time to pledge a donation and receive a corresponding award, so click on over to Kickstarter to see how you can be part of this exciting initiative.

The Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film

A new video from Jake Gorst for The Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film that will document the legacy of the mid-century architect. This Kickstarter project has just two weeks left to run. That means it's time for an extra push to get those pledges rolling in and meet the target by June 2nd.

Andrew Geller, The Cool House, 2007

Geller is becoming increasingly well known and new finds come to light all the time. Cataloging them all is a huge undertaking - Andrew Geller has kept every blueprint, sketch and photo he worked on. To fund what will become an invaluable resource for students of architecture and design your help is needed.

What YOU can do:

WATCH the video (keep an eye out for this house)!

VISIT Andrew Geller.net for more information on the life and works of the architect and artist.

SPREAD THE WORD, tell everyone you know about this Kickstart project.

PLEDGE, remember all pledges are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Shirley Geller & The Rockstar Framer

Last month we hung most of the art that had been casually leaning on various credenzas and consoles throughout The Cool House. One piece, however, was deemed by Rockstar Framer, Cherie Via, to have a frame unworthy of its composition, line and color.


This was the Shirley Geller '92 painting I successfully bid on at the Andrew Geller Archive Preservation Fundraiser at DWR last year. I was drawn to it because the bold orange and blue colors and the composition echoed the black beams and new color scheme of the great room. Cherie took it back to Ripe Art Gallery and picked out this fabulously simple mid-brown wood and metal frame for it. We agreed the painting needed to sit in a heavy linear mat to emphasis the dark vertical lines, especially as I envisaged it hanging on this previously blank strip of wall in the kitchen. Three weeks later the piece was ready for collection and yesterday we hung it in place. It is absolutely the finishing touch to the kitchen.


Sadly Shirley Geller passed away last year but memories of her are strong in this house. Here she is, photographed by her grandson Jake with her husband, architect Andrew Geller centre, and The Guy in the yard September 2007. Now we have a great piece of art to look at every day and remember her by. Shirley Geller painted different styles throughout her lifetime and her Whimseys, reproductions of her pen and ink designs, are available here. You can see by her decorated cane what a unique and artistic individual she was and I'm sure she the one and only Rockstar Framer would have got along famously. Thanks to both for making great art fit in our house from The Guy and modernemama.

Kickstart the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film

An important message to all fans of mid-century modern architecture, lovers of iconic design and readers of this blog: there's an exciting new fundraising venture to support the project - Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film. Andrew Geller designed our house in 1968 but his work spanned the entire mid-20th century and he has amassed a library's worth of blueprints, models, sketches and notes that represent an invaluable resource for designers and enthusiasts alike.
Kickstarter creatively boosts projects by asking for pledges and rewarding donors with gifts for their support, in this case all proceeds raised go to fund The Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation and Film. Please consider pledging and remember it's win-win as all donations are tax free.

Preserving the Andrew Geller Legacy

Jonathan Pearlroth, owner of the Pearlroth House

A warm October evening in the city brought out a good-sized crowd to the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation Projectat DWR East 62nd St NYC. Many Geller homeowners were there to lend their support as well as architects, authors, academics and assorted enthusiasts.


Fun facts and memories were shared by the original beach house owners at the slideshow presentation of Andrew Geller's life and work. Afterwards I met Philip Monaghan and learnt that he used the reputed first gay porno film, which was shot in the Frank House, as a resource to restore it to its former glory.


Fundraising took the form of a Silent Auction (rear of photo) and an entrance fee for which there were door prizes. Ironically The Guy won Can't You Hear Me Callin' Blue Grass: 80 Years of American Music produced by Gregg Geller (left) that I mentioned here.


It was great to see so many fans of the iconic modernist architect and I was thrilled to finally meet Andrew Geller's granddaughter jewelry maker and rabbit rescuer Nancy Schindler (left). I've been a fan of her blog The Rabbit Muse for years. Though I'm sorry about taking the prize you had your eye on, Nancy!

For more information on the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation Project or to make a tax-deductible donation visit here.

Preserving the Uniquely Modern

A few years ago The Guy and I headed out to DWR in East Hampton for a fundraiser to save The Pearlroth House. After a lot of hard work by the Geller family, especially Jake Gorst the architect's grandson, and many others that iconic house has been preserved and will be fully restored by next summer.


One successful preservation has led to a much bigger endeavour: cataloging all of Andrew Geller's portfolio - his sketches, blueprints, designs and art - in an archive that will become a resource for students and fans of mid-century architecture and design. Last night dwr East Hampton hosted the Andrew Geller Archive Preservation Fundraiser to raise money for this project.


Friends, family and followers of mid-century modern architecture turned out to enjoy a slideshow on Geller's life and work and bid in a Silent Auction for works including paintings by Andrew Geller and his wife Shirley (who sadly passed away last month), silks by Jamie Geller Dutra and jewelry by Nancy Schindler. More on that auction in a future post... All proceeds from the evening will go to support the Archive. You can support the fund by becoming a sponsor or making a tax-deductible donation and look out for a future fundraiser to be held in New York City - they're lots of fun.

Andrew Geller News

Renovating the kitchen (and the den) has brought it home to us once again what a great and underrated architect Andrew Geller is. The built-ins in the den that were not part of the original blueprints boxed in the room, making it feel darker and smaller, and the platform cut the flow on the ground (first) floor. Removing them not only makes the space feel much lighter but now we can truly appreciate the architecture. You see immediately that the kitchen is the same shape and size as the great room - a trapezoid - and the den is a rectangle. It all feels much simpler now... and right.


It's a fortuitous coincidence that just as we are finishing updating this uniquely modern Andrew Geller designed house, we hear that the iconic Pearlroth House has been approved for the National Register of Historic Homes. This is great news for all lovers of mid-century architecture - I can't wait to see the restored beach house.


Then we got word that Jake Gorst, grandson of the architect, has embarked on an enormous project: founding the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive Preservation Project to identify, catalogue and preserve Geller's documents, drawings, photographs and memos - and he will film the whole process, including site visits to the architect's commercial and residential buildings, releasing a documentary in the coming year. To support this project visit the Project: Preservation of the Andrew Geller Architectural Archive - it's tax-deductible!

By the way, for those in the Long Island area, Jake Gorst's 2005 documentary, Leisurama the story of Montauk's "swanky" mid-century modular home community, will be played on PBS WLIW21 at 2 AM and 9 PM Saturday June 26. This is not to be missed!

Tonight: A Taste of Summer to Beat the Winter Chill

Hey! Who's that man and what is he and his friend doing at The Cool House? That's Richie Saccente of Young Rebel Goombas, with fellow Goomba Cosmo Mallardi, drinking coffee at our old kitchen table and getting ready to go out in the pre-remodeled master bedroom. Also starring in this video: the huge pink sectional!
A few things have changed at The Cool House since this was filmed but the music stays the same - tropical rock, filmed in the heat of a Long Island summer, to cheer up this freezing December day.
Download the free mp3 here and pass it on to your friends. Enjoy!

Keeping it old school in a digital world

Young Rebel Goombas (l to r) Richie Saccente, Cosmo Mallardi, Uncle B Johnson and Richie Cannata keeping it real at a special event @ CW Post, Long Island University.


The live sound is being videotaped by Jake Gorst for their youtube channel. Awesome jamming - that's one way music is made in 2009.

::Musical Update::

The Goombas Special Show at Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus on Thursday September 3rd (1:00 - 2:30 pm) just keeps getting bigger: Richie Saccente, Cosmo Mallardi and Richie Cannata will now be joined by Uncle B Johnson. They'll be performing songs old and new as well as explaining the process of making an indie record. Here's a musical taste:



Get your tickets now! To register download this form. Registrations can also be taken over the phone using a credit card. Phone number is 516-299-2580.

Events on Long Island: Making Music*

Music. You hear it, you play it, hum it and sing along to it but have you ever asked yourself: How does it happen? How does a tune get paired with lyrics and made into a song that becomes a hit?

On Thursday September 3rd at 1:00 PM Young Rebel Goombas (and friends of The Cool House) Richie Saccente and S. Cosmo Mallardi will be explaining just how it's done

Joining them for the event will be legendary sax player Richie Cannata

They'll be demonstrating the art with a few rocking tunes from their album Young Rebel Goombas

Emmy award winning documentary film-maker Jake Gorst will be there, too - so there just might be some filming going on.

There's a bit of a bonus attending the lecture - it's held at Hutton House, formerly Lorber Hall, a fully restored Gold Coast mansion. Architecture and music all in the course of one lunch-time lecture, what could be more fun?

*The skinny:

The Art of Musical Composition and Production

When: Thursday September 3rd 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Venue: Hutton House, C.W.Post Long Island University in Brookville, New York.Entry fee: $15.00Early registration is highly recommended. The registration form can be downloaded here.

See you there!

YRG and Emmy Award Winners in the House

The highlight of vacation week was definitely Friday when The Cool House provided the backdrop for a music video shoot. Emmy® Award Winners Richie Saccente, Cosmo Mallardi and Jake Gorst were all here filming part of a video for Young Rebel Goombas, a Tropical band that operates like a huge family. Vocalists Richie and Cosmo were joined by Richie's daughter and trainee sound engineer, Chelsea and Vinny, who proved invaluable as an expert cat wrangler. The Guy and I were listening and trying to stay out of the way while secretly being star-struck. Of course if they'd actually brought the Emmy, any Emmy, with them, we'd have been in the shot like an, umm, shot.
In lieu of that I got these stills:


This was parked on my driveway most of the afternoon. How cool is that?


Chelsea and Richie seated, Cosmo standing. YRG method acting.


Jake Gorst directs: More coffee and this time with feeling, please. Vinny looks on, ready to pluck stray cats out of shot.


Jake Gorst shooting. Got it!
The Young Rebel Goombas' eponymous debut album is available here and here. Rock on Cool House!