Those of you who are industrial design and car design fans, you are probably familiar with the work of Syd Mead. He’s a visionary and futurist who’s been around for at least 30 years (I first learned of his work for General Motors and US Steel when I was in art school in the ’70s). Besides being a great designer and draughtsman, he is an expert in gouache painting techniques, and does some fantastic renderings. He has worked for many movie studios, and designed all the vehicles for Tron and Blade Runner. Visit his site, and read about the new documentary on his work. Here is the blurb:
Check out the all new Syd Mead Documentary [Visual Futurist: The Art & Life of Syd Mead] by Director Joaquin Montalvan. This star studded documentary features in depth observations from Syd himself, but also the amazing cast of leading designers and producers around the globe. Featured are: Steven Lisberger, Richard Taylor, Bob Gurr, Chuck Jordan, James Knight, Gene Winfield, C. Orval Selders, Roger Servick, Paul M. Sammon, Michael Deeley, Katherine Haber, Nathan Proch, and Dyan Sublett. Listen to Syd Mead recall his influences and life tales of working on some of the largest projects the world has ever undertaken. Travel through the film projects such as Blade Runner and [Tron] with those who made the dream a reality behind the scenes.
www.sydmead.com/features/documentary/ • SYD MEAD, Inc.
FOR THE PAINTERS IN ALL OF US:
As a figure drawing fan from way back, I appreciate people who can draw and paint the human form. At the Addison Street Window Gallery (on Addison between Milvia and Shattuck, across the street from the Berkeley Rep, attached to the Parking Garage there) is a show of the work of Partners in Paint, a group of artists who have gotten together for many years to paint from live models. Check out the display of their various sketchbooks: beautiful, spontaneous work in ink and watercolors; fluid in nature, fearless, and full of vitality. Even the placement of the subjects on the page is nice. Wish I could capture that energy and imagination in my own art and design. Admittedly, not all the shows at the Addison Street Window Gallery are as good (in fact, some are downright embarrassing), but this display is worth the walk.
[City of Berkeley Press Release]
