irving harper/finally a book!

I got a really lovely surprise in the mail before Christmas. A few of the new Irving Harper/Works in Paper book that is coming out soon. you can pre-order it here. I am so proud to have some my images from my shoots at Irving's included in the book. It is exciting that more people will get a chance to see Irving's amazing paper sculptures in more detail. So inspiring!! Michael Maharam and his crew have done such a wonderful job.
Looking at the new book today got me to thinking about all the images I have never shared and for some reason this one jumped out at me. Just a storage room in Irvings attic/studio, but man were there some gems in there! Lots of files of his furniture designs, and of course, a few paper sculptures/pieces, as you can see. I really love the wall with the crack marks. They reminded me of snail trails.

irving harper/

I have been wondering what Irving Harper's Barn is looking like lately. Are there more sculptures in there? Have these disintegrated more? There is something so sadly beautiful in how these pieces of art he made are slowly just falling apart. Soon there might just be the skeleton hanging there and a pile of string on the floor. Wish I could shoot that...

handcrafted modern/the secret portraits

I am really excited about this portrait of Irving Harper. I shot this October 15 of this year, when I brought him his copy of Handcrafted Modern. I feel like this really captures him well. Isn't he a handsome devil?

handcrafted modern/the secret portraits

I thought I would finally show some of the portraits I did while shooting Handcrafted Modern. So many people have asked me why I did not photograph the people. The fact is, I did for a couple of them. My intent was to do portraits of everyone who was still living in their house, but with a couple there just wasn't the time. But while delivering the books the homeowners I finally finished up the last two that I wanted to do. This one today is a shot of Irving Harper and his wife Belle sitting on the porch enjoying a late summer afternoon. I shot this one while I was there photographing the house a couple of years ago. There wasn't time to do a formal portrait because his house was so rich with details, I was shooting for two days solid. I grabbed this shot as I walked by the porch window.

handcrafted modern/outtakes/harper

One more from my visit to Irving Harper's place a couple of weeks ago. This is a view from the second floor of the barn with the hay doors open, to let in some light.

handcrafted modern/outtakes/harper

Well, I guess this isn't really an outtake. I promised myself I would shoot more in Irving Harper's Barn and during my trip to New York a couple of weeks ago, I did. I visited Harper to give him his copy of Handcrafted Modern (which he loved, thank goodness) and I shot a few more rolls of film in his barn. I was so excited to pick up the film because of this shot. I was not sure if what I was seeing would read on film...but it did! Look at that crazy reflection on the floor!!!

handcrafted modern/outtakes/wright

Another outtake from Handcrafted Modern. This one of the upper living room at Russel Wright's home.

Thrilled to say my NYC book launch at USM and co-hosted by Sight Unseen was a big success last night. So much to do and so many amazing people I am meeting...it is truly fantastic!

Tomorrow I heading out to see Irving Harper and Jens Risom and give them their copies of Handcrafted Modern. Hope they like it! Vladimir Kagan loved it I am pleased to say...

handcrafted modern/irving harper

In light of the article in the NY Times T Design section this weekend, I thought I would post one of my own images from Irving Harper's home. This one is not in my forthcoming book, Handcrafted Modern, but you see some of my favorites of his paper sculptures in the window. He also made the "blind" at the top of the window out of paper and thin wood dowels. I came away a bit in awe of the patience making these sculptures would require.