Tuesday, February 26

stuff we did AZ: taliesin west


We checked out the digs of the great American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. If you asked our tour guide, she would tell you he was much more than an architect ... that he's basically responsible for the invention of football stadiums and the stealth bomber and aisle lighting and all sorts of jazz. (Right, Dede?)

Whether or not he deserves the credit, I do appreciate Frank's influence immensely. He had both vision and drive. To put things in perspective, he was born one year after the Civil War ended. However, I will say that I find that his residential interiors are often cramped and dark. That's just my opinion. I think I borrowed it from my sister.

Taliesin West offers a nice departure from the current. When you're there, you feel like you're far away and it allows you to experience Taliesin as Wright's peers might have at the time of its construction in 1937. I really enjoyed the way the open, desert landscape complements the complex's long, flowing structure. And I always love his color choices: minimal blues popping against oranges, reds and yellows.


p.s. I think the next Wes Anderson film should be based on FLW. Wes could go crazy with the architectural aesthetics---the cherokee red details. The central male figure would be a somewhat conflicted and passionate character (and s.o.b, to put it frankly) and he could throw in a bunch of interns, just like those in The Life Aquatic. My understanding is that Taliesin was built by interns using handmade tools, who paid Wright for the experience of working by his side. The estranged children already exist within Wright's story, as does the flamboyant disregard for financial responsibility. Plus, Angelica Houston would make a nice Olgivanna type. It's perfect, don't you think? Thanks to C and James for making the connection.

p.p.s. "Don't point that gun at him. He's an unpaid intern." --Steve Zissou

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9 comments:

kaili said...

Just for the record, I think that's the best idea I've heard today, nay, in ages! I would love love love to see Wes Anderson tackle the larger than life and often untouchable FLW...

Jill said...

ooooh my. ali your photos are [once again] incredible. thanks for letting me peek at flw's work from your blog. his work so unique & inspiring.

Kaylen said...

I LOVE Frank Lloyd Wright. My parents grew up in the outskirts of Chicago and as a result we've visited a TON of his homes in that area. One summer we went up to see Falling Water(s?)....gorgeous. I can't even fathom his magnificence.

Also, a Wes Anderson film would be AMAZING. And I love the quote that you inserted!

Ann Marie said...

Do all the interns get glocks?

Dede said...

Yes, Ali...we have FLW to thank for so many things (let's not forget that we have him to thank for hinges on our doors). That Frankie...he was a maverick.

alyson. said...

wes anderson film - yes.

p.s. per the YHO give away, now I'm dying to see photos of your wedding. :)

angie said...

i really love looking at your photographs on this post - a perfect movie set - have you thought of art directing?

Lane said...

Haha! I love the Wes Anderson comment. Hilarious that you've decoded WA's MO down to the precise formula and s.o.b. protagonist. Life Aquatic in the Desert. Life Desertic.

erica said...

What terrific photos! Speaking as someone who studies FLW's buildings and designs, it's so nice to see images from a different perspective.