The first in a series of blog interviews from participating vendors. Barrett Crites, commonly referred to as "Baz" writes a blog on Mid Century Modernism called
AtomicIndy.com and will share his insights on the Mid Century Modern component of the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace.
1. Where and how was your fascination with Mid Century & Modern Design born? My mother's anecdote includes me, as a small child, playing with Lego; always building my toy houses with flat roofs and large overhangs. I loved Mid Century Modern design long before I knew it had a name. When I first moved to Indy 12 years ago I lived in Avriel Shull's Ladywood Estates. It was there, through a youthful haze of partying, that I began to understand the definition of the style.
2. In a few words how does entry level Mid Century & Modern furniture provide a great alternative to mass produced contemporary? It's more aesthetically pleasing; this stuff was designed by architects, not factory workers in China. It's "green" in the sense that you're re-using something already created, bypassing the environmental strain of building new. And most logically, It's better built. It's 50+ years old and still looks great. That Target/Ikea chair won't last two years. Which begs the question: When an Ikea chair breaks, and no one's there to hear it, does it still need an Allen Wrench?
3. What advice would you have for a first time shopper and what resources are out there to make buying easy, accessible and fun? Advice: Gravitate to what you like. Don't focus on who designed it or what eBay says it's worth. Some of my favorite stuff is totally worthless. And I like it that way. Resources: Do a Google image search for terms like "Mid Century Modern Furniture", then click on a picture you like. Find out who designed it and begin obsessing over it until one day, years from now, you find it at a garage sale for $2. Or just come to the IAVM and leave with a car-load of happy. Also check out AtomicIndy.com, there's a long list of links to related websites.
4. What got you started blogging and what keeps you going-? I do it for the fame and fortune. False. While shopping for my MCM abode I was reading blogs about renovating Mid Century Modern homes. It gave me the inspiration and courage to tackle a DIY project. So when it came time for my renovation, I wanted to give back to that community and help others find and care for Mid Century Modern homes.
5. What do you hope that the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace (IAVM) brings to the local scene? I hope IAVM brings a sense of energy and community to Indy. I hope it introduces people to awesome vintage design. And most importantly, I hope people discover the treasure their space just can't live without. So basically IAVM is a vintage-treasure-matchmaking service. Come get matched.
"I'm the oldest of 3, a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter...I love old things, and rusty things, and things in need of rescue...I guess I'm a modern day hunter/gatherer. I'm inspired by what has been pushed aside and forgotten, pieces with history and the well worn. I'd rather be at a garage sale, thrift store, or auction pawing through junk to find my next inspiration than anywhere else. With my jewelry I hope to do many things including create soulful pieces, add whimsy and bring the past into the present. Most of my pieces are created with antique European medals, upcycled leather and semi-precious stones. Hopefully with my intent, Grace & Corazon brings an eclectic line of jewelry that is quirky and fun rather than serious and predictable! I truly love what I do, and hope you will too!"
