Exhibit combines art, nature of Fallingwater
Visitors who think they know this famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed landmark might want to turn their attention to the latest show in the gallery at the Barn at Fallingwater. Called “Fallingwater: A Place for Renewal,’ the show combines the photography of Stephen Lai and the woodturnings of Tom Obourn. Its run at the Mill Run gallery has been extended through June 22.
A placard that describes the show explains the artists’ works “are tangible reminders that Fallingwater, an architectural intermingling of nature and art, is a dynamic place that continuously renews itself. Changes in weather, seasons and the regenerating landscape are all part of the experience of Fallingwater.’
Cara Armstrong, curator of education for Fallingwater, put the men’s work together for this show.
“I saw Tom’s work at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and I met a woman there – Linda Plummer – who introduced me to Stephen’s work,’ she explained.
Lai, whose photographs for this show include extreme close-ups of walls, stairs, sculptures and shadows, said, “Each time I visited, I found something new in what I saw of the house and the grounds. I wanted to try to share some viewpoints of Fallingwater that perhaps the casual visitor may not appreciate. There are areas that are not on the regular tours. I thought that Frank Lloyd Wright did a wonderful job melding the house into nature. I wanted to share my perspective and appreciation of that blending. I also wanted to show some of the details that I really enjoy about the house and the grounds,’ he added.
Armstrong said of Lai, “He captured something you don’t see unless you take time to look, and these are things that make Fallingwater such a rich experience. It’s looking at different ways – sometimes up close and sometimes a different angle – and how many of us take time to watch the shadows?’
According to a biography, “Stephen Lai has been viewing the world through the lens of a camera since 1982. Initially, he worked in the traditional black-and-white medium and hand-printed his photographs. He experimented with simple daily scenes, landscapes and other nondescript moments. After attending a course at the Main Photographic Workshops, his pursuit became more serious. He has experimented with classic techniques and emerging technologies and currently works in a digital format.
“Photography has been a constant in Stephen’s adult life – from his native Kansas through his undergraduate studies at Stanford, medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, to his residency at the University of Pennsylvania. A fellowship brought Stephen to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he is now a head and neck surgeon and conducts research on the mechanisms underlying head and neck cancer. Stephen’s photographs reflect the technical precision of his training as a surgeon-scientist.’
Obourn’s work for this show includes bowls that he created from an oak tree that once stood between Fallingwater’s main house and guesthouse. Armstrong explained that officials tried to save the tree but finally had to take it out.
“Tom used pieces from the oak tree to create these bowls, so it gave the tree new life,’ Armstrong said.
“With the blessing of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, I have created a series of one-of-a-kind pieces which feature this heritage wood,’ Obourn said in a biography. “It has been a privilege to use this wood to create a lasting connection to Fallingwater as Wright built it.’
According to his biography, “A third-generation woodworker, Tom Obourn specializes in Pennsylvania hardwoods. His shop is housed in an old barn on the Pennsylvania shore of Lake Erie, in the village of North East. It is surrounded by his vineyard, where he grows vinifera grapes for a local winery. While using state-of-the-art lathes and cutting tools, the techniques he employs are traditional woodworking skills.
“Tom creates bowls, platters and hollow turnings for both functional and decorative,’ the biography continued.
“His business is environmentally friendly as he uses wood, a renewable resource. This wood is gathered from small sawmills and tree trimmers and is often destined to become firewood. The imperfections, which make wood unsuitable for many uses, become an asset in Tom’s work. Each piece of wood is viewed with an eye for its potential. Burls, spalting and irregular contours become design elements, which make each piece unique. Nature’s ‘blemishes’ enhance the simple classical forms of his work. He has designed series of heritage bowls for several organizations and also crates pieces from the wood of trees of special significance to individuals and families. The trees live on in a new form, the history of a special place or time with them.’
Obourn later explained, “Most of the wood I turn is distressed wood. The furniture industry or timber industry likes logs that are a certain measurement or size. Distress is a lower grade and I don’t need a straight, long piece.’
He said the fact this tree was from Fallingwater made the project special.
“I tried to create something that had meaning to the people who enjoy Fallingwater,’ Obourn said.
“People have a relationship with Fallingwater and what it stands for and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is something for them to take home from Fallingwater. To me, it’s a win-win situation – being able to turn something and make something nice for other people to enjoy.’
Lynda Waggoner, Fallingwater director, said in remarks that are displayed on the show placard, “For years, we looked for an appropriate use for the wood and are so pleased with the care and attention Tom Obourn has given these one-of-a-kind pieces.’
Armstrong said of Obourn’s work, “I think the rough edges are just beautiful. One man who came visiting from the Netherlands bought a piece so he could bring home a piece of wood from Pennsylvania.’
She noted the man also issued an invitation to Obourn to visit him in the Netherlands and make something from his wood.
Pieces in the show are available for sale with proceeds going directly to preserving Fallingwater and its landscape.
Fallingwater is a special place for both these artists.
“It’s a very unique place,’ said Obourn. “It’s described as Frank Lloyd Wright’s best work. It’s quite an experience being there.’
Lai said, “I really find Fallingwater to be a special place. Wright created a special home for the Kaufmann family and we are fortunate to be able to experience this vision. I would recommend visitors take a tour of the house first and then come to see the exhibition at the Barn.’
Obourn’s work has been displayed at several galleries specializing in distinctive contemporary crafts.
Lai has shown his work at local and national exhibitions and his work has been sold in galleries throughout the eastern United States.
His work has also been published in AAA World and American Photo magazines.
The Barn at Fallingwater is located on Route 381 near the Fallingwater entrance. The gallery is free and open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Fallingwater is searching for volunteers to staff this exhibit as well as the next show, “Fallingwater in Perspective,’ which features the work of artist Felix de la Concha and will run July 17 through Sept. 10.
For more information, check the Web site at www.fallingwater.org.