Creativity runs in the Eames family

Many of Llisa Demetrios’ earliest memories consist of sitting in the living room of her grandparents home, showing off colorful childhood projects fashioned out of yarn, clay and wood. As Demetrios grew, the creative couple taught her about various art forms and the necessity of hard work, but also the willingness to have fun. These grandparents were none other than internationally renowned design experts, Charles and Ray Eames.

Three artistic generations of this family is being celebrated in the Petaluma Arts Center’s newest exhibit, “Work & Play: The Eames Approach.” The gallery will feature a mélange of photography, film, sculpture and design concepts tied together with the themes of curiosity and experimentation.

Nearly 40 years after their deaths, the Eames are remembered for their furniture designs, like the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, sold by Herman Miller furniture company in the 1950s. However, in their personal lives the Eames were also known for their inquisitiveness and hands-on approach to just about any medium and art form.

“They are often known more for their furniture, yet they also communicated their ideas through toys, short films, exhibits and architecture,” says granddaughter Demetrios. “The challenge of working and playing within the constraints of a problem was a legacy transferred to the next two generations of Eameses.”

This legacy pressed on with their daughter, former Petaluma resident Lucia Eames, whose photography, writing and sculptures will also be presented in the Petaluma Arts Center’s show.

“She took great pleasure in working hard on her projects,” Demetrios recalls of her recently deceased mother. “She would edit her own writing, photography and designs as well as others, doing iterations upon iterations. I miss her sharp eye, and eloquent voice.”

As the third generation of Eames creatives, Demetrios carries on this fun yet dedicated approach to art. After attending Yale University and working at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Demetrios settled in Petaluma and continues to fashion sculptures out of her preferred medium, bronze.

Alongside memorable pieces taken from her grandparents’ and mothers’ collections, Demetrios’ own creations will be on display in “Work & Play.” As if to link three life spans together, the concept of time is a primary source of inspiration in her artwork.

“Two of the ‘Time’ series will be in the upcoming show,” says Demetrios. “The Inner Core Sample Series shows the layers of the earth with varied textures, like a core sample showing eons of time. The other, the ‘Bouncing Ball’ series, shows the arcs that a bouncing ball makes in a short amount of time, produced as small bronze maquettes.”

Annee Booker Knight, curator for “Work & Play,” has seen many exhibitions pass through the Petaluma Arts Center. For her, the chance to see such a celebrated mix of artists in such a local location is a rare treat.

“These iconic 20th century designers had a unique philosophy of problem-solving that was inquisitive and fun, yet at the same time so hardworking,” says Knight. “Visitors might become inspired to think about how they approach their own passions after viewing this exhibit.”

Demetrios agrees. She firmly hopes gallery-goers will take home the same playful philosophy she was raised with.

“Keeping experimentation and play as part of the creative process can lead to some remarkable results,” Demetrios says.

An opening reception for “Work & Play” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The show will run through Mar. 8 and feature a series of special events, including a question and answer discussion session and a short film night. See the Petaluma Arts Center’s website for more information. There is a requested $5 donation at the door.

(Contact Cyrpien Pear son at argus@arguscourier.com)