By Regina Connell.
Galleries can be tough places to love. So often they can be exclusive, cold, and impenetrable (and this has nothing to do with price). You often get to wondering … is there some insight, or some joke you haven’t been let in on? Needless to say, it’s rarely a great experience. And you don’t go back.
Fifth Floor, in LA’s Chinatown, is one of the exceptions: it’s approachable, it beguiles, and it always has something you want. Robert Apodaca, its owner, has impeccable and very smart taste that’s accompanied by an ease and boundless generosity that he brings to both the artists/makers and to his audience makes it even better. (See a previous profile here.)
An overview of the Craft + Design Installation
One of the things that distinguishes Robert from other gallery owners is his engagement with the issues of making, and with the challenges and inspirations of the people behind the objects. That energy infuses the gallery with a liveliness and warmth that’s just enchanting.
Case in point: the current exhibit Craft + Design, running through August 2. Organized by The Furniture Society and curated by Steffanie Dotson, Craft + Design (did we mention we love that name) explores the issues critical to designer-makers today: serial production, sustainability, innovation and creativity.
Robert says, “This exhibit is organized by Steffi Dotson who is herself a woodworker; she’s chosen these pieces with a maker’s eye and they really exemplify a number of very beautiful and advanced fabrication techniques.”
Sinuous Floor Lamp by Marcus Papay
The exhibit offers a glimpse into the intersection of furniture design and contemporary life. The work, ranging from furniture to lamps to some gorgeously sculptural rattles and toys, embodies both quality craftsmanship (made by hand in a production environment) AND great design.
Rattles by Knotwork Los Angeles
Pieces include a floorlamp by Marcus Papay (one of our 100% California picks for Dwell on Design, and the subject of an upcoming profile) and a striking and exquisitely crafted chair and desk set from San Diego’s Cameron Helvey.
Desk and chair by Cameron Helvey
And we loved the curved shelf from Seattle’s Shane Staley, both retro and modernist, so perfectly balanced.
Curved Wall Shelf by Shane Staley
It’s rare to get the range and quality of work you’ll see at this exhibit. Get in there to find yourself transported by the best.
Details
Fifth Floor Gallery
502 Chung King Court
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213.687.8443
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