Bellevue Arts Museum

 
 
The Artful Piano: The Artist, The Maker, The Pianist
 
May 17 - June 10, 2007
 
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An extraordinary gathering of five one-of-a-kind pianos created by leading artists and designers specially commissioned by Steinway & Sons.


John Eric Byers

Dale Chihuly

Karl Lagerfeld

Thomas Schrunk

Joseph Sidorowicz

This exhibition has been made possible by
Steinway & Sons
and
Sherman Clay Bellevue

These 5 pianos are available for your private collection through Sherman Clay Bellevue.

 
John Eric Byers, Symphonic Symmetry

The artistry and craftsmanship of this stunning piano are undeniable. Inspired by an ancient Egyptian technique, the piano's surface is handcarved in a rich crosshatched pattern and brilliantly brought to life beneath rich antiqued layers of smooth milk paint. Named for its perfect balance of form and function, Symphonic Symmetry is crafted from solid mahogany. It features round tapered legs, an organically shaped lyre and leg tops and complimentary duet benches.

John Eric Byers is renowned for his masterful use of dense repetitive patterns and painstaking attention to detail. Since studying with the world-famous Wendell Castle, Mr. Byers has been dazzling critics and art lovers alike with his mesmerizing surface techniques. Today Mr. Byers is considered one of the most accomplished furniture makers in the world, and is the first of his generation to be commissioned by Steinway & Sons. Other fine examples of his genius can be found in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The American Craft Museum and other prestigious galleries worldwide.


"My goal was to create a Steinway grand piano completely unique, while maintaining the beauty and elegance of the original." -- John Eric Byers

John Eric Byers, Symphonic Symmetry
John Eric Byers
Symphonic Symmetry
The Art Case Collection, Model B
6' 10 1/2"

Dale Chihuly, Chihuly Steinway

In keeping with Mr. Chihuly's reputation for avant-garde glass artistry, the Chihuly Steinway by Dale Chihuly breaks dramatic new ground in the long history of Steinway art case pianos.

For over 30 years, artist Dale Chihuly has dazzled critics and international audiences with his translucent art. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study the art of glass blowing at the Venini factory in Venice. And in 1995, his project "Chihuly over Venice" featured glass sculptures above the canals and piazze of Venice. In 1999, over one million visitors attended the Tower of David Museum to view his exhibition "Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem". His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, and has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards.

Dale Chihuly, Chihuly Steinway Dale Chihuly
Chihuly Steinway
The Art Case Collection, Model D
8' 11 3/4"

Karl Lagerfeld, 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Lagerfeld

To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Steinway & Sons, renowned international fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has created a commemorative piano reflecting his bold yet impeccable style. With dramatic, highly-polished red and elegant black satin finishes, this stunning instrument is a study in powerful contrasts. Mr. Lagerfeld's innovative design features a rectangular music desk and legs.

Winner of numerous honors and awards throughout his career, Mr. Lagerfeld is one of the most celebrated fashion designers of the 20th Century. A native of Hamburg, Germany, he was 17 when he first entered the world of haute couture. Mr. Lagerfeld's unique vision has led famous companies like Chloe, Valentino, Fendi and Chanel to the pinnacle of high fashion success. The collections he has designed for the Karl Lagerfeld brand have also brought him international acclaim. Mr. Lagerfeld is known for his bold vision, use of bright colors and unusual pairing of styles. His innovative spirit and design genius are beautifully expressed in the Steinway 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Piano.

Karl Lagerfeld, 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld
150th Anniversary Limited Edition Lagerfeld
The Limited Edition Collection, Model A 6' 2"

Thomas Schrunk, Reflections

This inspired design features hand-cut sections of ribbon-striped Sapele veneer, meticulously matched to vary their grain direction and form a dramatic wave pattern. As light reflects off the surface, it creates a shimmering, mesmerizing effect, changing the piano's color and texture from every angle. Other distinctive design details include elegant Y-shaped legs and a rear leg that curves to mirror the piano's rim. Reflections makes a truly unforgettable impression.

Thomas Schrunk first became interested in the art of refracted light while studying in India. It quickly became the predominate design element in his work, starting with stained glass creations for Sophia Loren, Ronald Reagan and Bob Hope. Years later, while crafting custom wooden boats, Mr. Schrunk refined his skills with veneers. Today, he continues to explore the play of light on lustrous wooden surfaces, and was most recently commissioned to create a pair of tabletops for the Prince and Princess of Jodhpur, India.

Reflections
is a shining example of Mr. Schrunk's distinctive design talents and passionate commitment to excellence in his art.

Thomas Schrunk, Reflections
Thomas Schrunk
Reflections
The Art Case Collection, Model B
6'10 1/2"

Joseph Sidorowicz, Roger Williams Gold Piano

To honor the 80th birthday of Steinway Artist Roger Williams, Steinway created a Limited Edition art case piano beautifully reflecting the spirit and genius of this celebrated pianist. With its magnificent art deco design, the piano features a stunning gold metallic finish. Signature notes from Mr. William's "Autumn Leaves", the best selling piano recording of all time, adorn the music desk; while inside, the piano has a masterful custom-painted autumn landscape. Only eight of these art case pianos will be created.

Joseph Sidorowicz is an accomplished artist and master designer. His considerable design and woodworking skills are essential in meeting the design and manufacturing challenges of creating Steinway custom and limited edition pianos. Mr. Sidorowicz has his own custom woodworking business, designing and fabricating custom furniture and architectural components. His considerable experience also includes antique furniture and restoration. Mr. Sidorowicz received his BA in Industrial Design at Pratt Institute. The culmination of his talents is superbly expressed in this Roger Williams Limited Edition Gold Piano.

Joseph Sidorowicz, Roger Williams Gold Piano
Joseph Sidorowicz
Roger Williams Gold Piano
The Limited Edition Collection, Model D Grand Piano
8' 11 3/4"

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