Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism and Surrealism; these were just some of the "isms" which went to define the Modern Era of art. More specifically, the modern era was the result of many cultural movements which each lead to far reaching changes. This was especially true after the turn-of-the-century when the automobile and airplane were beginning to accelerate the pace of human life.

During that time there was an explosion of innovation and creative energy that shook every field of artistic endeavor. Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso in painting, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein in literature, Isadora Duncan in dance, Igor Stravinsky in music, and Frank Lloyd Wright in architecture.

The growing influence of machinery; faster means of travel; new discoveries; new inventions; science; and greater freedoms; these were just some of the ingredients that went into the development of what is called modern.

Now for the record, the "Modern Era," as it pertains to art, includes artistic works which were produced during the period extending roughly from 1860 through the 1970's. This sweeping term encompasses both the style and philosophy of certain art produced during that era. In addition to painting and sculpture, "modernism" also extends to many of the other arts such as: architecture, literature, music, and dance. Art work produced after the 1970's until the present is referred to as Contemporary or Postmodern.

I can remember the first time that I became aware of architecture that was truly innovative. Gary Fiehmann, a contractor and very good friend of mine, told me that he was going to start building houses that can make decisions for themselves.

This kind of thinking was happening all around me and somehow, at the time, it seemed to be "par-for-the-course." Keep in mind, we were having this conversation in the 1970s at a place that is now known as "Silicon Valley."

While growing up just blocks from Sarah Winchester's famous house in San Jose, I began developing a real affinity for strange and unique residential architecture. Years later I was actually privileged to be involved with some of the restoration to the home. In spite of the fact that this house lacks any congruous master planning, it is still a wonderful example of Queen Ann Victorian architecture.

The story goes that Mrs. Winchester continued to build around the clock for 38 years, (between 1884-1922), in an effort to appease the souls of those who fell victim to the Winchester rifle. The cost of this continuous building has been estimated at $5.5 million, which is the equivalent of $72 million of today's dollars. The official museum web site for this marvelous structure is located at www.winchestermysteryhouse.com.

Long before the invention of moveable type and the printing press, wood was used as a means of transferring imagery and for reproducing important documents in print.

A form of woodblock printing was implemented by the Chinese to print books more than 1,000 years ago. As a means of printing on cloth, the earliest known examples date back almost 2,000 years. This is an ancient technique that is still used to transfer images, patterns and words onto textiles or paper.

In order to begin a study of the "mission style," one needs to go back to 18th century Spain. At that time, the desire of the king and founding Spanish priests was to emulate notable buildings from within their homeland.

Of course, here in unsettled America they were limited to the construction materials that existed naturally on the mission sites -- vernacular architecture. As in the architecture of Spain, the California missions exhibited a strong Roman influence in terms of their design and building techniques.

Through an understanding of the last 140 years in art history we can see how one thing has lead to another. The impressionists, who were certainly rebels in their day, began a trend in art that continues to the present. As a result of ever changing points of view, artists since that time have remained in constant flux. Once the mold of Realism was broken in the 1870's, there was no looking back. The defiance which the impressionist movement has come to represent, is proof positive that art always finds a way of influencing social change.

In 1910 an artist and art scholar named Roger Fry, (1868-1934), organized an exhibition of paintings in London which he called, "Manet and Post-Impressionism." This title was used as a means of describing how French art had evolved since the time of Edouard Manet, (1832-1883), who was pivotal at the start of the impressionist movement. The name Post-impressionism was "coined" and has since been used to describe the period in art history that immediately followed impressionism.

The Art of Architecture -- Great architectural achievements always reflect a careful blending of art and science. Throughout the process these two disciplines would come together and then work toward the goal of building something special. Important architecture is the result of both the process and the product; designing and then building a structure that reflects certain considerations. Simply put, all things work in harmony to produce a three-dimensional form of art. Historically, civilizations are identified with their structures that still remain; such as, the pyramids of ancient Egypt, or the still functional aqueducts built by the early Romans.

A well thought-out building will satisfy three basic concerns: structural integrity; functionality; and of course, aesthetics, (how it will look). Our own Ahwahnee Hotel fits into a category of excellence where these architectural principles are concerned. I have selected this building because it is a world-class example, and also because it is so close to where we live. I am sure that just about everyone who lives in Mariposa County has visited this American icon at one time or another. If not, you should go there and contemplate this wonderful building. As a matter of fact, even if you have been there before it might be fun to go back and look again. Both inside and out the building is more than just interesting to ponder. You will also be happy to find that there is an added benefit of your visit; the interior serves as a museum of both art and history.