Powers of Ten.
This is just one of those things I think everyone should see. I suppose it would have made sense to post this 18 days ago (you know, on 10/10/10), but I’m not that clever.
→ See also: Powers of Ten. Based on the film by Charles and Ray Eames.
Great film, thank you for sharing! (even though it freaks me out just a bit when distance equals time, equals space, etc!)
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now, that’s a perspective!
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Wow, this film really does give perspective to the world and universe. Thanks for sharing!
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oh i love this film & had forgotten about it so thanks for the reminder :)
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makes me nostalgic for design school…
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Thanks for that. I saw it before in high school but it made a big impression. Really fascinating.
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I remember watching it in school, too…maybe in middle school science class? I wonder if kids still watch it now. I’m guessing not, which is too bad. It’s a great way to convey the mathematics of universal relationships and perspective to people who have more visual thought processes.
I remember this from high school science, too! It freaks me out, like the Google satellite maps do when it’s just over water. We’d love to get feedback about the front yard, by the way, so I’ll totally take you up on that offer! And if we can, we’ll do the Neighborhood Walk/newsletter distribution on Sunday as well. See you soon!
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Email me!
haha, I was so PISSED that I missed Powers of Ten Day and felt like I couldn’t post this anymore, I admire your bravery. I don’t know about kids these days, but I definitely watched this in school, too! Everyone should. The Eames’ were so brilliant. I’ve recently been obsessed with their shorts. (“House, after 5 years of living”? “Chase”? SO MUCH FUN)
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I have the DVD set. I fantasize about having a huge viewing party someday! You know, a viewing party on my tiny laptop.
ME TOO! My mom just got it for me for my birthday after I couldn’t stop watching them in the NYU library. Let’s plan something, I’m thinking edible hang-it-alls crafted from chopsticks and dyed macaroons. (isn’t “901: After 45 years of working” lovely? It makes me weepy).
I was thinking toothpicks and M&Ms…
I had totally forgotten about this film, so thanks so much for posting it.
Greetings from the other Anna (I guess I could call myself the ‘Parisian Anna’.
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Thanks Anna. I didn’t grow up with C&R Eames being from Australia. It was a self discovery on my behalf. I contacted the Eames gallery and had them ship the DVD to me then later I went for the box set. Years later and I’m still collecting vintage Eames chairs, storage units etc. Wright20 auction house has been good to me… not so on my pocket. Thanks for sharing. I’d forgotten all about the Powers of Ten.
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This video is intense and incredibly enthralling! Where did you find this? I love that you shared something so deep. I agree that it is definitely something everyone should see this – it makes my mind a little bamboozled after watching it, which is a feeling I adore! Marking this as a favorite to watch when I need a reminder about my place in the universe. :) Thank you!
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I think most people who grew up in the US (at least until the ’80s, maybe) saw this in science class as kids, and that’s where I first knew it from. I never realized there was any connection with Charles and Ray Eames until I started to get interested in American design as an adult, though!
All of their films are really fantastic, and I think most (if not all) of them are on YouTube now. There’s also a DVD boxed set, if you’re so inclined. :)
It’s so cool that you posted this. Herman Miller brought Eames Demetrios up to Vancouver to speak at two events that I was invited to. The first was an intimate lunch (only 8 of us) with Eames where he spoke about one of his passions, Kcymaerxthaere. I asked him if he’d be willing to parter with me and the organization I work for on a Kcymaerxthaere project and he said YES!!! I could have died on the spot. Still don’t quite believe it.
The other event was last night where he showed Powers of Ten to about 50 members of the design community and spoke about Charles & Ray Eames’ design philosophy. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I’m honoured to have been invited. (And to top it all off he kissed me on the cheek. I can die happy now).
PS Love your blog, you have a great aesthetic. It’s a daily read for me.
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fascinating film!!
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saw this in high school and it completely started my love affair with and subsequent study of graphic design. charles and ray eames are still my number one inspiration!
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That was much cooler than i thought an 80′s video could be.
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This film was made in 1968!!