The Art of Art Nouveau

I have a passion for the Art Nouveau styling of furnishings, decorative accessories, fonts, iron works; literally anything Art Nouveau.  For those of you who may not know what that is, it is a French oriented movement in the late 1800's through the early 20th century in design that incorporated strong organic (plant-based) curvilinear elements.  Though most of the architecture is found in France, Spain, Belgium and neighboring countries, the romantic and sometimes fantastical visual displays were embraced by all of the western world.  One of the elements that make Art Nouveau design so unique is how it so easily can incorporate Asian ornamentation, often linear in the same setting.  

Whether looking at the Metro entrances designed by Hector Guimard, a lamp by Tiffany, or a Maxfield Parrish work painting, the Art Nouveau era survives and thrives today proven by the popularity of pieces that come up for auction and the prices they bring. 

Alice Watters of Chez Panisse, a top rated 5 star restaurant located in Berkeley, California, world renowned chef and the real Alice of "Alice's Restaurant", uses Art Nouveau fonts for her published cookbooks, ornamental details at her Berkeley restaurant in the lighting fixtures inside her bungalow style building, menu design, furnishings and overall ambiance.  Art Nouveau is often adopted in some manner by people in the design, architectural, and creative fields; creative chefs being no different.  I for one will hope that "Art Nouveau" will always be on the menu.