Collecting
from the Past, Living in the Present
What do you call someone who has a full-time career,
numerous consulting jobs, teaches at the university level, produces
records under his own label, studies modern design, has an architectural
calendar and book deal in the works, is executive producing a forthcoming
television documentary, and on top of that, (take a breath) is totally
restoring his mid-century house? To say that Keith York is a multi-tasker
is like saying Stan Getz was a good jazz artist.
I don’t even know what to focus
on, everything’s a blur. How can one person do so much? And still
have time to enjoy life? It’s hard to fathom, but he can, and
he does.
Let me give you more background on Keith.
His official job title is Director of Programming for KPBS TV in San
Diego. Basically, what this means, is that he plans which shows will
air, and when. Keith is also the person one would see if they had a
video they wanted to shop for airplay. In addition to programming, he’s
in the position to help people produce their shows, come up with budgeting,
help with fund-raising and so on and so forth. In recent years he has
been at the helm of a new high definition television channel for PBS
(you have to have a HD TV to get it), the one and only of its kind in
the country.
Is it any wonder Keith has won every, single national programming award
in public television? Some of them more than once? Most recently, he
was awarded the honor of Innovator of the Year.
At San Diego State University, Keith teaches
media and communication classes in between his work at KPBS, which works
out well since the television station sits on the edge of the campus
and the commute isn’t an issue.
As for his record company, Silver Girl,
in the last couple of months they’ve released four albums and
continue to expand their roster of artists, along with tour dates. Not
only does he produce the records, he promotes them as well.
I remember “helping” one afternoon, to silkscreen t-shirts
for one of his bands. Luckily, Keith’s main room is very spacious,
almost loft-like, because that day it had about fifty shirts drying
all over the place. His were good, mine turned out a little gloppy,
it was my first time. I’ve noticed he hasn’t asked me to
help again.
All right, all that aside, one project
that continues to occupy a large portion of his life, and labor, is
the restoration of his 1954 Craig Ellwood house. Typical of mid-century
homes, its structure is post and beam with a back facade made up almost
entirely of large glass panels. The interior is furnished with pieces
by George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. At the moment, one complete
wall has been torn down, laying the groundwork for the front window
panels to be re-situated back to their original placement.
Keith is very detail oriented and when
he decides to do something he doesn’t guess. He goes to the library.
Meticulous with his research, Keith found the original plans, poured
over vintage photographs, and made many a phone call to ensure that
the restoration would be true to Ellwood’s vision. He collects
modern furniture and art with the same zeal and can often be seen with
his portable scanner amid the stacks capturing images for further study.I
have to add here that one great thing about having Keith for a friend,
is the fact that, at his fingertips, he has access to a wide variety
of information. For example, one day we were talking about Lloyd Ruocco,
a well regarded, if not universally well-known, San Diego architect.
The next time I saw him he had the documentary on him from an old PBS
airing. Anything you want, he has.
I asked Keith if he could pin point the
exact time when he officially became enamored with modern design. He
said it was a number of years back and he was in the market for a desk.
He stopped in at Boomerang (in its previous location on Park Boulevard)
and, though he was totally unfamiliar with the mid-century style, was
taken by a George Nelson desk. After leaving, he pondered the potential
acquisition and decided to go back and buy it... but it was gone. However,
his interest was not and the seed was firmly planted when his neighbor
offered him two Eames Zenith chairs. Original originals. Made
in L.A., before Herman Miller took over the production. He snatched
them up and restored them, thus beginning his fascination and determination
in collecting and restoring.
Currently, Keith has begun to expand his collection, taking an avid
interest in the art and accessories of the period. He tells me one group
in particular has caught his attention. They’re known as the Allied
Craftsmen, and include artists such as Barney Reid and Sheldon
Kirby, among others. I asked for more information and, naturally, Keith
had a book handy. After reading several paragraphs, I took one of the
pottery pieces in hand to have a look at the underside. There was a
yellow dot sticker along with the artist’s name, year it was made,
and the price. It was bought through the artist’s estate. I told
him that he forgot to remove the sticker, and he told me it was left
on intentionally.... for future documentation. Did I mention Keith is
detail oriented?
For more information on Keith’s record company
see www.silvergirl.com , or
for further information on KPBS www.kpbs.org
Keith has recently put out a calendar showcasing
modernism in San Diego, to check out the calendar and website see modernsandiego.com
And
a few recommendations from Keith...
The CSH (case study house) program,
brainchild of Arts + Architecture magazine editor, John Entenza,
produced some of the most outstanding residential examples of what we
now refer to as mid-century modern.
This book isn’t light reading, literally, its over 12 lbs., and
the dimensions definitely place it in the category of oversized, but
it is a fabulous reference for anyone interested in this era.
This monograph on Craig Ellwood
includes photographs by Julius Shulman, drawings, and plans, along with
the personal history of one of the great California modernists.
A guide to San Diego’s architectural
history, and the influences that helped shape its heritage. Chapters
focus on specific communities, including urban neighborhoods and Tijuana,
B.A.
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