The architect and designer Michael Graves (1934–2015) was passionate about drawing by hand as an essential part of the creative process. He could often be found in his studio with yellow tracing paper and a handful of pencils. Read more about his opinion and the importance of drawing in architectural practice, New York Times, 2012
Also very interesting reading: “The Necessity for Drawing, Essay of Graves from 1977. PDF here
Michael Graves, Kettle 9093 with the whistling bird, 1985. Foto: Archivia Alessi © ALESSI SPA
Michael Graves , Drawing for Alberto Alessi, “750.000 and counting”, 1995 © ALESSI SPA
Michael Graves, Tea for Three, 1995.
Graves began with a line drawing on tracing paper. He transferred the image onto four mylar sheets with a litho crayon, creating four color separations. The mylar separations were then transferred photographically to the silk screens. The colors of each of the oil-based silkscreen inks were hand-mixed by the printer to Mr. Graves’ specifications. The image was printed on Arches cover. Source: Philamuseum
The 30th Anniversary Tea Rex Kettle 2015 and Michael’s concept sketches for the special edition dragon whistle. Via Michael Graves.
Michael Graves, Pepper Mill. My absolute favorite of these Eighties Alessi objects, I own this pepper mill since it came out in 1988 and it still works perfectly. I love it.
Michael Graves, Ideas for the ktchen, Via Metropolis
Michael Graves, Beach House, New Jersey, 1979. Pen, ink and gouache on white trace, 682 × 682 mm. DMC 2294. Drawing Matter
Michael Graves, Detail from Drawing, Fargo-Moorhead Cultural Center Bridge (South Elevation) Preliminary Study, 1979; Designed by Michael Graves; 1980-4-1. Collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
A drafted drawing of the south facade of the Denver Central Library. Credit: Michael Graves & Associates
Graves wrote often of three types of architectural drawing: the referential sketch, the preparatory study, and the definitive drawing. The referential sketch is something of a diary for architects, a form of shorthand notation. Its purpose is to capture an idea, however fragmentary or elusive. The preparatory study is one in a series of drawings in which an architect “elaborates” a design. The definitive drawing indicates details and accurately reflects the proportions and dimensions of the final design. Via Cooper Hewitt
“The drawing is a reminder of the idea that caused me to record it in the first place.” – Michael Graves
Design is fine. History is mine. 