“Don’t look at things — look in between things”
–John Baldessari

Graphic Activism

Our posters and graphic ephemera have served as our voice for 14 years. When we have something to say, we’d rather show you than tell you. Feel free to share and spread the word VOTE BLUE AND SAVE THE WORLD.

11.9.2020

From the Field: Wayfarers Chapel

Under a canopy of redwoods overlooking the Pacific sits Lloyd Wright's glass church.

11.9.2020

From the Library: Charles Jencks

Architectural historian Charles Jencks meticulously documented images of the most outlandish and brash homes he found in LA, dissecting a uniquely Angeleno sort of ugly-beauty.

11.9.2020

Graphic Activism

Our posters and graphic ephemera have served as our voice for 14 years. When we have something to say, we’d rather show you than tell you. Feel free to share and spread the word VOTE BLUE AND SAVE THE WORLD.

11.9.2020

Emma Kunz, 1892-1963

At a time when our day to day world can feel so difficult to understand, looking out to the metaphysical world of Emma Kunz's drawings is a spiritual journey altogether.

11.9.2020

In the Shop: The Ise Stool by Summer Studio

We talk with Jack Sasaki of Summer Studio while he walks us through the construction of our collaborative Ise Stool.

11.9.2020

Clara Porset

We take an overdue look into the life of a prolific mid-century designer who balanced an unapologetic exploration of modernity with her deep connection to centuries old craft traditions.

07.12.2020

Commune loves Japan: Ikebana

We’ve been spending a great deal of time in Japan and we’d like to highlight a few things we love. This is a focus on one of the most fascinating traditions, hailing from the city that’s consumed us: Kyoto.

02.14.2020

Jean Lurçat

Working during the height of expressionism, Lurcat sought to revive a lost appreciation for the mysticism and symbolism in medieval tapestry. We explore the way he interpreted them with a modern stroke.

01.24.2019

David Hammons: Art is Personal is Political

During a visit to a large retrospective of Hammons’ work, we discover an oeuvre that reflects not just one artist’s 45-year singular experience but uncovers a collective American consciousness grappling with racial injustice.

06.20.2019

Elsa Peretti

It was the 1970s: New York, Studio 54, Warhol and Halston and Minnelli… and Elsa Peretti. Eventually, Elsa left this behind for another life, and we understand why.

04.25.2019

Dagobert Peche

At Commune, each of us has a shared title: designer. It’s not a surprise then, that we tend to be immensely inspired by those whose creative endeavors embrace more than one concentration. Dagobert Peche is one of these people.

08.1.2019

The Los Angeles of John Baldessari, 1931-2020

Baldessari highlighted the aspects of humanity that oft fell to the background. This started a unique dialogue within the realm of contemporary art and began right here in his Los Angeles studio. We honor his life and career.

01.9.2020

Shaker

Technology has offered us a lot, but the basics — the simplest forms — remain the most appealing. In the US, those simple forms we admire have been largely shaped by a small group of religious folks in New England, known as the shakers.

10.28.2019

Berkeley Posters, 1968-1973

In 1979, an incredible collection of posters was donated to the UBC library. We find them to be more striking and relevant than ever.

06.8.2015

Benjamin Betts

We follow alongside an architect, philosopher, psychologist, and artist as he sought to understand the elusive notion of beauty by attempting to map it onto a 3-dimensional axis.

10.7.2019

Tibor Reich

During a visit to one of England’s most prolific textile designers, we find a collection of work rooted in quirky family history and a wild child-like imagination.

11.17.2019

Ray Kappe 1927-2019

We honor the life a California architect who ensured his life’s work would become a reminder to seek out diversity, to share common resources and to leave the world a more beautiful, equitable place.

12.12.2019

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