History of Carlson Baker Arts in Timeline

Carlson Baker Arts was an American company specializing in custom fabrication and engineering services. Founded in 1971 by Peter Carlson and later partnered with John Baker in 2010, the company catered to artists, architectural firms, and commercial entities, producing technically challenging and large-scale artworks. Carlson Baker Arts' services included 3D scanning and modeling, advanced machining and milling, finishing, assembly, shipping, and installation. The company notably collaborated with renowned artists like Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons, and Claes Oldenburg, enabling them to realize complex projects beyond their individual capabilities.

1949: Peter Carlson's birth

In 1949, Peter Carlson, the founder of Carlson Baker Arts, was born. This marks the beginning of the life of a key figure in the field of art fabrication.

1960: John Baker's birth

In 1960, John Baker, who later became a partner at Carlson Baker Arts, was born. This marks the beginning of the life of a key figure in the company's leadership.

1968: Work on Profile Airflow

In 1968, Peter Carlson did research and worked on Claes Oldenburg's vacuum-moulded polyurethane relief, Profile Airflow, at Gemini G.E.L. This experience served as a catalyst to the development of his practice in art fabrication.

1971: Peter Carlson founded the company

In 1971, Peter Carlson founded Carlson Baker Arts, then named Peter M. Carlson Enterprises, in Los Angeles. This marked the beginning of a company known for its custom fabrication and engineering services for artists and commercial companies.

1971: Carlson founded his own company

In 1971, Peter Carlson founded Peter M. Carlson Enterprises (later Carlson & Company) in Los Angeles. This marked the beginning of his independent venture in art fabrication, building on his experiences at Gemini G.E.L.

1980: Fabrication of California Scenario Garden

From 1980, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Isamu Noguchi's California Scenario Garden in Costa Mesa. This project demonstrated the company's ability to create unique and visually striking garden installations.

1983: Fabrication of Table and Chair (Pierced Table) and Zazen

In 1983, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Isamu Noguchi's painted aluminum and galvanized steel sculptures, including Table and Chair (Pierced Table) and Zazen. This project showcased the company's ability to work with various materials to create visually striking sculptures.

1990: Move to Sun Valley

In 1990, Carlson & Co. relocated its operations to a 20,000-square-foot plant in Sun Valley. This move facilitated the company's expansion and increased production capacity, allowing it to undertake approximately 100 projects per year.

1991: Fabrication of Chain Reaction

In 1991, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Chain Reaction, a 26-foot tall public sculpture designed by Paul Conrad. This project involved welding 38,000 hollow brass, J-shaped plumbing pipes to create a chain effect resembling a mushroom cloud.

1992: Dedication of Chain Reaction

In 1992, Chain Reaction, fabricated by Carlson Baker Arts, was dedicated on World Peace Day. This sculpture, funded by Joan Kroc, serves as a peace monument and a warning against nuclear war.

1994: Start of Celebration Series Fabrication

In 1994, Carlson Baker Arts began fabricating Jeff Koons's "Celebration" series, which continued until 2010. This series included small and gigantic sculptures based on children’s toys.

1995: Moon Series Fabrication

In 1995, Carlson Baker Arts began fabricating Jeff Koons's 11-foot Moon series based on Mylar balloons. This project demonstrated the company's ability to create sculptures with smooth, flawless contours.

1996: Balloon Dog Series Fabrication

Starting in 1996, Carlson Baker Arts began fabricating Jeff Koons's Balloon Dog series, which continued until 2010. This project showcased the company's ability to produce technically challenging and visually striking sculptures.

1997: Project Manager on the East Building of the Getty Center

In 1997, John Baker worked as a Project Manager at Richard Meier & Partners Architects on the East Building of the Getty Center. This experience contributed to his expertise in architectural design and project management.

1998: Led design and construction of Gagosian Gallery Beverly Hills

In 1998, John Baker led teams for the design and construction of Gagosian Gallery Beverly Hills while working at Richard Meier & Partners Architects. This project showcased his skills in managing architectural projects.

1999: Fabrication of Typewriter Eraser - Scale X

In 1999, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's public sculpture, Typewriter Eraser – Scale X. This project demonstrated the company's skill in producing large-scale, technically challenging artworks for public display.

1999: Fabrication of Donkey and Kangaroo

In 1999, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Jeff Koons's aluminum and stainless steel wall reliefs, Donkey and Kangaroo. This project showcased the company's ability to work with different materials and create visually engaging wall reliefs.

1999: Fabrication of Pin (Red) and Pin (Blue)

In 1999, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated the 21-foot Pin (Red) and Pin (Blue) for Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. This project showcased the company's ability to create large-scale and visually striking public art installations.

2000: Balloon Dog Series Fabrication

In 2000, Carlson Baker Arts continued its fabrication of Jeff Koons's Balloon Dog series, which they started in 1994. The technologies for creating the mirror-like finish and bright colors on stainless steel had to be perfected.

2000: Fabrication of Blue Black

In 2000, Carlson Baker Arts produced Blue Black, for the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, for Ellsworth Kelly. This project contributed to the company's reputation for fabricating significant artworks.

2001: Fabrication of Cat on a Clothesline

In 2001, Carlson Baker Arts completed its fabrication of Jeff Koons's moulded polyethylene works, including Cat on a Clothesline, which began in 1994. The company successfully produced visually appealing sculptures using this technique.

2001: Fabrication of Two Curves and White Curves

In 2001, Carlson Baker Arts produced Ellsworth Kelly's public sculptures Two Curves and White Curves. This project demonstrated the company's ability to create compelling public art installations.

2001: Led teams for the design and construction of Malibu Beach House

In 2001, John Baker led teams for the design and construction of the Malibu Beach House while working at Richard Meier & Partners Architects. This project contributed to his experience in architectural design and construction management.

2003: Start of fabrication of Robert Therrien’s oversized kitchenware

From 2003, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Robert Therrien’s oversized kitchenware, chairs, and tables. This project showcased the company's versatility in creating unique and visually striking sculptures.

2003: Ed Suman Becomes Partner

In 2003, Ed Suman became a partner at Carlson & Co. This addition to the leadership team contributed to the company's growth and continued success in the field of art fabrication.

2003: John Baker Joins the Company

In 2003, John Baker joined Carlson & Company as a Project Manager. This marked the beginning of his involvement in projects for notable artists and his eventual leadership role within the company.

2004: Fabrication of Untitled (EK920)

In 2004, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Untitled (EK920), which consisted of two large, multi-panel reliefs at the American Embassy in Beijing, China, for Ellsworth Kelly. This project showcased the company's ability to create large-scale and visually impressive artworks.

2006: Start of "pointillist"-styled pieces

From 2006, Carlson Baker Arts began fabricating five of Christian Moeller's "pointillist"-styled pieces, which continued until 2018. These works used moulded plastic chips in chain link fencing or wood panels to form large-scale mural-like images.

2006: Fabrication of Big Sweep

In 2006, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Big Sweep for Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a 45-foot stainless-steel broom pushing two wads of paper into a 30-foot dustpan, for the Denver Art Museum. This project highlighted the company's expertise in creating large-scale stainless-steel sculptures.

2007: Artforum roundtable participation

In 2007, Artforum recognized Carlson Baker Arts as a pioneering fabricator by including Peter Carlson and his then-partner Ed Suman in a roundtable discussion about the history and growth of art fabrication. They were acknowledged as leaders who had helped realize some of the most technologically ambitious artworks.

2007: Fabrication of Mordant and Father Figure

In 2007, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated John McCracken's sculpture Mordant, as well as Charles Ray’s 18-ton, solid-steel replica of a mass-produced 1950s toy, Father Figure. These projects showcased the company's ability to work with challenging materials and create visually impressive sculptures.

2007: Fabrication of Mojo

In 2007, Carlson Baker Arts produced Christian Moeller's bright, whimsical, kinetic work, Mojo. This project showcased the company's ability to create dynamic and engaging public art installations.

2008: Fabrication of Bowl with Eggs

In 2008, Carlson Baker Arts continued its fabrication of Jeff Koons's moulded polyethylene works, including Bowl with Eggs, which began in 1994. The company successfully produced visually appealing sculptures using this technique.

April 2010: Carlson & Company Closed

In April 2010, Carlson & Company closed due to a recession, a slumping contemporary art market, and rising costs. This marked a significant challenge for the company, leading to a period of reevaluation and restructuring.

May 2010: Firm Re-formed as Carlson Arts LLC

In May 2010, the firm re-formed as Carlson Arts LLC with Peter Carlson and John Baker as partners. This marked a new chapter for the company, adopting a downsized and reconceived business model to navigate the challenging economic climate.

2010: Completion of Celebration Series Fabrication

In 2010, Carlson Baker Arts completed the fabrication of Jeff Koons's "Celebration" series, which had begun in 1994. This marked the culmination of a significant project that highlighted the company's ability to create technically complex and visually striking sculptures.

2010: Completion of Balloon Dog Series

In 2010, Carlson Baker Arts completed the fabrication of Jeff Koons's Balloon Dog series, which had been ongoing since 1996. This marked the culmination of a significant project that highlighted the company's expertise in creating complex sculptures.

2010: Completion of fabrication of Robert Therrien’s oversized kitchenware

In 2010, Carlson Baker Arts completed the fabrication of Robert Therrien’s oversized kitchenware, chairs, and tables. This marked the end of a project that had been ongoing since 2003 and demonstrated the company's ability to create visually striking sculptures.

2010: Partnership of Carlson and Baker

In mid-2010, John Baker became a partner alongside Peter Carlson at Carlson Baker Arts. This partnership marked a new era for the company, formalizing a leadership structure that would guide its operations and collaborations with artists and architectural firms.

2011: Fabrication of Barnes Totem

In 2011, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated the 40-foot, zig-zagging, stainless steel Barnes Totem in Philadelphia for Ellsworth Kelly. This project demonstrated the company's skill in working with stainless steel and creating complex, large-scale sculptures.

2012: Fabrication and Installation of Rainbow

In 2012, Carlson Baker Arts completed fabrication and installation of Tony Tasset's monumental Rainbow, a 94-foot tall, 188-foot long permanent sculpture commissioned by Sony Pictures Entertainment in Culver City, California. This project showcased the company's ability to create large-scale and visually striking public art installations.

2012: Fabrication of Verdi

In 2012, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Christian Moeller's public sculpture, Verdi. This project showcased the company's ability to work with unique materials and create visually striking installations.

2012: Fabrication of Untitled (EK1026)

In 2012, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated the "folded", ribbon-like outdoor work, Untitled (EK1026), for Ellsworth Kelly. This project demonstrated the company's versatility in creating unique and visually striking outdoor sculptures.

2015: Fabrication of Lola

In 2015, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Christian Moeller's bright, whimsical, kinetic work, Lola. This project highlighted the company's expertise in creating dynamic and engaging public art installations.

2017: Fabrication of Bobble

In 2017, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Christian Moeller's bright, whimsical, kinetic work, Bobble. This project demonstrated the company's ability to create unique and visually striking kinetic art installations.

2018: Completion of pointillist pieces and fabrication of Buttons

In 2018, Carlson Baker Arts completed the fabrication of Christian Moeller's "pointillist"-styled pieces and also produced Buttons, a 42-foot tall installation covering the outer face of a parking structure in Olympia, Washington.

2018: Fabrication of Field Lines

In 2018, Carlson Baker Arts fabricated Rob Ley's indoor, 294-foot by 25-foot relief, Field Lines, installed at the O’Hare Airport Transportation Hub in Chicago. This project highlighted the company's expertise in creating large-scale and visually impressive art installations for public spaces.

2018: Fabrication of Sculptural Elements for Austin

In 2018, Carlson Baker Arts oversaw the fabrication of two interior sculptural elements for Ellsworth Kelly‘s first-ever building, titled Austin, at the Blanton Museum of Art. This included a redwood "Totem" and fourteen abstract black and white marble panels.

2019: Firm became Carlson Baker Arts

In 2019, the firm officially became Carlson Baker Arts. This change in name reflects the established partnership between Peter Carlson and John Baker and their joint leadership of the company.