Ray Eames, born Bernice Kaiser in Sacramento in 1911, was an extraordinary American designer, artist, and filmmaker who played a pivotal role in shaping modern design. Her early life was marked by a deep immersion in the arts, influenced by her father’s management of a vaudeville theater and the vibrant cultural environment surrounding her. The nickname “Ray,” given to her in childhood, stayed with her throughout her life.

In the 1930s, Ray moved to New York City, where she studied under the renowned painter Hans Hofmann. Her time with Hofmann, who was known for his abstract expressionism, greatly influenced her understanding of color, form, and composition.  In 1940, Ray enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, a hub for modernist ideas, where she met Charles Eames, the head of the Department of Industrial Design. Their shared passion for design led to a personal and professional lifelong partnership. The couple moved to Los Angeles and established the Eames Office, a modern design and innovation powerhouse.

Ray’s contributions to the Eames Office were vast and varied. She played a central role in the creation of iconic furniture pieces such as the Eames Lounge Chair and the molded plywood chair, which combined innovative materials with elegant, functional design. Ray’s keen eye for color, texture, and detail was evident in every project, from furniture to textiles to graphic design.

While Charles often received more public acclaim, those who knew the Eames Office understood that Ray was the heart and soul of their creative process. Her influence can be seen in the playful yet sophisticated aesthetic that defines much of their work. Ray’s dedication to her craft and her ability to blend art and functionality left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire designers and artists today.

Ray Eames passed away in 1988, but her work and her contributions to modern design remain celebrated and studied by those who appreciate the impact she had on shaping the 20th century.