Gamble House gamble, Greene & Greene go round

Yesterday we took a tour of the Greene & Greene Gamble house in Pasadena. Agreed, one of the most impressive structures I have seen. Unbelievable attention to detail thoughout, from the almost unnoticable silver inlays to the way the carvings on the freize in the living room are all carved so the grain of the wood produces the design (here, in the darkest corner of the house, the carving is of the moon with a couple bats flying around). At over 4000 sq. ft., the house took a mere 10 months to build.
I now understand the inspiration, beauty, and wonder this home instills in one's soul, how this structure is one that the common man can relate to, feel connected to.
But what I am still trying to get my head around is why there are so many Greene & Greene knock offs, Gamble House imitators? I keep wondering "Why don't these people or businesses create their own legacy instead of copying someone else, even if it is the Greene brothers?" What inspired Greene & Greene and where is that same inspiration today? And yes, I recognize they certainly are a source of inspiration.

Why do we not have this caliber of craftsman today? Or do we, but as in the Greene's case it takes the test of time for the genius to show?

So, at least for Linda & I, the Gamble House passes a true test of art: it moved us from inspiration into thought, thought into questions, and questions into discussion. The best result any of us can hope for.

Listen to Your Eyes. PB