27.9.06

....aaahh...OK! Impressive

Convo With My Dad:
ring...
Dad: Hello?
Me: Hey deddy
D: Heh...hold on a sec let me sit down....*noise*
Me: Are you working?
D: dadaa da da daa..no. I'm paintin'. I got one week left (till knee replacement surgery) to climb and I gotta finish painting(the inside of the house, specifically the stairway way leading up to his game room.)
Me: ah.
D: You won't believe the set up I got! You know what an extended ladder is?
Me: Yea
D: I got an extended ladder towards the bottom steps, vertical.
Me: On the steps?!
D: Yea. And I got a cooler and the top of the steps. And then I have another ladder resting on those two horizontally. The I put a piece of plywood so that I can walk across!
Me: Deddy, that doesn't sound safe.
D: The only way I would fall is if I got scared. I wouldn't even fit in the gap left from the wall. I gotta take a picture of this!

21.9.06

Designism

I haven't really been to a design forum since college. I guess there was the One Awards and a Graphic Havoc book release in NY, but not an actual lecture. So, when I found out that the Art Directors Club was hosting Designism: Panel Debates Role and Responsibility of Creatives to Instigate Social Change, I knew that I had to go.
The panelist included George Lois, Jessica Helfand, James Victore and Milton Glaser.
I wasn't even too sure what M. Glaser looked like. Maybe, I have seen a photo of him a while ago but if you asked me to describe him yesterday afternoon, I wouldn't have gotten past "old man". While I was talking to my friend and coworker, Jason, and waiting for the debate to begin, this man walked by. We both turned to each other with questioning grins. It was totally M. Glaser. He seemed to radiate original poster design energy. Anyway, everyone took their seats, the panelist were introduced and it was, in fact, him.
Now, the tone was set by, writer, Tony Hendra's brief summary of his new book. A politically charged what-if-Jesus-came-back -as-a-poor-kid-from-brooklyn scenario, The Messiah of Morris Avenue, is chalked full of punny jargon such as: Slow Child Left Behind, Faith the Press and a Bloodless Civil War. ...you get the gist. *sigh, grin* The unquestionable marriage of designism and liberalism is so indulgent.
George Lois is next. He starts "I was raised in a racist, Irish-Catholic neighborhood of Brooklyn..." He has done a great deal of socially and politically charge work for CBS(McCarthy/ Red Scare), Sane, Bobby Kennedy and Esquire. This particular cover illustrated Ali's persecution for coming out against the war.
Jessica Helfand, who I didn't know much about before hand, was far more focused on gathering information and collection than typical design. She is currently working on a project that will collect information and photographs from polling locations and organize it for use on line.
This is a campaign she did for MoveOn.org
James Victore, who I have previously posted, explained that his constant questioning of authority stemmed from a childhood spent on military bases. J. Victore does expressive pieces that are completely uninhibited by technology. He was also unihibited in speech. Closing line: "... with this asshole mother fucker for president..." While I feel like he wasn't as verbally articulate, visually he conjures more emotion and thought than the other three.
Milton Glaser didn't get too far into his thoughts before he declared that design for be first and foremost, effective. He reasoned that effectiveness didn't include preaching to the choir but engaging everyone; Rage is not effective. -I can't be sure but I thought I saw J. Victore squirm. I can't imagine M. Glaser wouldn’t take a stab at another man's methods. It just so happened that his were totally different than the speaker before him.- You've seen his work everywhere: I (heart) NY, that trippy dylan poster and number of other recognizable posters. Recently he has been working with One.org to promote awareness and encourage involvement in the effort to fight poverty and aids.

19.9.06

Have You Seen My Friend?

He is about 6'1", African-American, slim build.
Distiguishing features: a panache for type, ability to nap anywhere.
I haven't seen my dear friend Brandon in over two weeks now and I am beginning to worry. Please, take the time to check under your bed and between your cushions. Thanks to Jeannius for the photo

18.9.06

He-e-e-ey Mr. Shoe Repair Man, Play A Song For Me


I like my shoe repair guy because he, rightfully, gives me a hard time if I forget my ticket and because he has two cats. The shop, itself, is tiny and narrow. I have stood inside uncomfortably waiting with three other people and considered stepping out until he emerged with my shoes. Busy or not, this guy is always listening to music. The music is in another language and very soothing. You can tell that he is listening even when he is handling customers. He has even inquired about my ear-encompassing headphones before: Is the sound quality good? What brand? How much did I pay? Where did I get them? He needs something to drown out the television at home.
Anyway, I went to pick up my black flats that I almost destroyed for the second time. It was drizzling that morning and as I walked towards the shop I saw him leaning outside the doorway with a far-away look in his eye. He sees me and walks in. He was already in the back reaching for my shoes when I entered. 'Awe! He remembered me...' I forget what we were chatting about while he was ringing me up but the subject turned to the music playing.
"I play this music."
"Oh, really?" I reply. "I play the clarinet. Hold on....." He perked up and went to the back again. After seating himself behind the counter, he assemble the clarinet and began to play with the music. He's a little out of tune and explains the song is difficult. To the back again for a new song! Though the few bars were soft and uncertain, Uriel and I were both pleased. Business is slow and he planned to practice all day.

14.9.06

Paper Cuts

Ladies and gentlemen, behold, diligence, originality and thought; Peter Callesen.

8.9.06

Good Morning

Good morning my darling Manhattanites. Wake up west coast! Cali. Oregon. Colorado. To all my lovelies down in the dirty south, A-town, Athens, Dahlonega, Newton, Leesburg, Tuscaloosa, Memphis, Nashville, Huntsville, Snellville, Lawrenceville and Rome. D.C. Holler.

4.9.06

Meeting Of The Minds



On the way to the grocery I came across these guys. Stagg St. btwn Union and Lorimer, Williamsburg Brooklyn

3.9.06

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words


I am not sure what those words are for this particular one, but I like it.
Clara Terne