What is Design?

As my blogging days come to a close shortly, I am reminded of a question I was asked back in late September. What is Design? How does design play a role in society? As I begin to reflect on these last two and a half months, I am reminded of many things that could make the answers to these questions simple. However, it is indeed quite hard to just give one answer to these questions. As the month have progressed I believe that I have gained the knowledge to understand what design truly is. Design is everything: It is the people we read about in our history books, it is the chair I sit on while I eat my favorite meal, it is the laptop in which I write weekly, these blogs. Design is, in essence, life. Without so much design that resides in society on a daily basis, we would not be able to function as a society. I think back to the artists and designers that I have studied over the course of the last two and a half months, and I have nothing but admiration for their hard work and their own interpretation of what design really is. Jackson Pollock and Andy Goldsworthy are only two designers/artists that I have had the privilege of studying this fall. These two men see design through their surroundings. Their hard work consists of elements that surround them, while artist Jeffery K. Bedwick designs from his imagination. Design is a network that encompasses its surroundings. Design can include many different interpretations and understandings. Desing plays a role in sositey by allowing people to view the world in a collaborative and artistic way. Albert Einstein once said:

"The most beautiful thing we can experience in the mysterious is the source of all true art and science."

Design truly is a mystery. Sure one could place a definition to the word itself, but the truth is, is that design encompasses so many things, that it truly is a wonder. If we allow ourselves to take a deeper look at society the depths of design will become clearer. Through theses last few months, I have learned to evaluate design, and consider its possibilities in a very different way. I know now, that next time I am asked, "What is design," I will be fully prepared with a strong answer....



(http://www.betterbydesign.org.nz/Images/design-is-a-behaviour.jpg)

Objectified-

(http://mavenness.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/objectified.jpg

Design is constantly forcing us to think "outside" of the box. Because we are always facing new ideas, and inspirations, we never really sit and think about the actual objects from which we are drawing inspiration, or ideas, from. Gary Hustwit's "Objectified" explores the possibility of these "objects" that we use in our everyday lives. Objectified is a motion picture about the things around us. It forces us to look beyond the image and explore its design, its "history." Hustwit does an excellent job of taking objects that are up-to -date in technology, and very much present in our everyday lives, and goes beyond what we see, but examines how the object got there in the first place. Though I really enjoyed every aspect of the picture, and every model, or design that was featured, I particularly enjoyed the segment on the Macintosh Computer. I never knew that the older versions of Mac Computers were scrapped down, and reused on the new models. It was amazing to witness just what exactly is reused from the previous design, and put into use on the new design. The idea of reusing designs was a key aspect and one major point that was made during the movie. The idea of recycling designs sounds silly, but the truth is, each and every design has evolved from one another. Another element that I enjoyed was the segment about the tooth pick. To the audience, the toothpick is a normal, functioning thing that is used and then disposed of. However the design of the took pick which was studied, has a "built-in" tooth pick stand which is used to hold up the pick, by breaking the top half off, and placing it, horizontally on the table. I would have never imagined the design of the tooth pick to encompass so many different elements. Though the design is considered "simple" its idea is not.

Objectified teaches its audience to look outside of the box, and experiment with the objects around us. It is very interesting to watch in a film like this because all of the "obvious" is pointed out, and we are made more aware of what is surrounding us. I enjoyed how the film followed a process by showing conceptualizations of designs and ideas, and finishing with final products. This movie is one I recommend to everyone who has ever taken design for granted, and is really ready to watch the "secrets" of the design world, and process, unfold.



(http://www.wearebuild.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Objectified-Shopper_Blog.jpg)

Sustainable Innovation

(http://estimulo.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/nathan.jpg)

On Wednesday November 18th, 2009, I had the privilege of visiting UC Davis, and sitting in on a lecture entitled "Sustainable Innovation." This lecture was the last lecture of the quarter included in the Design lecture series that UC Davis hosts every quarter. Nathan Shedroff, the guest speaker, specializes in knowledgeable information about Sustainability. Nathan Shedroff received his bachelors of Science in Industrial Design with an emphasis in Automatic Design. He worked for awhile as a automatic designer, before realizing that he wanted to work with sustainability, while still incorporating work from his previous field. He has authored several books on sustainability, and made a strong point about conveying to his audience on Wednesday that Sustainability was what he was most passionate about.

Coming into lecture on Wednesday, I did not really know what to expect. I have been to many sustainable design lectures and they all usually end up being about the same thing: How we can improve our lives to make them more sustainable. However, things were different with Nathan on Wednesday. Instead of giving us ideas and tips as to how we as a community can make Sustainability "happen" Nathan, provided frame work which, which as a whole helped us to better understand the sustainable movement. Nathan pointed out that it takes more than just changing our everyday materials, but also finding alternate ways of reusing the same materials in multiple ways! Other tips from Nathan's presentation included how we can "provide more for less," how we as the consumers can find ways of providing more useful materials for less of a profit. Perhaps one of the biggest points Nathan focused on was that any sustainable design solution should be savored, meaning, not only should it make our world a better place, but the design should be valued as a whole, and put to use to make a "green" statement.

Overall, Nathans proved to be very effective. I believe he conveyed his emotions and his wishes in an effective way. Not only did he provide ways in which we could make sustainability happen, but he expressed how important these changes are, and just how much we would be gain from it in the end. He provided us with a "guide" to understanding a sustainable world. He was a "hip, and cool" lecturer who could relate to his audience, which also helped students stay engaged. Overall, I'm looking forward to hearing more from him, and how his drive for a greener world will impact our future.


(http://www.innovativeinteractivity.com/wp-content/themes/tma/images/posts/shedroff_information_interaction_post.jpg)

Bauhaus

As I am beginning my search for graduate schools, which I hope to attend after graduation this year, I can't help but be overwhelmed with all of thte different schools that offer programs in all fields of design. Whether one's passion is architecture, which is what I hope to pursue, theatre, or studio arts, there is a school that seems to fit everyone's wants and desires. Some specific schools that come to mind are Parson's the New School for Design, or Rhode Island School of Design, which offer a wide variety of design options for students. With all of these options becoming very evident to me, especially at this time in my life, I can't help but reflect upon The Bauhaus, the design school of the early 20th century.

Walker Gropius, in 1919, founded the Bauhaus school in Germany. I like to think that many of the design schools now, took after the Bauhaus school, which offered a wide variety of different studies in the department of design. Architecture was offered at the school, but it was not till much later, that it became part of the regular curriculum. Art, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and typography were among the other subjects offered at the school. In a way, the Bauhaus was the first school that specialized in the study of design. It was the first of it's kind and could be considered the "trailblazer" of Design schools. It really is remarkable that a school with such an "artistic" curriculum was able to survive during, what was considered a very difficult time in political history. With Nazi take over beginning in the 1930's, Bauhaus was a school was went against what was considered the "norm." Bauhaus had not only inspired great design work, especially in the architectural field, but has also left behind its theories and its teachings which are the bases that many schools today, are founded on.



(http://www.thebreman.org/exhibitions/online/1000kids/Bauhaus.JPG)

A Deeper Look at Josef: Interaction of Color

http://s3.amazonaws.com/adaptiveblue_img/books/interaction_of_color_revised_expanded_edition/josef_albers)

After taking interest in in Color Theory, I decided to continue my exploration into Josef Albers and different variations of Color Theory. Josef Albers was a German born Professor of design and was considered a very influential "element" in the design world. After teaching in Germany for a short while, Albers moved to the United States where he taught painting at Black Mountain College, and then later moved on to Yale where he was a professor, and the head of the Design Department. In 1963, Albers published "Interaction of Color," which even to this day, has remained a very significant source for artist and designers alike. Primarily the book details color experimentation, testing both theory and technique. Though the entire book is filled with amazing results, experiments, and significant information on color, perhaps one item of information that I found to be particualary interesting, was Albers brief explanation and examination of the Munsell System. The Munsell color system is "a color space that specifies colors based on three color dimensions: Hue, value, and Chroma. (Thanks to Wikipedia for a concise definition) Albers uses the Munsell system to compare and contrast it to other theories such as the Ostwald Color System, and the Faber Birren Color System. Albers points out in his book that the Munsell System is considered a " contemporary" system that we use to study color. It is though the Munsell system and other various color systems that we are able to understand and "experiement on the relation and balance of light with quantity within the color wheel." (pg. 65) Through Albers' writings and works, one is able to better understand colors, and their relationships through ways of his experimentation with color. It is through the examination of the past that we are able to understand the colors of design, today.



(http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Munsell-system.svg/600px-Munsell-system.svg.png&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Munsell-system)

Color Theory

As designers, color plays a huge role in helping to understand our designs, and interpret our process as a whole. Color theory, as stated by dictionary.com is " a set of principles used to create harmonious color combinations." Examples of color relationships can be made visible by examining a color wheel. Color, especially in a designer's or artist's design, or piece of artwork, is vital to understanding the entire piece. Designers and artist usually have a reason for deciding to used the color choices they use, and by understanding color theory, and the relationships between colors, the audiences is able to see a connection between colors and their relationship to a designer's, or artist's work.

Dating back to the times of Leonard da Vinci, color theory has always been used to help determin certain relationships between colors. Color Theory originally included only three basic colors, Red, Green, and Blue, which were later renamed as the primary colors. These three colors were separated due to their ability to mix well with colors. From theses three primary colors came the establishment of the 18th century color visions theories, which indicated that the eye was most sensitive to these three colors. As the development of color continued, scientist and theorist came to believe that color was interpreted best through different hues and shades of the primary colors. From there, the establishment of the color wheel, and the various color groups such as secondary colors, and tertiary colors were developed, and today are better understood. Through color theory, one is able to understand the connection between colors as a whole. Josef Albers, one color theorist, helps to explain the relationship between color and the effects it has one itself. Color theory is just another way of understanding the connection of designers and their work.


(http://www.quiltswithstyle.com/uploads/qws/QWS62/Color_Theory.jpg)

Alex Anderson:

In a final exploration of patterns, and shapes, and the overall unity of the design, I embarked upon a journey, which included research on other forms of patterns in design.  To my surprise, I was often taken to various quilt-making sites, as well as sites where certain quilt designers were featured.  One particular designer caught my eye, as I was very interested in her work.  Alex Anderson is a well-know quilt designer, who has a website that features her amazing work. (www.alexandersonquilts.com) In an exploration of her work, I began to consider how her designs played with the use pattern, shape, and texture.  Though all quilts may tell a story within the work, I found it to be particularly interesting in the stories that her quilts “told.” When visiting the Nelson Gallery, each individual quilt had a meaning, and background to the title and the work.  Designers often seek to tell a story within their works, and these stories were very evident in the work of both the Nelson Gallery quilts, as well as Alex Anderson’ quilt.

 One particular quilt that I enjoyed studying was a piece entitled “Bear West.” (http://alexandersonquilts.com/gallery/quilts/bearwest.html) Out of the several different quilts I had to study from, the story of this quilt was extremely evident in the overall image.  What I found to be so interesting was the overall picture that was created from the tiny individual triangle shapes, that when put together, created an outline of California, the Grizzly Bear, and the California Golden Poppy. There was a very simple pattern that is vivid throughout the piece.  Each triangle had been paired with another triangle to give what almost appeared as a star shape, which was the basis that the overall picture was based on. Again, color, especially in Anderson’s piece was vital to helping compliment her overall picture that she had created.  Each section of her quilt used different shades of a primary color, which in turn brought the whole picture to life.  In comparison to the other quilts that were on display in the Nelson Gallery, Anderson’s quilt had the strongest picture of a story, evident in her work.  Though I enjoyed all of the works completed by the artist, I’d have to say that Alex Anderson’s Bear West, has surly been a favorite.

Avis Collins Robinson: Piano Keys

While pondering my visit to the Nelson Art Gallery last week, I began to consider the other works that I had viewed and how other images pertain to pattern, shape, color, and how the overall unity of the piece flows together with these elements.  In contrast to Rosa Ella Kincaid’s piece, a piece created by Alvis Collins Robinson, entitled “Piano Keys” offered a different take on how shape, color and pattern play in the role of his own quilt creation. Avis Collins Robinson created the quilt in 2009.  His piece was made out of hand-dyed cotton corduroy, cotton batting, and hand-dyed muslin backing.  Though the piece as a whole was constructed beautifully, one of the most striking features that caught my attention right from the beginning was the amazing use of color demonstrated throughout the piece.  The quilt itself was organized in such a fashion that the strips of fabric were arranged to where they created a “piano key” shape.  Though the arrangement of the strips of color was abstract, there was still a strong pattern present in the quilt.  Even though each pieces was different, the size of the fabric, as well as the color varied as the quilt progressed from on side to the other.  The pattern was consistent in that each piece of fabric was place vertically on the quilt in various sizes. Robinson also played with strong use of color in the pieces by using a contemporary color palette consisting of both warm and cool colors.  Shades of blue, brown, and pink were used to create the shape and pattern of the quilt.  In contrast to Kincaid’s piece where various shaped were used to help create the final picture, Robinson stuck to using one long rectangular shape to complete his design.  It was interesting to see how different designers envision their work to help make a point.  For the sake of interpreting his ideas, and vision for his work, Robinson demonstrated how a repetition of shape can bring an idea together.  The unity of his piece along with the execution of his material, helped give life to his design, and provided the audience with an amazing final product.

Rosa Ella Kincaid: Untitled-

On a recent trip to the Nelson Art Gallery on Thursday October 29th, I had the privilege to view some spectacular quilting work. The exhibit, entitled “African American Quilts” had a display of amazing quilting artwork. Some of the works, which date back to the 19th century, showed an amazing use of color, shape, pattern, and structure. The unity that existed in the artwork was truly a sight to see. It’s funny how some things can be so abstract, but yet have the ability to form and function as one single design. I truly enjoyed all the designs that I had the privilege to view…

It is always interesting, when viewing quilts, or artwork of similar nature, to really see and visualize the patterns that are represented in the work. Even when the goal of the designer or artist may not necessary be to create a piece that is consistent in design, there is always some sort of shape and pattern that remains constant. One particular piece that I found to be extremely beautiful on my trip to the Gallery was an untitled piece, created by a woman by the name of Rosa Ella Kincaid. Born in 1886 in Washington D.C., Rosa provided the audience with a striking example of how rhythm and pattern can be viewed in her quilt work. Though the colors and fabrics may not have been “color coordinated” in the since that we as designers understand it to be, but there was extreme detail given to the particular color choices and patterns, that were used throughout the piece. In her piece, were are a lot of abstract shapes, from triangles to rectangles, which were all been joined together to create the final work of art. Perhaps one of the most striking features of the quilt was a strong pattern created by little women images. From the positioning of the bonnets one the characters heads, to the placement of their bodies, to the color of their clothes, the women characters which were placed throughout the entire quilt, helped to provide the audiences with not only a strong repeating pattern of shapes, but also provided both order, and closure to the work. The visual hierarchy was complete in this quilt because your eyes followed the entire quilt from top to bottom. A quilt of the artist's design helps designers like myself, become familiar with how shape, space and color help to create the full “picture.” Through this understanding of these concepts, we as designers are able to better interpret and understand the meanings of other artists’ work.

Sustainability Across the Curriculum":Stoies and Strategies for change

On Wednesday the 24th, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture at UC Davis, which was part of their annual Design Lecture Series, which focuses on incorporating different speakers who’s concentration is design. The lecture, entitled “ Sustainability Across the Curriculum: Stories and Strategies for change” is one of the very first lectures for the 2009-2010 school year. This week Geoffrey Chase, professor at San Diego State University, came and spoke to us about the topic of Sustainability and how it is being incorporated into curriculum to both enhance the minds of college students, and provide effective ways to evoke sustainable habits in every day activities. Through stories, and collective data results, Geoffrey helped us to better understand the importance of the sustainable movement in curriculum. Since Sustainability is quickly becoming a priority on everyone’s mind, especially in the design field, it was extremely helpful, and interesting to hear how schools are taking valuable information and incorporating it into their curriculum to make everyone aware of how they can be apart of the efforts. Having been apart of Ponderosa Project at Northern Arizona University, Geoffrey was a leader in helping faculty from all areas incorporate the idea of sustainability into their curriculum. The Project was an experiment which consisted of twenty different faculty from different areas. Their task was to see how they could incorporate the idea of sustainability into their everyday teachings. It was exciting to hear the results that people were able to include ideas that were centered around the subject, which matched the professor’s original subject matter. Chase also provided useful information about how to make the knowledge of sustainability effective on all campuses. Enforcing that sustainability is local and global, transformative, involves relationships and the community, and that it’s made up of different types of systems, are all useful ways of getting the point across to students. With direct distinctions such as listed above, Chase pointed out that it is entirely possible to tie sustainability in with individual curriculum. It literally relates to every subject. It was all useful information that I hope continues to be heard on campuses nation wide. Sustainability is the future. We all have to start somewhere…

(http://calvinscl.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/sustainability.jpg)

3D: Jeffrey K. Bedrick

(http://iasos.com/artists/jbedrick/)
In a recent exploration into 2D, and 3D images, I discovered an artist by the name of Jeffrey K. Bedrick. Jeffrey is a contemporary artist who works specifically with 3D art forms. His designs and images are representative of that of a mystical world, as well as Representative images of nature, and realistic places. In studying his work, not only did I notice his intricate amount of detail, but also his use of color, form, and shape, represent images that are extremely realistic. When an observer is studying his work, it is almost as if you are in his paintings, acting as one of his mystical characters. His work with his 3D images is amazing. They almost look as it they are computer generated 3D Images. The unity in his paintings really helps give a clear understanding up his work, and his creative process. One particular painting entitled "The Last Resort," is an image of a picturesque paradise, complete with a rainbow, beautiful flowers in the foreground, and a striking temple in the background, which also acts as one main focal point. Along with many other elements that work to unify the entire picture, like light, and shadows, the design of the 3D image creates a story with in itself. The scale in the painting is accurate of a 3D image. There is depth, height, and width within the image, with also helps to unify the image and provide structure. The balance of color in contrast to the white and dark, is very striking as well. Bedrick is clearly a talented designer, and artist, and used 3-demensional images to convey a story and ideawhich is very present in his work. I urge every to take a look at his work, and really allow yourself to be apart of the picture, and his work.

Perception: 2D

As a designer, it is crucial in our work environment, that one can perceive, and understand all sorts of images. It is important in our work field that we have an accurate knowledge to be able to evaluate a design. Perception in our field is critical because both as a designer and as an observer, we need to be able to perceive the work of others, in hopes of understanding the designer’s concept and the idea behind their work. Through perception, and its understandings, we as designers are able to understand different types of design. Two-dimensional images are not only a key component in the design world, but an inside look to different forms of perception. They, as an image and design, allow an observer to see deeper into an image. They provide detail that may not be as evident in a “flat” image. Both Jackson Pollock, and Andy Goldsworthy could be considered a Two-dimensional artist. Both use and capture material in a two-dimensional form, and in even some cases, three-dimensional form. Two-Dimensional form emphasis unity in its design by allowing two separate parts to come together to form one universal design. Unity is extremely evident when one evaluates paintings, and even sculpture. In Japanese Animated Artwork, unity in the artwork is extremely present. The foreground strongly connects to the background of the piece, and allows the audience to perceive and understand the actions, and emotions in the characters. (See link: http://th01.deviantart.com/fs24/300W/f/2007/348/8/1/SF_Legends_Chun_Li_Issue_1_by_UdonCrew.jpg) Another element of two-dimensional artwork, which helps with perception, is Balance. Balance is key, in particular aspect of design. Balance in two-dimension design is essential because it provides stability for the artwork to “function.” When the design is balanced, the observer is able to understand the design, and the designer as a whole.

Jackson Pollock

Though Jackson Pollock may not be an artist who paints scenes from nature, or tries to capture the essence of landscape in his work, but he is an artist who used his surroundings to guide him in his work. Born January 28th, in Cody, Wyoming, Pollock always loved to paint.
Considered one of the most influential painters of his time, Pollock created his pieces based on his color choices, and the items he decided to use in his work. Pollock’s media in his pieces consisted of canvas, glass, and other various materials. Pollock used small pebbles, glass, and some odds and ends, in his work with the paint, also. He allowed the items in his paintings to guide him in his work. If he felt disconnected from his pictures, he began a new painting. Pollock worked closely with his surroundings to create a beautiful piece. His designs would encompass his surroundings by having the painting relate to his space. His work can be considered postmodern work. His work often leads his audience to stare and gather his message, for hours. Jackson Pollock has been and influential artist and designer, and has set the tone for the all of the following postmodern artists.

(http://blots.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/jackson_pollock_gallery_12.jpg)

Van Gogh-

After continuing my search and deeper exploration of Andy Goldsworthy it sparked my interest to see other work done by artists, where nature, and outside surroundings act as significant inspirations. Through my search, I discovered a very well-know name. Vincent Van Gogh was an artist born in 1853. He was a painter who is most famous for his self-portrait, and an image entitled “Starry Night.” Though there are differences between Andy Goldsworthy and Vincent Van Gogh, especially because Goldsworthy is know for his strong sculpture work and photography, one can see that both men, in their design practices used nature as a source of inspiration. Van Gogh, over the years, painted a variety of images ranging from still-life artwork, portraits of individuals, and landscape prints, each different in their own way. One of my favorite landscape portraits where nature, is involved is a portrait entitled “Olive Trees with the Alpilles.” Van Gogh uses a beautiful combination of cool colors, which help to capture the essence of the surrounding nature. Though the form is somewhat “dream like” and unrealistic, Van Gogh is still able to capture the inspiration of the trees and the sky in his work. His design may be abstract in form, but it is very traditional in terms of use of color. His work allows his audience to enter a world where his design aesthetic is to create a dreamer’s world, which allow them to see deeper into the final product.

(http://arttoheartweb.com/images/Van_Gogh_Starry_Night.jpg)

Cracked Rock Spiral: Andy Goldsworthy

After reviewing the material from a recent lecture I attended, it really got me thinking about design, and works of art that are inspired by the outside world, and its surroundings. After learning of Andy Goldsworthy, it inspired me to look closer at the Artist and his work. Andy Goldsworthy is known for his work as an artist, sculpture, and photographer. His work encompasses elements from nature, as well as his own ideas, which are put together to create a masterpiece. As I began my research, one particular piece caught my attention. The piece, entitled “Cracked Rock Spiral” is a series of rocks, which are cracked in the middle, and arranged into a spiral, with the center becoming smaller. Clearly this piece of art was inspired by rock formations found around nature, and place in a specific shape to perhaps represent the coming together of one. The rocks’ gaps between each piece, begins to get smaller and smaller as the rocks spiral closer together in the center. The distinct line that is made from the gap also begins to thin out as it reaches the center. Goldsworthy took elements from his surroundings to create a piece that speaks volumes about his design aesthetic. His work shows how he creates pieces by being inspired by simple things. Through his pieces, Andy Goldsworthy accomplishes an element of sophistication in his work that is very visible to his audience.

(http://becksearlescott.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/andy_goldsworthy3.jpg)

Taking A Trip Home..

After returning to my hometown this weekend for a family wedding, I decided to take a trip to a local museum that I had never had the privilege to visit before. After visiting the UC Davis Design museum, it sparked my interest to visit other exhibits and see the different areas of design that are evident within other museum exhibits. This particular museum focuses on local history within the town. Not only was the original building built in 1912, but the McHenry Museum, served as the town’s original library. This small bit of information made for a greater understanding of the museum as a whole. The set-up of the museum allows a great interaction with its audience by inviting them to take a closer look at the exhibits, with actual “scenes” set up, making the bystander believe that they are actually in that time period. The museum was designed by year, starting with artifacts from the earliest times in history, and ending with memorabilia, and artifacts from more recent times in history. I really enjoyed the museum as a whole. It provided very interesting information about the town’s history, and the era surrounding that time. Though I enjoyed all of the museum, I grew to appreciate an exhibit of artwork by Virgil William West. Mr. West was a local artist know for painting beautiful western scenes. His use of color, and shape within his paintings, made one feel as though they were in the painting. As a design student, I could appreciate the time and effort put into his work. It was clearly one of, if not the one, exhibit that served as a "favorite." It amazes me how much one can learn, and feel from another designers concepts, and ideas! I really enjoyed my day.


(http://www.mchenrymansion.org/mm_images/Musuem2004.jpg)

A Letter From Korea

As I sat and reviewed what I saw yesterday at the design museum at UC Davis, I realized that a designer's message is everywhere in society. The slightest image can make a huge statement to its audience. Even when one may not be able to completely understand the design, the idea that it leaves with the audience, speaks greatly about the designer. With that in mind, one particular design has been running circles in my mind. It is a piece done by Phil Choo, entitled A letter from Korea. The design is a digital piece printed on canvas. The print is very simple, and only involves a single letter, in the bottom left hand corner, followed by a ton of Korean Letters “pouring” out of the letter, as if it couldn’t hold any more. It spoke volumes to me, as the observer. Though I may not have been able to come up with the exact message of what the designer may have been trying to convey, I was able to formulate my own opinion about the message of the designer. When the audience is able to draw conclusions from a designer’s work, it really speaks strongly of a designer. It proves the point that even the slightest form of design, has an impact on its audience.

The Design Museum

Today I had the privilege of visiting the UC Davis Design Museum’s current exhibit, Typographic Explorations in Hangul. I was completely blown away by the talent expressed by the artists in each piece. Art pieces ranged from single words constructed into art, to pieces where the words were the art. The collection featured pieces from Hangul. All pieces were done in native text, which also heightened the interest of the pieces. One particular design that I considered to be very strong included Dream of a Swan, by Pil Choo, 2009. The image was a digital print, printed on cotton canvas. The print included typography formed in the shape of a swan. It was limited in color but was a stunning piece altogether. Though the exhibit had a lot of different pieces to offer, perhaps my most favorite was a piece done by Hyuhj Lee, entitled Formation and Emotional Impact of Hangul. From the color, to the typographic elements, every part of the piece contributed to its overall flow. It was truly a sight to see. The overall presentation of the exhibit showcased each individual piece. The pieces were arranged by different media elements. Work done on canvas opened the exhibit, followed by handmade paper pieces, and finished up with mixed media images. The presentation of the exhibit helped to highlight the hard work put in by the each individual designer.

It is always amazing to see the different interpretations of design. For these artist, they put their visions and designs into word art, which is a very different way of approaching design. The pieces created by Hyuhj Lee was a piece which demonstrated a clear picture of his design and vision, but through the use of typography. He used words to symbolize different parts, rather than using words to tell a story. The detailing of each letter acted as a vital part to his overall design process. It is interesting to see all of the different forms of design which are present in our society. It is through these designs, that our world can be considered a unique and creative atmosphere.