David Carson Web Video Review

In researching information for my graphic design paper I stumbled on a video talk by David Carson. I was so impressed with his talk and his explanations about his style that chose to blog about it. In doing this research I am not only learning about the history of graphic design, learning about particular graphic designers but I am also learning and finally defining who I am as a graphic artist and what appeals to me. I am discovering that I like "dirty typography", that I dislike the commercial, clean corporate look even though it is often called for, and that I like the type of graphic art that is messy yet communciates reality and the true message that is to be conveyed. David Carson showed examples of garage doors that say "no parking" but points out how one of them is more effective than the other. He shows magazine spreads from TIME Magazine that clearly cross boundaries and lose their objectives. He shows spreads that on one side depicts a horrific image of New York on Sept. 11 while the opposite side of the spread depicts a happy, inappropriate image. The line I most respected that Carson says is, "it would have been better to just have a blank page" on the opposite side of the image. It would have been more effective.

To view this awesome video to to: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_carson_on_design.html

A&L Event - Monday, 2/16

We had a wonderful Arts & Lectures event on campus called Ain't I A Woman! last week and it was both entertaining and educational. I was impressed by the the singer/actor named Taylore who dramatically portrayed various African-American women in our history. As she spoke, sang or acted, a core ensemble consisting of a cello player, pianist and percussionist played jazz music in the background. It was uplifting, emotional and very inspirational. The Core Ensemble received a standing ovation from a full house of students and community members. I was pleased to be a part of coordinating this wonderful performance but mostly pleased that I was able to sit in the audience and enjoy it!

Arts & Lectures - Latina Dance Project

Last night I attended our first A&L event of the semester and it was a great way to start off. Four Latina women were our guests and they did a great job of not only educating us but also entertaining an audience of about 140 people. They sang, performed, danced, and spoke about their work. Videos where shared and at the end of the performance we had a Q&A period followed by students getting on stage and learning some of the group's dance moves. Great audience participation and great questions were asked.

The basis for performers art is women in the latina culture and how they seek empowerment. The work was inspired by a cultural myth and then taken to depths that provoke thought and hopefully better understanding. The women wore outragious costumes, rapped music and spoke about topics from plastic surgery to human sacrifice.

Very moving and worthwhile performance and a great teaser for the big performance at MiraCosta on Friday night.