Grunge Resources

I went searching for backgrounds to use for my webpage and discovered a whole new world of grunge textures and fonts.  I was excited to see that I could upload the fonts to my computer and use them for not only my webpage design for this class but also for other projects I work on.  I'm always drawn to the juxitposition of the grunge look mixed in with a feminine style.

This search also inspired me with my love for photography. I absolutely love to shoot images and can't get enough of it but this search inspired me to start looking at and shooting textures I see.  I didn't realize how absolutely beautiful a rusty pipe could be or a street light pole that has paint chipping away.  This past weekend my husband was redoing some plumbing in our kitchen I zeroed in on the texture, color and beauty of some water drops in our sink that had rust particles mixed in with it.  My husband thought I was nuts when I wanted to pull out my camera.

By reviewing this artwork on the web it has encouraged me to look differently at materials in my everyday life. I'm now starting to see the artistic side of them.

I am also attracted to grunge fonts.  They seem to catch my attention more because they are edgy and realistic looking.  Commercial type fonts often bore me and in some cases can be less effective in communicating their message.

Some of the sites I found helpful are:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/01/29/grunge-style-in-modern-web-design/

http://webdesignledger.com/freebies/50-most-extreme-free-grunge-fonts

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.

Social Issue Brainstorming- Diary of a Teenage Runaway

What makes a young teen leave home? What makes a young adult, a child, decide to give up what he has so that he can shiver on the streets, starve for food, turn to drugs, prostitution and often suicide? These thoughts crowd my mind. I worry about our children, their children and the future of our community. So many young people are living in cardboard boxes, panhandling for food, becoming ill and leaving their belongings, homes and family all behind.

Perhaps they don't understand what lies ahead. Perhaps they don't understand fear. Perhaps the fear they have stems from home. Are they being abused, molested or beaten? We as a society, all of us parents, grandparents, teachers, law enforcement, librarians, store clerks, truck drivers, brothers, sisters and doctors, we need to wake up and find out what is happening to our youth. Some teens may appear to be confident and strong but they need our help. They need to know they are loved, that they have a future, a chance, a right to be here. We need to encourage them, support them and love them. They are but children approaching adulthood, not yet the adults they may think they are. Why do they leave? What can we do? What are signs of a trouble teen? Where can we find them when they run? Where can a teen find help?

The issue of teenagers running away from home is growing and is of concern among the local high schools in southern California. Teens don't know where to turn or where to go. Parents don't know how to help. Law enforcement can't help. Resources are limited.

Inauguration 2009 - New Day in History

What a historical day today was and I was so pleased that Professor Chance acknowledged the importance of living in the moment and allowed us to view President Obama's speech during our first day of class.

I sat in my seat thinking about what I might tell my grandchildren one day. Would I remember what I was doing when the first black man became president? I wondered if my two grade school children were being allowed to experience this special moment in their school classroom and would they remember where they were on this day. I thought about my oldest son who was starting his first day of college today and feeling he must be overwhelmed and trying to find his way around. I remembered and thought of my oldest daughter who passed away in 2006. I thought about how she would have loved to be here today and witness this change in history. Of all our family members she was the one who so strongly believed in equal rights. She was merely 16 when we lost her but she was a fighter, an activist and determined leader. I wondered what she would be telling me today so I thought and sat some more. She would be proud today and beaming with joy.

Being a caucasion woman, I imagine what parents of African-American children are telling their children today. Perhaps today they became confident that they two can be anything they want to be. I have always encouraged my children to follow their dreams and to reach for the stars. I've never for once thought that anyone or anything could stand in their way. I've never had to take our skin color in consideration. I haven't had to worry about my citizenship. I feel for those who have worried and suffered but felt a since of hope today, for today embarks change. Change is good.