Regression

When I tell people my dreams of one day working for a magazine, their responses aren't always as positive as I would hope. Most people tell me it's a dying media and I should have a backup plan.

While I am learning about web design, I would like to think that this will not become my sole medium of work, but rather a supplement to the print design I create.

I know that the web and new technologies are very practical, but the tactile experience is simply not there.

When I open a new magazine, my senses become engaged. The glossy pages slide through my fingers as I flip through for my first look. Then I begin to bend the spine back in a crackle to read stories more in depth. The perfume samples provide an aroma of sweet smells. And not to mention the art of fashion photography and beautiful page layouts.

These experiences cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Most magazines have a website which is definitely important to stay with the times, but I hope that this will never replace print.

I do understand the importance of new technology and I plan to utilize it in every way I can, but as far as replacing print? I find myself regressing from technology and remain faithful to the printed media.

Reflections

Beyond the art museums, Chicago also inspired me simply for the beauty of the city.  Everywhere I looked, there were reflections. 

Light reflected beautifully of of the water at the pier; the buildings reflected the scene around them; sculptures reflected light and distorted images. 

But more than literal reflections, I saw the people of the city reflected all around. 

I was intrigued by a piece of graffiti on various stoplights.  It was a stick figure of a homeless man.  People passed by it on their way to work without a glance at it.  I thought this was an interesting reflection on the city's views of homelessness.  

My flickr photo stream displays a few of the photographs I took while in Chicago examining reflections.  I am working on expanding upon this idea, exploring the many possibilities for the meaning of 'reflection'.   

Inspiration from SOFA Chicago

After spending a weekend in Chicago and visiting the SOFA exhibit, I am filled with inspiration.  I found artists in all different mediums that reaffirmed my appreciation for art. 

One artist used the tips of crayons to create images based off of photographs.  Another made tiny dresses from recycled paper.  

The concept of recycled art is something that has always interested me.  Every piece of scrap metal at the junk yard and cloth at Goodwill was once part of someone's life.  The history in it alone is something amazing to think about. 

I am starting a series of projects, all using recycled objects.  My sculpture class began doing this with a scrap metal self portrait, but I plan on expanding it into different themes.