Eminent Domain | Call for Proposals- Oliver Luker [ 10/2/2006 - 11:17 ] #  In old English law, eminent domain refers to the power of the state to take private property without the owner’s consent. Since the mid-19th century it has been employed as part of large-scale development projects and urban renewal – controversial practices that can be extremely destructive for local communities. The policy is often implemented when there is a perceived obstruction blocking the progress of a particular project and powers of override must force its conclusion. In investigating this theme we call for artists to recast the concept of eminent domain in the context of creative work. Here it becomes similar to recourse – in the face of blockade, alternative and often radical tactics may be resorted to in order for an idea to move forward. At a point of critical mass existing systems begin to fail, invoking a form of negation and opening up a space of uncertainty. This uncertainty may force a radical reformulation of a work at a crucial moment of its incompletion and potential. The concept of regeneration is helpful in investigating this theme with regard to process revision and its relation to the creative method. Literally beginning again, regeneration suggests a recursive, self-referential procedure. It also indicates different approaches to revision: on one hand there can be subtle, incremental modifications of existing structures, systematically inching toward a result. On the other there can be a Kuhnian paradigm shift – a more radical action that can demand a clean slate from which to begin from scratch. The interplay of these strategies and the conditions that formulate them are fascinating areas of exploration. To what extent are points of resistance and conflict essential for shaping creative decisions? Are great ideas born of frustration or along paths of least resistance? What kind of space does this recourse open up? In this context, the theme of eminent domain speaks not only to literal interpretations concerning revised landscapes, power relationships and innovation from decay, but also to a broader theoretical reading about the space opened up by an enforced change of approach. The use of these concepts, either as the subject of investigation or as a guide to process and methodology, will result in a fascinatingly diverse group of projects for the next edition of Dispatx. For more information on how to submit, please click here. Dates : Final date for sending project proposals : 16 December 2006 Publication of collaborative project proposals : 15 January 2007 Details : Dispatx (www.dispatx.com) provides the tools of a socialised internet for the development, organisation and presentation of contemporary art and literature.
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations News, Events and Media
|  | | once in a while you find something truely extraordinary...- Ben Gaydos [ 8/11/2006 - 18:22 ] #
it
appears
as if
it is
all
here: ubu
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Criticism and Theory Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education History Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media Other Reference Technology, Computers and Internet
|  | | Excuse me.- Ben Gaydos [ 3/7/2006 - 22:40 ] #
means "excuse me" in Finnish. They came to my school. I think they're neat.
designs happenings, publications, products, clothes, buildings and cities.
is 14 people in Kallo, Helsinki. VISIT M41LH2
AND COM-PA-NY TO
SEE MORE ANTEEKSI.
"They are inspired by everyday life. Their design
makes use of existing methods, but does not follow conventions or serve
traditional purposes. Although the designs are unorthodox, they are functional.
A subtle hint that suggests the intended use of the product is always
present. strive to discover new ways to approach all issues.
In their designs the potential user comes first, the client second."
I like their jacket for lonely people.
Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Cultures, Groups and Organizations
|  | | mini Collective- Peter Richards [ 11/21/2005 - 13:33 ] #
Harrison Haynes is an accomplished painter, exhibiting mainly as a watercolorist.
Seth Jabour's illustrations have graced everything from magazine ads to Volkswagen manuals.
Syd Butler runs the successful FrenchKiss record label (featuring such homegrown Detroit-area talent as Thunderbirds Are Now!). The label is hosting a design competition for their new T-shirt.
Anna and Tim Harrington have started an original textile company, Deadly Squire.
So who are these people? And how are they connected? What is their collective activity?
Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual
|  | discussion
- "Too busy partying," eh?
- [stargrazer]
- interview with Tim Harrington about their ethos, graphic design, etc. here: http...more
- [stargrazer]
- there's always so many french people in brooklyn,aren't there?
- [ben]
- Brooklyn est pour des amoureux!
- [stargrazer] read more (4 total) |
| Big, Dead, Rotting, Silly Rabbit- Julia Yezbick [ 11/9/2005 - 00:45 ] # So here's what other art collectives are doing! check out this article that came my way via Nayiri, from the New York Times (Nov. 6, 2005)

Gelatin, a Viennese art collective, comprised of Ali Janka, Florian
Reither, Tobias Urban and Wolfgang Gantner have created a 200 ft long
and 20 ft high stuffed pink bunny that is laying atop a hill in the
northern region of Italy.
"It's rotting away and the intestines
are running out of its side, but it's really sweet," Mr. Janka
said. It's especially nice if you're interested in the way things
rot: grass
has sprouted through the rabbit's knitted skin, it's beginning to ooze
a brown liquid, and animals have foraged inside. Decay, it seems, is
the whole point. "You climb upon the rabbit and feel like a maggot in
its flesh," Mr. Janka said. "And then you are so happily transforming
into a fly, and floating away."
Any ideas, anyone?
Artists Arts - Crafts Cultures, Groups and Organizations
|  | discussion
- Thanks for posting this Julia, it really cracks me up. Makes me want to go make...more
- [nightybug]
- yeah, it just cracks me up! I love the fact that you can crawl on it too!! (&quo...more
- [pax]
- this must give the neighbors some pause.
- [stargrazer] read more (3 total) |
| Detroit @ 00:00:55 at the Detroit Film Center- Julia Yezbick [ 9/9/2005 - 00:24 ] # FLAK is hosting a second viewing of "Detroit @ 00:00:55" at the Detrot Film Center. 55 films 55 seconds long about Detroit created by artists, architects, videographers and students.
Come out Saturday night, September 10th, to the DFC. Doors are at 7pm, film starts at 8pm. DFC is located at 1227 Washington Blvd. (two blocks W. of Woodward, one block S. of Grand River)
From your friends at [FLAK]
Look out for "Detroit @ 00:00:55 This Time It's Personal" winter '06. Call for entries out soon.
Announcements Arts - Crafts Arts - Movies and Film Cultures, Groups and Organizations News, Events and Media OCC Artists
|  | | REO Town Call for Artists- Peter Richards [ 7/31/2005 - 23:30 ] # I received this from Krys Tourtois:
Call for Artists
The first annual REO Town Art Market will be held on the historic streets of REO Town in Lansing, Michigan. REO Town is known for its unique atmosphere, which combines a respect for culture and history and an acceptance for new ideas. This event will showcase a wide variety of Lansing’s artists and musicians, as well as local businesses.
This show is open to anyone who wishes to participate! This is not a juried show, just an opportunity for artists and musicians to exhibit their talent. We welcome all types of creative people, along with their friends and family.
There is a $10 entry fee and a $5 table rental fee.
Artists may arrive at 10:00am on August 20th to set up their tables. The Art Market will run from noon until 6pm. Spaces will be approximately 8ft. wide and will run along South Washington on the sidewalks. Spaces are first-come, first-serve on the day of the event. Artists who have special requests for space for a tent or a different exhibit space should indicate that when registering.
· We
are looking for a diverse array of vendors: fine art, crafts, food
goods,
jewelry, clothing, musicians, etc.
· Demonstrations welcome!
· All work sold must be made by the artist selling the work.
· Registration deadline: August 5th, 2005
Contact:
Julie Burtch
REO Town Commercial Association
1027 S. Washington
Lansing, MI 48910
(517) 485-2795
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Music Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations News, Events and Media
|  | | Collaboration .2 [call for entries]- Ben Gaydos [ 11/23/2004 - 14:18 ] #
Outside Circle Collective
Collaboration .2
Call For Entries
Members of Outside Circle Collective are invited to submit proposals for Collaboration .2,
an international travelling exhibition to begin mid-2005. Each entry
should be a proposed collaboration between two or more members (eg, a
musician and a painter, a web designer, a film maker and a dancer;
whatever fits). Please submit names and contact information
with a proposal of no more than three pages. Submissions may propose
work in any format, but no funding will be provided. All proposed work
must be self-financed.
Proposals can be emailed to info@outsidecircle.com or snail mailed to :
Outside Circle Collective
426 West Second St.
Rochester, MI USA 48307-1904
Submission Deadline is February 15, 2005. If you would like more information about the exhibition or Outside Circle Collective, send email or visit the website listed below.
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Culinary Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education Museums, Galleries and Centers OCC News Other
|  | discussion
- Yay! Thanks for the way prettier posting (and content!)
- [name not provided]
- i learned it by watching you.
- [ben] read more (2 total) |
| part hipster wig / part functional hat- Nick Gaydos [ 11/10/2004 - 13:45 ] #  Megan Reardon of Organized Knitter crafted this knitted wig/hat to get rid of neon yarn.
And although you won't be able to buy one, you can make one yourself. Megan posted detailed instructions on knitty.com.
Josh Rubin says it reminds both of Anime and " Lego Land citizen wear".
A little late for Halloween, but this is a darn cool do-it-yourself project for all you crafty OCC'ers.
[via Cool Hunting, Design Sponge and Core77]
Arts - Crafts
|  | discussion
- meow!!
- [Ande]
- damn, I want one.
- [stargrazer]
- you can have mine. it doesn.t fit any more.
- [ben]
- Oh my. This deserves a visual reply, but a link will suffice. http://swapatori...more
- [name not provided] read more (4 total) |
| east lansing art festival- Ben Gaydos [ 11/2/2004 - 07:28 ] # 42nd Annual East Lansing Art Festival Announces Call to Fine Artists, Fine Craftpersons & Emerging Artists
October 29, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich.- The East Lansing Art Festival is seeking fine artists, fine craftpersons and emerging artists for its May 21 & 22, 2005 Art Festival. This juried art festival, held in the streets of downtown East Lansing, welcomes 230 talented artists from across the United States and Canada and as many as 12 emerging artists affiliated (within 2-3 years) with any university, college or art school.
Rated as one of the top art festivals in the country, the East Lansing Art Festival draws an estimated attendance of 70,000 from across Michigan and the Midwest region. In addition to our artist exhibitors, the Festival features free performances on two stages, an international style food court, and a hands-on art activities area. Admission for festival attendees is free.
For more details, participation rules and applications, please visit our website at www.elartfest.com. If you are an emerging artist please click on 2005 emerging artist application link, and if you are a fine artist or fine craftsperson please click on 2005 artist application link.
If you would prefer to receive an application in the mail please provide name and mailing address to: East Lansing Art Festival, 410 Abbott Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, or call (517) 319-6804. Please mention which application you would like to receive.
Application deadline is January 14, 2005.
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Culinary Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education
|  | | Peace Art Project Cambodia- Chad Dally [ 10/26/2004 - 13:49 ] #
With all of the brewha surrounding the expiration of the U.S. ban on assault rifles, it's great to see something constructive being done with AK-47s and other weapons of collectively massive destruction...Based in Phnom Penh, the PAPC involves 23 students from Royal University of Fine Arts Phnom Penh. "The completed work is exhibited and sold to promote contemporary Cambodian art, young Cambodian artisans and a weapon free society in Cambodia and globally." Anyone know of a similar project in the States? If not, perhaps there should be...
You can check out some of the work, including sculpture and furniture(!) at: http://www.peaceartprojectcambodia.org/sculptureGallery/ and K4 Media at www.k4media.com

Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations
|  | discussion
- gives new meaning to "swords into plowshares," which i always thought...more
- [Ande]
- There was an artist, a fashion designer I think, who briefly used brightly color...more
- [stargrazer] read more (2 total) |
| The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death- Nick Gaydos [ 10/13/2004 - 16:12 ] #  It is so close to Halloween...
"In the 1940s, Frances Glessner Lee constructed incredibly-detailed and
spooky crime scenes in dollhouses to teach forensics to a homicide
investigation seminar.
The founder of Harvard's Department of Legal
Medicine, Lee was named an honorary captain of the New Hampshire state
police.
The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death is a book collecting
Corrine May Botz's fantastic photographs of Lee's macabre miniatures." [via boing boing]
Link to an online gallery of Botz's photos
Link to last week's NYT article about Lee
Arts - Crafts
|  | discussion
- nick- i think you made the link to this photo on flickr a private page.
- [ben] read more (1 total) |
| Art Serve Michigan- Ben Gaydos [ 9/24/2004 - 12:15 ] #
ArtServeMichigan.org is a good resource for Michigan-based artists.
Their mission:
ArtServe
Michigan supports and advocates for the arts and cultural education in the state of
Michigan. ArtServe Michigan accomplishes its mission by working with artists, educators,
cultural organizations, businesses, volunteers and others through statewide programs,
services and a variety of collaborative efforts.
Register online
for Michigan Artist Directory's free monthly email listing of
competitions, commissions, grants, calls for entries and job
opportunities.
Visit the gallery/members pages.
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Culinary Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education Employment and Work Museums, Galleries and Centers Reference
|  | discussion
- one problem i have with the Michigan Artist Directory is that is essentially a &...more
- [ben]
- This also means that anyone with $40 can be a member. Not to be elitist, but th...more
- [stargrazer]
- What I mean to say is that good art comes from all income levels, not just those...more
- [stargrazer] read more (3 total) |
| Critical Mass 2 - opening- Nick Gaydos [ 9/6/2004 - 16:45 ] # Outside Circle co-founder,  Ben
Gaydos, installed his multimedia exhibit this morning at Marygrove
College, in Detroit, Michigan. Sometimes he gets too bashful to toot
his horn.
Criticall Mass 2, is a juried exhibition organized by Flak Detroit, a creative collective much like Outside Circle. The opening performance is this coming Sunday and open for anyone who is interested in attending.
Details:
Opening Performances and Reception:
Sunday, September 12, 3pm - 6pm
Exhibit Dates:
September 7 - October 2, 2004
Locations:
The Gallery at Marygrove College
8425 W. McNichols
Detroit MI 48221
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5pm, Fri. 9-3pm, Sat. by appointment
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Cultures, Groups and Organizations Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media
|  | | Altered books...on purpose and unintentionally- Chad Dally [ 6/3/2004 - 17:48 ] #
In 2001, staff at the San Francisco library found that over 600 books on gay/lesbian issues, women's issues and HIV/AIDS were destroyed beyond repair (and the person responsible was charged with a hate crime). Rather than trash them, the damaged books were sent to artists around the world "in the hope of creating art out of this destructive act" and the exhibit was held in May. Slate.com has a slide show of some of the pieces at http://slate.msn.com/id/2098846/slideshow/2099007/fs/0/entry/2099001/
Dinners & Nightmares by Marlene Russum Scott
It reminded me of an exhibit held at Michigan State's Kresge Art Museum a couple of years ago from Ediciones Vigia, a Matanzas, Cuba publishing company "which brings together poets, writers, illustrators and designers. The small group of about fifteen people uses recycled and natural materials to create handmade books. Only 200 copies of each book are made, all produced at the same time, with each binding and text element added one-by-one." I'll admit, though,that pictures don't really do the works justice. There is also an International Society of Altered Book Artists which does this sort of thing as well (www.alteredbookartists.com)
cover design for Ediciones Vigia's 15th Anniversary Revista del Vigia by Rolando Estevez
Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Visual Cultures, Groups and Organizations Museums, Galleries and Centers
|  | discussion
- Nice find Chad! Thanks for sharing.
- [nick]
- I recommend checking out the book/installation artist Susan Hensel (...more
- [nick]
- Peter... my appologies. I was in the process of updating the link above and unfo...more
- [nick]
- nice find chad. very interesting stuff.
- [ben]
- No Problem, Nick...
- [stargrazer] read more (5 total) |
| Duane Hanson: Photographs, 1977-1995- Nick Gaydos [ 6/3/2004 - 09:50 ] # This exhibit is open June 5 - September 26, 2004:
"Duane Hanson was actually not a great photographer. He was a great sculptor who created unbelievably realistic life-size sculptures of average Americans. The photos are his "sketches," used to create the sculptures. They are on display for the first time ever outside New York.
This exhibit offers a rare window on Hanson's working methods and his sculptural journey into hyper-realism. More than 100 images represent the sum of his work and help structure an investigation on the relationship between photography, sculpture, art and life.
"Bodybuilder" (pictured here) was created in 1989, and is part of the Cranbrook Art Museum Collection. Also on display during the photography exhibit is "Businessman Reading" (1983), on loan from the Collection of Gilbert and Lila Silverman."
[via Great Stuff]
Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Visual Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media
|  | | jowai: the journal of words and images- Ben Gaydos [ 5/28/2004 - 03:29 ] #
jowai: the journal of words and images
is now available for your consumption. jowai is the outside circle
collective's publication documenting the creative work of it's
international membership. poetry, short story, essay, photography,
painting, mixed media, and graphic art created by OCC members from
3 continents is showcased within on 24 full-color pages. It is
available at several fine bookstores (more info to follow) or from OCC
members Nick Gaydos (US), Antonio Zirion (UK/EU, Mexico), Ben Gaydos (US, UK/EU, Asia) Julia Yezbick (UK/EU, Asia) and Nick Lyon (UK/EU). For more information or to place an order please email info[at]outsidecircle[dot]com.
jowai specifics:
- 24 pages of your full color art, photos, poems & stories (pages 2-3,4-5 shown)[3]
- Slip cover with transfer & origami [1]
- It transforms into two 2' x 3.5' murals
- Rubber band binding (removable pages) [2]
- Featured
artists: Jennifer Brigham, Noah Ullman, Julia Yezbick, Benjamin Gaydos,
Antonio Zirión, Nick Lyon, Scott McGlaughlin, Peter Richards, John
Lindenmayer, Nick Gaydos, Kristen Kaszeta, Rebecca Gaydos, Louis
Rawlins, Jan Fox, Joe Scott, Chris Vanwyck, Tim Lane, Sam Coffman,
Andrea Eckert, and Jeremy Couilard
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Criticism and Theory Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media OCC Artists OCC News Other Reference
|  | discussion
- jowai is available at magma books, manchester, a hearty visual arts and design s...more
- [ben]
- jowai is available in michigan at Shaman Drum bookstor in Ann Arbor, and Gallery...more
- [ben]
- contact info[at]outsidecircle[dot]com for more information.
- [ben] read more (3 total) |
| Fort Unit-Sun Location Announced- Peter Richards [ 5/25/2004 - 12:38 ] # OCC's second annual weekend retreat, Fort Unit-Sun, will be on fifteen wooded acres
outside the small village of Fife Lake, Michigan, late August or
early September. We hope to time things so that we are there in
the midst of northern Michigan's dramatic autumn color change.
Stay tuned for more details.
Our host will be the lovely and talented mixed-media artist Nick Fisher, who
we know for his wise and twisted take on the surreal and the
fantastic. Recently, Nick has also been producing some great poster designs:

Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Culinary Arts - Design Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual News, Events and Media
|  | discussion
- i'm hoping i can figure out the meaning behind the fort unit-sun title faster th...more
- [Ande]
- It ain't me, it ain't me...
- [stargrazer]
- Correction: 11 acres...
- [stargrazer]
- how about september 18th, which is a saturday and also happens to be my birthday...more
- [Ande]
- Check with Nick, but that date sounds good to me.I think we should brainstor...more
- [stargrazer]
- Looks like August 28-29 is the weekend for the retreat, renamed "Compound (x)."...more
- [stargrazer] read more (6 total) |
| Homemade Music- Peter Richards [ 2/18/2004 - 03:23 ] # There is exciting potential in the use of homemade musical instruments. There was a time in distant history when a musician began their career by fabricating their own instrument. Over time, instrument building has become its own specialized profession.
Kind of like the origins of the picture frame. Originally the gilt alcoves and shrines that religious paintings were displayed in, ornate frames then evolved to be carved by the painters themselves. Over time, it became its own separate specialization.
One that is still boxing us in.
What I want to know is: Have you ever designed, built, played, or recorded your own instrument? Do you know of artists or ensembles that perform on handbuilt instruments? And, are you interested in developing such an ensemble?
Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Music Arts - Performing
|  | discussion
- Yes, but only in small instances.For example, I made a little stretching...more
- [name not provided]
- Peter: I think there are two sides - manipulated instruments / pre-exising objec...more
- [nick]
- for me home made music has been more about appropriation than the actual constru...more
- [ben]
- nick is your "pen click" song up on the web?
- [ben]
- Whenever us Koreans get together to get drunk over good food, we always end up s...more
- [Jeanne]
- I think it could be rewarding to integrate homemade instruments into songs or im...more
- [stargrazer]
- Nick, I was thinking about your point, and that's true: many "homemade" instrum...more
- [stargrazer]
- Peter, I'd be interested in hearing more about the "Bazooka"... I had no clue!...more
- [nick]
- Let me look that one up again...I find myself taking a lot of delight in...more
- [stargrazer] read more (9 total) |
| the OCCswat team- Ben Gaydos [ 2/13/2004 - 12:01 ] #
is your life lacking excitement? adventure? a sense of purpose? if so, that's really too bad...
...anyway, we've devised the OCCswatteam to
spread the word about our artists and our collective: an elite force of
proactive art lovers who want to let people know that art is being
created every day- galleries are unvieling new work, music is
being performed, poets are speaking, films are being exhibited, dancers
are well, dancing, thespians are taking stage, web gurus are punching
new codes... and all that other important stuff we do as
artists.
we would like OCC members, across the globe, to spread the word locally. all you have to do to sign up is click my profile at the bottom of the screen, once on your profile page check off the OCCswatteam newsletter box and you're officially cool. we'll contact you and send you your official swatteam gear, which will include:
- OCC Fliers/Poster
- [mini] JOWAI, The Journal of Words and Images
- OCC stencil
- Personalized OCC "business" cards
- The OCC CD-Rom
sound wicked-cool? it probably is.
if you have any questions about life threatening obligations or sketchy covert operations you might be involved in contact ben@edict.com
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Culinary Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media OCC News Other
|  | discussion
- sweet! count me in for the UK distribution team!
- [pax]
- Thanks to the 6 of you who have signed up so far! We promise not to take advant...more
- [nick]
- we do?
- [ben]
- use me, abuse me. I'm really looking forward to that stencil!
- [stargrazer]
- One thing I can do is post links to juried shows in Michigan and the surrounding...more
- [stargrazer]
- Definitely Peter.
- [nick] read more (6 total) |
| the future is now- Ben Gaydos [ 1/3/2004 - 18:07 ] #
In
1969 Charles Eames sketched out a rough visualization of the design
process for an exhibition at the Lourve called "what is design?". It
consisted of three loose amoeba-like graphical elements floating in the
void of his sketchpad, overlapping, intersecting, and connecting to
create the most idyllic representation of what design should be. The
three layered forms respectively constitute the interests and concerns
of the designer, the genuine interest of the client, and concerns of
society as a whole. Where the subsets intersect lies the common ground
where designers can work with "conviction and enthusiasm". Like much of
the Eames' work, the beauty is found in the objects' duality. Floating
gorgeously in clarity and in the absence of pretense... churning below
are the complexities brought not only by the designer and the client,
but society as well. We as designers are given the daunting task of
mapping the blurred sovereignty where morals, economics, and personal
goals intersect.
We are at the beginning of a new epoch of
human viability, where all economies and ecologies are becoming
globalized, related and integrated. More than any other discipline,
design has placed us, for better of for worse, in this position. More
directly, for the last 100 years it has been graphic design acting as
the purveyor, instigator, and documentarian of cultural change.
Increasingly, however, graphic design has been depreciating its stock
as an art form by making itself available primarily as a commercial
tool. This, paired with the narrow selection of creative instruments
(primarily software), which we allow ourselves to use contributes to
the disposable conduit that makes up the majority of design encountered
daily. Craft and vocation are left behind, leaving the mass media with
unchallenging and comfortable design for the people. We
must seek to create work that is both visually and cognitively
demanding, but emotionally and intellectually rewarding.
By falsifying our skills as creative artists and knowingly swimming out to the undertow of an 'autistic economy',
where unemployment, inequality, and globalization prevail, finding the
area where the "designer can work with determination and enthusiasm"
becomes all the more difficult. We designers will not find it alone.
Working with colleagues both in and outside of the realm of visual
communications cultivates understanding. Collaborating with other
fields such as semiotics, social anthropology and linguistics, we
educate ourselves in the cultural values that give worth to human
life. We must seek to understand, study, and challenge how visual communication determines and reinforces cultural values.
The
collective conscious of the design community is beginning to reevaluate
its societal role. In his essay published by the American Institute of
Graphic Arts, The Citizen Designer, Rick Poyner states, "We must ensure
that design, as an interdisciplinary way of thinking, becomes an
integral and equal component of significant public initiatives."
melding such initiatives with our clients ideals and our morals, we can
better all parties involved. Through these means Eames' pluperfect land
seems all the more attainable. This is what we must seek.
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Culinary Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Criticism and Theory Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education Employment and Work History Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media OCC Artists Other Reference Technology, Computers and Internet
|  | discussion
- Ben, a very thought-provoking assessment!"Do not commit design in a vacuu...more
- [stargrazer]
- I like the use of this space for essays and comentary.
- [nick] read more (2 total) |
| birth of lego- Ben Gaydos [ 11/17/2003 - 07:28 ] #

whether or not we care to admit it, many of us are where we are at today because of legos. yes, i know, you may think that is a stretch, but i know that without those colorful bricks, i would not be the fine manipulator of visual space that i claim to be, and i wouldn't love the danes so much either. in my web hopping today i found out where they really come from: "they are scraped off the inside of magical trees by tiny danish elves, right?." not really... enjoy this trip to the lego factory: the making of a brick
"the making of brick" was created by flash animators extroardinaire, pop! lot's o' neat stuff there... check em out.
sidenote: in my search for a lego image i found this: the brick testament (yes lego bibletales). enjoy.
Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Education Other
|  | discussion
- neat stuff. this draws off of the retro - isometric, block - tech style. additi...more
- [nick]
- The flashing link thing is kind of irritating (but successful, as it gets my att...more
- [name not provided]
- the brick testament has to be one of the funniest projects I have ever scene! I...more
- [Ande] read more (3 total) |
| jowai > one week away!- Ben Gaydos [ 11/10/2003 - 08:51 ] #
 there is less than a week left to submit entries for the outside circle collective's publication, jowai: the journal of words and images. thanks to all those that have submitted work thus far. we've
got a healthy collection of photos, short stories and poems, but
we still want more! we are especially lacking in handmade art
(paintings/ sculpture/ collage/ drawings/ crafts/ etc). so if you've
got some work you haven't sent in yet, don't miss this opportunity to
get your art out there!
all entries can be emailed to ben@gaydos.org.
when emailing images, please keep the images hi-res
(+150dpi). the entrants will be notified
when published. questions? email ben (see address above).
entry deadline: nov15 (11.15.03)
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Criticism and Theory OCC News Other
|  | discussion
- It would be fun to print off the min-JOWAI, make a bunch of copies and distribut...more
- [stargrazer]
- If you are going "home" for the holidays, consider taking a stack of mini-JOWAIs...more
- [stargrazer]
- definietly! these are good ideas peter. thanks...
- [ben] read more (3 total) |
| the forest for the trees- Ben Gaydos [ 11/4/2003 - 17:25 ] #
in edinburgh there exists a forest: a self-funded, not-for-profit arts café and exhibition space, run and staffed by a collective of volunteers. the forest is an inspiring experiment in arts, food, public space & forum, entertainment, sustainablity, and community. the space the forest (housed in a former church) maintains a gallery, a café/bar, and a gathering area to eat/ sleep /study /converse. it is staffed by volunteers and entirely funded by the food sold off of their menu (the most expensive dish costs £3.50), all of which is either vegetarian or vegan, as well as fairly traded and ethically produced. sound too good to be true? the forest also provides:
Free Bike Hire : passport or credit card deposit required Free Sewing Machine : just in case Free Broadband Internet Access : limited to 15mins only when there is a queue Free Event Space : Host anything, see anything, all for nothin' Free Workshops : and any event you or your friends wish to have Ride Share Board : don't like it here, go someplace else Multi Media Facilities : Super8, 16mm, video and computer projection available Swap Board : change something old into something new Open Decks : just ask! Grants : up to £100 for worthy projects just submit a proposal
those that i talked with were quite interested in OCC as well as creating a dialogue between the two groups. they welcomed OCC's publication, jowai, and encouraged us to enter films in their film festival, and welcomed submissions for exhibition.
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|  | | 365 A PAGE IN MY BOOK- Mary Ann Mangano [ 10/27/2003 - 17:25 ] #
MY Idea
A Page In My Book
365
my experiment
one year long
Creativity of all types
short stories, photos, art, poems, etc...
You have one page to fill with anything you desire
send your ideas to apageinmybook@hotmail.com
one submission will be picked daily for 365 days
Announcements Artists Arts - Crafts Arts - Design Arts - Humanities and Literature Arts - Movies and Film Arts - Music Arts - Performing Arts - Visual Comedy and Humor Criticism and Theory Cultures, Groups and Organizations Education Employment and Work History Museums, Galleries and Centers News, Events and Media Other Reference Technology, Computers and Internet
|  | discussion
- mary ann, i took a digital photo of your flyer. if you would like to post it to...more
- [ben]
- This is a great idea! Are there any other criteria (i.e. one page per contribut...more
- [stargrazer] read more (2 total) |
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