Jack Kerouac - The Beat Generation

I adore the energy in this piece that Kerouac paints with words. This may prove useful for members of the group chasing a narrative structure.

sculpting the inevitable part two

The design is almost complete. I have a strong cover suitable to the content. It frustrates me that progress is slow, the task a constant battle of trial and error. Will the Canford Snow White complete the look? Print quality must be the staple, everything else is secondary. The book consumes me.

Below are images and notes documenting the design process in hand with noted whims and additional research. My mind skips from one to the other, always looking for the next project. Also present is a list of local book binders that I've been encouraged to approach as they may be able to offer advice on materials, or even create a final piece beyond my own ability. Though I am sceptical of the costs entailed, the book is the key and a professional finish is desirable. If I am unable to sculpt it myself I may pursue these avenues.

I've been encouraged to approach local book binders

Design for book cover

Design for book cover

why make art?

“If you’re not dispossessed why make art?” Mike Mills



A film that caught my eye recently is Beautiful Losers. It’s a documentary about a group of artists who came to fruition in NYC through various subculture movements in the early 1990’s. The documentary explores the lives and careers of the artists within the group, interviewing several of its members, including; Phil Frost, Chris Johanson, Margaret Kilgallen, Harmony Korine, Mike Mills and Ed Templeton. There are also sections within the feature that observe how the group exhibits its work and the preparation that goes into holding these exhibits.

It is now being streamed in several parts at Babelgum Metropolis,
www.babelgum.com/beautifullosers

I feel the documentary provides a powerful insight into a myriad of art mindsets, as well as shedding light on self promotion and exhibiting art. All of which can prove beneficial for our own artistic endeavours and group exhibition.

the nature of the beast

The full versatility of this blog and its dashboard interface have yet to be fully utilised, and my lack of knowledge may mislead my observations. I am intent on understanding the device and will continue to post evidence of my thought process towards this goal.


Screen shot of Blogger Dashboard

Screen shot of Blogger Dashboard with Auto Save feature

Screen shot of Blogger Preview feature

The dashboard proves a smooth friendly interface. Writing a blog post is a simple process, with “Preview” and “Save Now” features providing a pivotal flexibility. A blogger does not have to rush writing a post, as there is an auto save feature that stores content so that it can be observed or edited at a later date, or worry over how their post will be presented, as the unforeseen is quickly dispelled with the “Preview” button. Further structures to save confusion can be found in the colours of the “Publish Post”, in orange, “Save Now” & “Preview” buttons, in blue, bellow the compose post window. The colours contrast nicely against each other but remain unthreatening with the orange implying a passive immediacy. Placing the “Publish Post” in its own colour also supports the individual nature of the post, a position of standing out from the crowd, a unique identity that then transfers to the publisher of the post. There is also a strong link between the orange in “Publish Post” and the colour of the Blogger logo, found at the top of the page, which enforces the Blogger brand and suggests a higher authority overshadowing the individual nature of the publisher, whilst retaining a strong and reassuring sense of community.  

I enjoy the minimalist design of the compose post window as it makes for easy navigation. Its use of picture icons to promote editing features also heightens this usability. So far I have found blogging to be a smooth and enjoyable experience.

a leap into fresh air

My initial scepticism has subsided. This electronic entity harbours my thoughts. The fresh air becomes my muse.