An Interactive Sketchbook

As I created my sketchbook for the Art House Coop's Sketchbook Project, I wanted to include an aspect of interactivity in it.

I'm pleased to report that someone has contributed an idea to my search for a typographic tattoo! I now have the addition of Lubalin's ampersand (centre image). And ironically, it happened during the South by Southwest Interactive festival.

If you live in any of the cities included on the tour, please take some time to check my book out (and contribute)!

Photos courtesy of Zach Bulick

Another round of introductory typography means another set of journals. This class did not disappoint with their varied explorations (from hand-rendered, to stitched or embossed and collages). It's always delightful to see people come to a new understanding of and appreciation for effective communication. But I also just love the way it let's them explore their own creativity.

In my ongoing research, I came across this beautiful work by Elise Rijnberg. The pattern is made with subtle embroidery and meant to educate on the western traditions of dining.

Reading Robert Bringhurst's words about typography could be compared to savoring a glass of fine wine: the notes are layered so you don't want to rush it.

"Letters are microscopic works of art as well as useful symbols. They mean what they are as well as what they say. Typography is the art and craft of handling these doubly meaningful bits of information. A good typographer handles them in intelligent, coherent, sensitive ways."

"Typography is to literature as musical performance is to composition: an essential act of interpretation, full of endless opportunities for insight or obtuseness."

The pictures above show:
1) some student work after only one class of introductory typography
2) a graphic designer in rural Africa

Every time I sit down to prepare for this course, I am reminded of the complexity of language. I'm sure I could write a diatribe on the topic. From being in Rwanda (where I didn't speak the language I needed) to being in Canada (where I aim to teach students how to use the language they know), I am amazed by the common challenge we face: to make and show the meaning of our words.

Afrikan Alphabets

This makes me happy.
The book.

The Girl Effect

Using the medium as the message

I love this work of Julius Popp. It demonstrates to me how the use of message with a medium can have profound impact. I'm curious about a similar translation when working on design for development. When one is seeking to survive, can the solution be messaged through art and technology? If so, how?

You Make Me

While in London, I visited the Tate Modern (I could seriously move in there!). While Christopher Wool was not exhibiting during my visit, I did take note of this postcard and have become quite drawn to his typographic work as an example of how communication design and art merge.

Friday Afternoon, Just Because

These are some things I'm noticing.
That seem to be shaping my thoughts about my project for the applied part of my studies.







And this.

Telling stories with type

I'm curious about how text holds authority. Of late, I've been reading Heidegger's What is Called Thinking? and J.L. Austin's book, How To Do Things With Words. Both these writers challenge some commonplace notions about how we interpret the information offered to us. In light of my curiosities about sustainability and the way it is revealed, these writings become interesting forays into some philosophical underpinnings of my research.


You can see this work in action by downloading the version that suits your operating system. Poetic and typographic delights.

We must guard against the blind urge to snatch at a quick answer in the form of a formula. (Heidegger)

Can saying making it so? (Austin)