the song is 'train of thought' by mother mother, a canadian indie rock band
Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Contrary to Popular Belief
I was not under the influence of illegal substances when this was conceived.
if i ruled the internet by ~yokotei on deviantART
I was, however, sleep deprived and sugar/caffeine high.
if i ruled the internet by ~yokotei on deviantART
I was, however, sleep deprived and sugar/caffeine high.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Why, Gap, Why???
Gap changed its logo. and it looks like crap.
Prior to this watching parts of Helvetica (the movie) in class, I didn't have a problem with the font, and I still don't. But in the case of this logo (which affects me personally, because i have a part time job at a gap subsidiary) it looks like crap. The old logo felt very mature and respectable, actually reflecting the characteristics for which the clothing brand is appreciated, but this is just so neutral and pales in comparison.
if they had at least gone with a look more reminiscent of the first gap's storefront, it wouldn't be awful. at least that looks modern. Again, in comparison, the helvetica looks tired.
(photo courtesy Carnesaurus on Flickr)
And why the tiny gradiated square? It looks shy and uncomfortable in that corner
Prior to this watching parts of Helvetica (the movie) in class, I didn't have a problem with the font, and I still don't. But in the case of this logo (which affects me personally, because i have a part time job at a gap subsidiary) it looks like crap. The old logo felt very mature and respectable, actually reflecting the characteristics for which the clothing brand is appreciated, but this is just so neutral and pales in comparison.
if they had at least gone with a look more reminiscent of the first gap's storefront, it wouldn't be awful. at least that looks modern. Again, in comparison, the helvetica looks tired.
(photo courtesy Carnesaurus on Flickr)And why the tiny gradiated square? It looks shy and uncomfortable in that corner
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Single Shots of Wisdom from Derek Sivvers
Our assignment this week was to watch a TED talk and review/ share our thoughts about it. After wasting dutifully viewing a handful of videos for about an hour, I settled on the short but inspiring talks but Derek Sivvers. He seems like a cool guy – started his own record company by accident – and upon further research I found that he also has a blog of inspiring stories and lessons, some of which are based on his TED talks.
His three talks, “Weird, or Just Different?”, “How to Start a Movement”, and are all based partly on conventional wisdoms, partly on personal observation, and a little bit on a ‘recent study’.
His first speech, “Weird, or Just Different?”, not only educated me on the street system used in Japan (did you know they name their blocks, rather than their streets?) but emphasized the importance of being open to information that challenges that to which you may be accustomed; in other words, “whatever you learn somewhere, it might be the opposite somewhere else”.
“How to Start a Movement” was actually quite entertaining – after initially watching the TED talk, I found it on Sivvers’ personal website and viewed the narrated version of the video, which features a shirtless dancing guy. Sivvers emphasizes that while he will be named the leader, and remembered as ‘beginning’ the giant dancing crowd that forms around him, his true functions are: A) to inspire a single individual, who becomes the ‘follow’, and B) to nurture that ‘follower’ by encouraging them in their fellowship
It’s just plain funny, but still has enough going on to have substance.
“Keep Your Goals to Yourself” is kind of self explanatory – Using findings from ‘recent psychology tests’ (quotation marks because anything citing a recent study really needs better citations) and the 20th century writings and findings of several psychologists, including Peter Gollwitzer, who conducted the recent tests (Qualifier! Eh? Ehhh?) Sivvers explains that you shouldn’t share your goals, and “if you do need to talk about something, you can state it in a way that gives you no satisfaction”. I have definitely been having this problem lately with class, between procrastinating and general time management failure. So quit asking me what I plan on doing for my next piece :P
In other news, now that I’m aware of it, I’ve been seeing TED talks everywhere on the Internet. Mrs Q. posted the cutest Texan kid talking about organic food here, and the hilarious but offensive LATFH.com called out this mutton-chopped robotics engineer here.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Freshman Lecture Review
This Week: Douglas Bucci, who hangs out/teaches in the metals department here at Tyler.
1. He's accesible. One of the reasons I chose to attend Tyler is for the jewelry/metals/cad/cam program: I attended a small metals and jewelry making class at Moore College for two consecutive summers, and was smitten with the idea of all the new and shiny 'toys' in this department. While i haven't done any serious metalwork in a while, I'm still quite enamor with the idea of taking a jewelry class here at Tyler. now that he's been introduced, i feel that Doug will be more approachable.
his work itself is also accessible, both the commercial (which is easily identifiable, even for a shut-in like myself) and personal (which caters to a more specific audience, but is very relatable).
2. embracing discomfort. i've noticed in my own experience - being dissatisfied with your work means that you are doing something right. this is not to be confused with doing something at the last minute and 'settling' for the result ( something of which I've been guilty on recent occasion). It's bizarrely comforting to know that this is the way a professional perceives things as well. and he also drew a line between comfort and discomfort - putting his family first, being in Philadelphia, all while pushing himself to do more artistically.
3. his work is truly personal, without becoming static. The pieces he makes focus on a central theme in his life - his dealing with Diabetes. So they're all connected in that way, but especially with the printed pieces he's produced most recently, are complimented by the technology he's exploring.
No Lecture Next Week? No Review Next Week
1. He's accesible. One of the reasons I chose to attend Tyler is for the jewelry/metals/cad/cam program: I attended a small metals and jewelry making class at Moore College for two consecutive summers, and was smitten with the idea of all the new and shiny 'toys' in this department. While i haven't done any serious metalwork in a while, I'm still quite enamor with the idea of taking a jewelry class here at Tyler. now that he's been introduced, i feel that Doug will be more approachable.
his work itself is also accessible, both the commercial (which is easily identifiable, even for a shut-in like myself) and personal (which caters to a more specific audience, but is very relatable).
2. embracing discomfort. i've noticed in my own experience - being dissatisfied with your work means that you are doing something right. this is not to be confused with doing something at the last minute and 'settling' for the result ( something of which I've been guilty on recent occasion). It's bizarrely comforting to know that this is the way a professional perceives things as well. and he also drew a line between comfort and discomfort - putting his family first, being in Philadelphia, all while pushing himself to do more artistically.
3. his work is truly personal, without becoming static. The pieces he makes focus on a central theme in his life - his dealing with Diabetes. So they're all connected in that way, but especially with the printed pieces he's produced most recently, are complimented by the technology he's exploring.
No Lecture Next Week? No Review Next Week
Friday, October 1, 2010
Freshman Lecture Review
This week we had the pleasure of listening to a talk by Marianne Dages.
things i liked:
1. Her talk was geared toward teaching us how to function as artists in the Real World. It felt as relevant as it most likely is. Especially her advice to start thinking about things now. I know a lot of my classmates, and myself, are still just mentally floating along, not sure which particular direction to commit to, and that's fine and dandy, but once I decide (and I'm itching to do so) I completely plan to kick my life into high gear. I've also had that same vague idea of 'sitting in a huge space, just thinking', but as for accesorizing - I'm interesting in fibers and small metalwork, which require lots of equipment - I'm going to start thinking and making shopping lists. I actually love making lists and then not doing anything on them. So much that I've though of getting a cute 'to do list' tattoooed on my arm! :) but i don't like tattoos otherwise.
2. Variety Ms. Marianne didn't just talk about her experience - she referred to friends and other artists that inspired her, all of which have/are finding means and spaces to make their art, and make the most of it. It's good to have options and she showed plenty of them. I particularly liked the Residencies, because it kind of reminded me of why I chose to live on campus - to concentrated on my work. though of course, it's not like 100% Frozen Concentrate.
3.Personal story. I felt Ms. Marianne had a good balance of other's she is influenced by, to that of her own experience. And in contrast, her own experience felt ore valuable. she also talked a lot ab out process, how she began out of school and got to where she is now, and treated her story as it is - a work in progress. She gave me the impression of being an extremely well rounded person.
Next Week: Douglas Bucci!
things i liked:
1. Her talk was geared toward teaching us how to function as artists in the Real World. It felt as relevant as it most likely is. Especially her advice to start thinking about things now. I know a lot of my classmates, and myself, are still just mentally floating along, not sure which particular direction to commit to, and that's fine and dandy, but once I decide (and I'm itching to do so) I completely plan to kick my life into high gear. I've also had that same vague idea of 'sitting in a huge space, just thinking', but as for accesorizing - I'm interesting in fibers and small metalwork, which require lots of equipment - I'm going to start thinking and making shopping lists. I actually love making lists and then not doing anything on them. So much that I've though of getting a cute 'to do list' tattoooed on my arm! :) but i don't like tattoos otherwise.
2. Variety Ms. Marianne didn't just talk about her experience - she referred to friends and other artists that inspired her, all of which have/are finding means and spaces to make their art, and make the most of it. It's good to have options and she showed plenty of them. I particularly liked the Residencies, because it kind of reminded me of why I chose to live on campus - to concentrated on my work. though of course, it's not like 100% Frozen Concentrate.
3.Personal story. I felt Ms. Marianne had a good balance of other's she is influenced by, to that of her own experience. And in contrast, her own experience felt ore valuable. she also talked a lot ab out process, how she began out of school and got to where she is now, and treated her story as it is - a work in progress. She gave me the impression of being an extremely well rounded person.
Next Week: Douglas Bucci!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Narwhals Are No Laughing Matter
A class assignment. hopefully it is as obscene as it is nonsensical - I like to think that the two balance each other out. And describe me in the process.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Freshman Lecture Review
This Week, Candy Depew talked about stuff. Most of Which had nothing to do with the studio.
Things i liked:
1. All of her work was eyecatching. especially the calcite skulls.
2. She does a lot of collaborations. and had interesting stories about them.
3. She had a lot of cool places that she visited, to talk about.
Some of the installations and work she did were fascinating, However, by 11:15 or thereabouts, she only mentioned a few things about her 'studio model', the apprentice system. i didn't feel as informed as i did entertained, but after 45 minutes the novelty wore thin.
Things i liked:
1. All of her work was eyecatching. especially the calcite skulls.
2. She does a lot of collaborations. and had interesting stories about them.
3. She had a lot of cool places that she visited, to talk about.
Some of the installations and work she did were fascinating, However, by 11:15 or thereabouts, she only mentioned a few things about her 'studio model', the apprentice system. i didn't feel as informed as i did entertained, but after 45 minutes the novelty wore thin.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Freshman Lecture Review
Things I liked this week:
1. Peter Hanley's Mohawk. Not often you see a dude whose obviously over 30, has a Mohawk and doesn't look awful. Double props for an bilateral symmetry.
2. Prezi saw this program in use a few weeks ago while undercover with some friends, and i must say, it is very aesthetically pleasing, and feels a lot more efficient than powerpoint.
3. The Studio not as a location but as a state of mind, per say - I feel like i'm starting to get a sense of this living here on campus. It's not like i can work in the room, there's not enough space, and too many distractions. In Peabody's basement studio, i'm probably just as distracted, but it's an inspiring kind of distraction, because there's room to spread out, and like-minded individuals ( collaborators, per say) with which to share ideas, and from whom to get pre-critiques (I say pre-critique because they help you prepare for the big ones in class.)
I didn't feel that Hanley was as strong of a speaker as Blahn or Girard, but that's alright because the most important thing they are bringing to the table here is their ideas. and it was kind of amusing that his digital presentation was very conversational, in the sense that him talking and his writing sound pretty much the same.
Next week : some lady whose name escapes me!
1. Peter Hanley's Mohawk. Not often you see a dude whose obviously over 30, has a Mohawk and doesn't look awful. Double props for an bilateral symmetry.
2. Prezi saw this program in use a few weeks ago while undercover with some friends, and i must say, it is very aesthetically pleasing, and feels a lot more efficient than powerpoint.
3. The Studio not as a location but as a state of mind, per say - I feel like i'm starting to get a sense of this living here on campus. It's not like i can work in the room, there's not enough space, and too many distractions. In Peabody's basement studio, i'm probably just as distracted, but it's an inspiring kind of distraction, because there's room to spread out, and like-minded individuals ( collaborators, per say) with which to share ideas, and from whom to get pre-critiques (I say pre-critique because they help you prepare for the big ones in class.)
I didn't feel that Hanley was as strong of a speaker as Blahn or Girard, but that's alright because the most important thing they are bringing to the table here is their ideas. and it was kind of amusing that his digital presentation was very conversational, in the sense that him talking and his writing sound pretty much the same.
Next week : some lady whose name escapes me!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Freshman Lecture Review
things i enjoyed about last weeks lecture:
1. Phillip Blahn was seriously entertaining; an engaging speaker and had an awesome accent! I studied german for a few years in high school and kind of regret that i didn't keep up with it (had to choose between that and art class) but it's still fun to listen to people who are german, speak it and mix the language with their english, because occasionally i understand what they mean without having to think too hard about it.
2. The Bauhaus Structure I didn't understand exactly what a Bauhaus was until this lecture ; I've come across it researching Robert Raushenberg Last Spring (he attended Black Mountain College, which under the direction of Josef Albers was in the fashion of the Bauhaus) but didn't really understand what it meant. something to do with architecture or studio space? this talk really shed some light on the subject for me, and actually got me excited about the structure of the school. however, i don't feel it is practical for me personally, or to restructure Tyler with the Bauhaus model - it would interrupt the flow of things, for sure.
3. Modernism I had no idea where this movement started!I thought it was an offshoot of Art Deco (though i'm still under the impression that this was a movement in the realm of Decor and architecture - where do those lines meet?) but this totally shed some light on the matter for me. Like the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, there's a definite sense of utility, while still being almost ahead of it's time and therefore without time. it's complicated.
next time- Peter Hanleys take on Studios ( or lack thereof)
Read-Write Culture, Copyright, and You
One phrase I have been reconsidering lately: "Intellectual Property", and maybe even "Artistic License". They're vaguely synonymous, right?
Since we watched Larry Lessig's TED talk on Creativity and Copyright Laws in class, I've thought about what it means to own something that is available on the internet. If somebody takes your 'work' or property and distributes it in it's original form, then what rights should the original owner have over it? I'm not even sure. It feels as if the 'professional' circles that generate media should be subject to the idea of 'fair use'; but as the same time when an amateur's work is used 'with permission' for commercial purposes, it feels equally wrong and if you look at it this way, the logical ( but not necessarily satisfactory) conclusion is mutual exlcusion. in short, i don't really know which side to join.
back in 2007 when the internet meme, or fad, known as "rickrolling" came into popularity, there was much talk about whether or not Rick astley, the original artist of the song, might release remixes or some other ploy with which to seek a profit from the revival of popularity of his song. he had this to say about it in an interview with the la times:
Since we watched Larry Lessig's TED talk on Creativity and Copyright Laws in class, I've thought about what it means to own something that is available on the internet. If somebody takes your 'work' or property and distributes it in it's original form, then what rights should the original owner have over it? I'm not even sure. It feels as if the 'professional' circles that generate media should be subject to the idea of 'fair use'; but as the same time when an amateur's work is used 'with permission' for commercial purposes, it feels equally wrong and if you look at it this way, the logical ( but not necessarily satisfactory) conclusion is mutual exlcusion. in short, i don't really know which side to join.
back in 2007 when the internet meme, or fad, known as "rickrolling" came into popularity, there was much talk about whether or not Rick astley, the original artist of the song, might release remixes or some other ploy with which to seek a profit from the revival of popularity of his song. he had this to say about it in an interview with the la times:
“I don’t really know whether I want to be doing that[cash in on Rickrolling],” he said. “ I’m not being an ageist, but it’s almost a young person’s thing, that.”
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sonntag Nachmittag das Abenteuer
aka the Sunday Afternoon Adventure!
This past Sunday I had a dilemma - I was up very late working on my piece for Drawing class, but it was on Newsprint (The runt of the paper litter) and that Just Would Not Do. Mostly Because Rubens ( my teacher...professor...instructor? whatever you call them in university) had said to use good paper, which i obviously had not. Now the following morning (still Sunday) I was regretting my decision to use this paper, and decided to go down to Utrecht to get something more substantial.(see last post for the drawing in question)
At the same time I was running out of yarn for a project I'm doing in my spare time, and the only place in the city I know/like that stocks it is Rosie's Yarn Cellar. And for the hell of it, I wanted to check out other yarn stores along South Street.
So I ended up taking the bus to the Convention Center - not South Street- only to check a Walk Philadelphia map and realize I need to go eight more blocks.
So I headed south, looking for the address to Nangellini and ended up around The Hospital at UPenn - on Spruce Street, not South Street - and asked for directions.
Finally I made it to Nangellini - on South Street - and ogled yarn, but since they didn't have what I needed, I moved on. However, They sell other awesome clothes/knitting related stuff/art, so once I figure out how to ride the bus this'll be my new favorite store. :)
My next Destination was Loop, a yarn shop in the Rittenhouse District - twelve blocks away, but on South Street - I walked the whole way across and saw some hilarious things, inlucding Harry's Occult Supplies and some street art. Loop was like a very modern boutque, but for yarn. unfortunately they didn't have what I need either; that's all I have to say about that. So I moved on to Rosie's. And of course, exactly what i needed was right on the shelf, so soon as I walked in the door.
I went to Utrecht afterward to get my paper, and congratulated myself for a Mission Accomplished by getting myself a Chai Latte (aka Nectar of the Gods) form Dunkin Donuts, and went and sipped it in Rittenhouse Square.
fin
This past Sunday I had a dilemma - I was up very late working on my piece for Drawing class, but it was on Newsprint (The runt of the paper litter) and that Just Would Not Do. Mostly Because Rubens ( my teacher...professor...instructor? whatever you call them in university) had said to use good paper, which i obviously had not. Now the following morning (still Sunday) I was regretting my decision to use this paper, and decided to go down to Utrecht to get something more substantial.(see last post for the drawing in question)
At the same time I was running out of yarn for a project I'm doing in my spare time, and the only place in the city I know/like that stocks it is Rosie's Yarn Cellar. And for the hell of it, I wanted to check out other yarn stores along South Street.
So I ended up taking the bus to the Convention Center - not South Street- only to check a Walk Philadelphia map and realize I need to go eight more blocks.
So I headed south, looking for the address to Nangellini and ended up around The Hospital at UPenn - on Spruce Street, not South Street - and asked for directions.
Finally I made it to Nangellini - on South Street - and ogled yarn, but since they didn't have what I needed, I moved on. However, They sell other awesome clothes/knitting related stuff/art, so once I figure out how to ride the bus this'll be my new favorite store. :)
My next Destination was Loop, a yarn shop in the Rittenhouse District - twelve blocks away, but on South Street - I walked the whole way across and saw some hilarious things, inlucding Harry's Occult Supplies and some street art. Loop was like a very modern boutque, but for yarn. unfortunately they didn't have what I need either; that's all I have to say about that. So I moved on to Rosie's. And of course, exactly what i needed was right on the shelf, so soon as I walked in the door.
I went to Utrecht afterward to get my paper, and congratulated myself for a Mission Accomplished by getting myself a Chai Latte (aka Nectar of the Gods) form Dunkin Donuts, and went and sipped it in Rittenhouse Square.
fin
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