Neglectful Blogger

Hello? Anyone still checking this blog?

Well, for those of you still reading, I'll try to update more often! I have some fun upcoming announcements, as well as a dash of "adventure" to throw into the mix (this blog is billed as "art and adventures" after all).

In the meantime, I've managed to have my Reading 'till Dawn drawing framed, and I think it looks pretty nice!



I've also been reading a really wonderfully illustrated book called Medieval Costume and Fashion by Herbert Norris. It seems like I've been learning all kinds of surprising things about medieval life lately, but what struck me most in this book was the amazing proclivity of crazy hats. Observe:



Age of Reason? Pah! Age of Exploration? Feh! Give me the Age of Hats any day.

Art Wanders

I guess you never know where things will end up. The other day I was surprised to learn that a "get well soon" card that I made for my dad (the same fellow mentioned in the last post) a few years ago somehow ended up on a website of medical terminology.

I wonder what having kids does to the idea of natural selection? Some guys can wake up, alert and ready for action, when they sense danger. these days I can actually sleep while small people jump up and down on my head.

Helvetica

My dad is an architect and he used to get some flak from us kids for keeping a book called "Properties of Cement" as bedside reading (though what could be more conducive to sleep?). Do we all become our parents?

Last week, thanks to Netflix, I watched a feature length documentary on the typeface called "Helvetica." Considering that this was an entire movie about a font, the film was far more fascinating than it had any right to be. I enjoyed every minute of Helvetica and, on the other hand, I couldn't even finish our other Netflix rental Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

There are ideas and philosophy behind everything, even the things you don't notice. I'm not sure I like what helvetica stands for. Helvetica is used more than any other font in existence and we see it thousands of times a day. It's like the triumph of beige in a world that cries out for color and meaning and depth.

On the other hand, there are things to admire about it. According to the documentary, the name "helvetica" is a latinized word meaning "the swiss typeface" and if nothing else Helvetica is almost quintessentially swiss. Precise, without frills or embellishment, perfect in its functionality.

If you have an interest in the look of the world around you, then check out Helvetica. (stills and clips/trailers)