I have written about this phenomenon in 2011. Now the University of California system, one of the most esteemed universities on earth, which includes UC Berkeley and UCLA, fell for this.
University of California Identity from University of California on Vimeo.
The reactions are very negative, to say the least.
Newser reports: "When the University of California unveiled its new logo, it probably wasn't expecting students and alumni reacting by Photoshopping it onto pictures of toilets about to be flushed. But that's exactly what happened."
And it unfortunately looks like a toilet with swirling water as it is being flushed.
What is interesting about this university rebranding trend of recent years is that (as amply illustrated here in the video) universities keep striking out symbols of learning (the book), intelligence (the rays of light), and tradition (1868, the founding year -- which is ancient by a West Coast standard) and coming up with the kind of designs only appropriate for mass merchandise (in the video, this is perhaps subconsciously demonstrated by a tote bag, flip-flops and a mug).
To make it worse, the colour scheme makes it all cheapened.
Perhaps in the brains of designers, the swirling "C" might have represented the moving circle that symbolizes a dynamic movement; but where does one see this moving, swirling, spinning "C" symbol? On a computer screen, it is a symbol of "loading please wait." In this age of broadband access and fast computing, such a symbol represents frustration.
I took a break from art between January and August 2012. I am working currently on a collaborative project around the theme of the femininity free from patriarchy. What would a world without patriarchy and rape culture look like? This project hopes to explore the intersection between feminism, queer identity, and femme identity, both in light of the competing modern/post-modern feminist analyses and the traditional/perennial Goddess mythos.
Also:
February 2013 solo show at TaborSpace (curated by Maggie Maggio).
December 2012: planning to enter in the Siren Nation group show.
Some quick drawing last night at the closing party of the Launch Pad Gallery. I had been away from both drawing and being drawn for a long time this year!
Also:
February 2013 solo show at TaborSpace (curated by Maggie Maggio).
December 2012: planning to enter in the Siren Nation group show.
Some quick drawing last night at the closing party of the Launch Pad Gallery. I had been away from both drawing and being drawn for a long time this year!
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| Miss Ang |
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| Miss Candice, with silly glasses |
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| Occupy Detroit (Photo credit: Cocoloco Photography) |
http://letterartpdx.iriscat.info
Perfect for shops and restaurants, zines, Occupy and other political sign-making/guerrilla art, and many other applications!
When: Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m.*
Where: TaborSpace ArtSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215
ADVANCE REGISTRATION HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPOT AND TO ORDER PROPER MATERIALS -- DROP-IN ALLOWED ONLY AS SPACES PERMIT (and it will be your responsibility to provide all the necessary materials).
* From 9 to 11 a.m. we will be meeting in the ArtSpace room of TaborSpace for initial instructions and demonstrations. You are encouraged to keep working on the project in the Copeland Commons thereafter. The instructor will be around until 4 p.m. for individualized assistance as you may require.
RSVP recommended, though not required, by email or by calling 503-427-8269.
There are still about 8 open spots as of April 18. Drop-in welcome as long as space permits. RSVP encouraged by email (use reply link) or phone (503) 427-8269.
Age 18 and up (or 13 and up with a paying adult over 18).
Cost $45 more or less - sliding-scale - materials not included (see below).
Bring your own supplies of black markers (fine and extra fine), "H" drawing pencils, a good artist-quality eraser, a straight ruler, and a few sheets of plain white paper (and blank greeting cards if you want to make greeting cards). I've Been Framed on SE Foster and 50th is a good place to shop for these.
Review of good handwriting
Basics of lettering (serif, sans serif, courier, clearview and script, as well as CJK, Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek and/or Hebrew characters as requested)
Create your own style and typefaces
Some classic styles from the Bible and other classical works: Uncial, Miniscule, German
Word art, illuminated manuscripts and embellished letters
Project: Create a hand-illuminated zine of wisdom (a group project) and your own greeting cards (an individual project).
Instructor: Sarah Morrigan http://iriscat.weebly.com/hand-drawn-art-menu-boards.html
Age: 18 and up (13 and up if accompanied by a responsible adult over 18).
Cost: $45 more or less (sliding-scale)
Registrations are non-refundable but transferrable at attendees' responsibility.
The Portlandia show says "put a bird on it"; I put a cat on it. Happy Caturday!
About the handmade book: This measures about 3 inches by 2 inches (the inside page height is about 2.5 inches), and pages and covers are hand-sewn (I broke one needle while doing it).
I was at the 2012 Gender Studies Symposium yesterday at Lewis & Clark College yesterday. Now one of the major campus events in the L&C calendar each year, this symposium showcases student researches in the fields of feminist/women's studies, queer studies, and related fields. One of the last events I attended was
5:30-7:00 pm, Gregg Pavilion
Radical Domesticity: A Craftivism Workshop
Facilitated by L&C seniors Stephanie Levine and Kathryn Kucera
From male knitters in the American Revolution to third-wave feminists reclaiming The New Domesticity, crafting has consistently been part of American culture or counter-culture. For generations, crafters have rejected modern modes of production and opted for traditional techniques in order to maintain a tactile relationship with the world and objects around them.
Following a short presentation, we will turn crafting theory into practice and make journals using recycled materials. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
To make it all short, the presentation focused on the contemporary resurgence of the Arts and Crafts movement aided by virtual and local socialization of the DIY arts and crafts activities, and how this may or may not be similar to the late 1870s-1890s British and American Arts and Crafts movement. Levine helpfully noted the major difference between the British and American manifestations of the movement, whereas the former is closely tied to the class struggle and Marxist social movement in resistance to the dehumanization created by the second industrial revolution, and resulting detachment of the humans from their products and production process, while the latter fell nicely into the American psyche of self-reliance and rugged individual freedom.
The DIY ethos has been one of the cornerstones of the contemporary anarchist and anarcho-punk movements that have greatly influenced the Occupy movement, as well. Indeed, the Occupation encampments everywhere utilized this hands-on, DIY approach in the building and upkeep of the camps.
Occupy and put a cat on it!
PLEASE NOTE THE IMPORTANT SCHEDULE CHANGE
Learn the art of hand-lettering (Portland, Oregon)
Perfect for shops and restaurants, zines, Occupy and other political sign-making/guerrilla art, and many other applications!
When: Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m.*
Where: TaborSpace ArtSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215
ADVANCE REGISTRATION HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPOT AND TO ORDER PROPER MATERIALS -- DROP-IN ALLOWED ONLY AS SPACES PERMIT (and it will be your responsibility to provide all the necessary materials).
* From 9 to 11 a.m. we will be meeting in the ArtSpace room of TaborSpace for initial instructions and demonstrations. You are encouraged to keep working on the project in the Copeland Commons thereafter. The instructor will be around until 4 p.m. for individualized assistance as you may require.
RSVP recommended, though not required, by email or by calling 503-427-8269.
There are still about 8 open spots as of April 18. Drop-in welcome as long as space permits. RSVP encouraged by email (use reply link) or phone (503) 427-8269.
Age 18 and up (or 13 and up with a paying adult over 18).
Cost $45 more or less - sliding-scale - materials not included (see below).
Bring your own supplies of black markers (fine and extra fine), "H" drawing pencils, a good artist-quality eraser, a straight ruler, and a few sheets of plain white paper (and blank greeting cards if you want to make greeting cards). I've Been Framed on SE Foster and 50th is a good place to shop for these.
- Review of good handwriting
- Basics of lettering (serif, sans serif, courier, clearview and script, as well as CJK, Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek and/or Hebrew characters as requested)
- Create your own style and typefaces
- Some classic styles from the Bible and other classical works: Uncial, Miniscule, German
- Word art, illuminated manuscripts and embellished letters
- Project: Create a hand-illuminated zine of wisdom (a group project) and your own greeting cards (an individual project).
Age: 18 and up (13 and up if accompanied by a responsible adult over 18).
Cost: $45 more or less (sliding-scale)
Registrations are non-refundable but transferrable at attendees' responsibility.
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