Artist's Annotated Bibliography —
Artists must read and write just as much as they create; the mental stimulation not only helps to break the "monotony of creation" but prods new ideas and growth. Listed here are a few of my favorite books and articles I've found interesting over time. I would like to post links to where the articles are available, but alas, this is not possible with all of them. Good luck finding those that sound interesting!
Copyright law seems to be different in the ethereal world of the Internet as opposed to the physical world. This essay touches base primarily on hotly debated MP3 and music files, but the copyright laws also apply to visual work as well as the written word. There are various problems in trying to protect something which can be copied thousands of time in mere seconds. Questions whether or not copyright law can survive such a dramatic new technology.
Suggests two principalities for judging 1) How complex a work of art is, and how 2) Complexity relates to the aesthetic appeal. Essay is heavy with what it calls "The Geometer's Approach" which contains many formulas for determining exactly how complex a work of art is then to determine its aesthetic measure
Describes the period of time in which pi became a world-wide entity. Rather than focus on a specifically Western mathematical study, there was more or less a comprehensive rennisance that occured in the East as well
There is too much emphasis on what portfolios exiting a design school look like, not what their content is. Most design schools focus on more students, and fatter portfolios, while others focus on less students with skimpy portfolios, neither producing students that are able to relate to issues outside of design. In the same mein, schools either produce students who know nothing but how to produce work on the computer, while the other school of thought teaches with a technophobic mentality.
An excellent introduction on the importance of the number ¹. It presents a more mathematical perspective yet touches on an annotated history of the number, its discovery, and the transcendental nature of the number. Though it does approach more lighthearted topics, it remains a good solid reference for ¹-related equations for the mathematically challenged.
Most interesting idea is that of the computer being a catalyst in the deconstructon of graphic design methods which have been around for years. Desktop publishing, i.e. the personal computer, desconstructs and essentially eliminates the grid from graphic design conventions. Methods which were originally devised to save money and time are possibly obselete as changes can be made instantaneously before expensive output occurs.
A lovely book which discusses the concept of "beauty," particuarly in items less frequently thought of as something to be admired. Primarily rides on the concept of "the marriage of simplicity and power.
Briefly brings up the interesting idea of science and art being related as they are acts of collecting. Information, ideas, and others are scraped together to form a collection to be analized by either other scientists/artists, or viewers.
Documents the history of typography from a highly westernized point of view, almost to the point of annoyance. While it brings up valid ideas about typography in a post-structuralist age with computers, it glorifies the myth of how Gutenburg singlehandedly invented the printing press and therefore saved the world from an age without the printed word.
An essay discussing the meaning of gallery space itself. Becomes more interesting nearing the end of the essay, as it begins a discussion of how artists and non-artists interpret the gallery as a forum for presenting artworks. Also addresses the idea of a gallery being a "canvas" whether physical or psychological, for art and ideas.
This essay defines white space as (when properly used) a design element itself. Rather than an absence, it is a presence; one that reflects high class, high design, and high value. Consider that white space is what you are "choosing not to print." But also consider that societies where total space is not at a premium white space is a luxury.
Why is information dumbed down for all audiences in all forms? Television has infiltrated the written word with its ability to chop information into tiny, digestable bits. While this may be fine for "Entertainment Weekly," which is not intellectual, it may become dangerous for textbooks, and other items intended to educate and challenge.
Brings up many important points about process, and finished product. Notably, the difference between craftsmanship and abstractionism. Also addresses how nature creates form and meaning.
Various essays in which the author brings to light the importance mathematics has as a language to describe nature. Concentrates on Chaos and Fractals as being a new and abstract language created to describe the indescribable world around us. Notably, it recognizes mathematics as a highly abstract and conceptual language, which is used to depict ideas and concepts which are not entirely tangible themselves.
Discusses the concept of li, an ancient Chinese concept which the author describes as the "manifestation of the gestalt." It relates closely to fractals and fractal form, yet describes them in a more "relatable" nature which appears less mathematic. The book acts as a sort of lexicon for classifying shapes which repeat themselves in various natural settings.
Discusses how prominant type should be in a typographic piece. Ideally, the type should not overwhelm, but act as an infrastructure to the ideas being communicated. Brings up interesting differences between "fine art" and "fine design" and acknowledges that there is a very fine line between the two.