Things About Talks.

Many years ago, a new friend asked what I was studying at Parsons School of Design. I told her Communication Design. She joked, “Really? Communication? You don’t even like to talk.” I reply, “Gal, the key word is DESIGN. So, I can communicate without TALKing.”

Years later, I started going to client meetings. Each time, my goal was to conduct the whole creative presentation in 4 words, “The work explains itself.” Of course, I would also throw in a big smile (… a form of visual communication).

Then, the “higher power” probably saw that I might never hit my “talking quota”, so it sent me two children. First I have to sing and read to them. Now, I have to talk (and repeat, then repeat again) to them.

I finally realized that it really take good effort and intelligence to talk interestingly. I had been good listener for so long… it had been the easy role: no risk of saying something wrong or boring, not much thinking involves other than sincere responses to the speaker.

Talking is a whole different ball game. It could be so dangerous. Just look at Sharon Stone’s Karma talk initiated hundreds of forum users taking sides attacking the US and Chinese governments in such an absurd way. There was just one actress made an improper remark (stupid verbal communication) while displayed a half-smiling face (heartless visual communication), and it almost started a war. Such an eye opener, stupid talks could be so powerful.

Did I say stupid twice? Sorry, I better talk nicely so good karma will come to me.

Idea is king? Or is it something else...

I made this print on exactly February 20, 2002, 8:02pm in the silkscreen lab at Parsons School of Design. The instructor said my idea was brilliant. I laughed. On the next day, I hanged it up on my metal cabinet with a piece of magnet. In no time, this print had become invisible to anyone – including myself.

A few years later, I learned about this artist called On Kawara. This painting is one of his Today series. Here is a quote from Wikipedia, “Since 1966 he has made a long series of "date paintings" (the Today series), which consist entirely of the date on which the painting was executed in simple white lettering set against a solid background. If Kawara is unable to complete the painting on the day it was started he immediately destroys it.” This work had been viewed / respected / sold / talked about throughout the art world around the globe.

Both of our work had similar kind of concept: To preserve the uniqueness of the moment. And mine, seems to me, has an extra twist of flavor on it. Why mine became unnoticed, and his became world-renowned? Simple. He treated his idea like a big deal. And I didn’t.

Okay, let me be more proactive this time. Later on, I will call up some clients to see if they are interested in hosting an evening event on:
20 08 (year)
20/08 (date/month)
20:08 (hour:minute)
So, at least I can design the invitation card with this “brilliant” graphic solution…… oh. damn… August 20 is a Wednesday… chance is slim… maybe I should host a party myself just so I can print that invitation… Who to say it is not worth it.