entry 1

Last class I had a conversation with Jim and the class during crit,  discussing some dillemas that I have been wrestling with lately.  These discussions concluded with one theorectical problem of applied art vs fine art.  I suppose other designers this year have thought of this, but I have been considering it more now because of its relevance to thesis.  One point Jim brought up in reference to an image I had shown, was the use of photography to mediate these polarities in use of applied as well as fine art.  The book The Primer of Visual Literacy  by Donis A. Dondis has brought up some interesting points regarding Jim's suggestion. Dondis explains that "(photography) forms the final connecting link between the innate ability to see and the external capability to report, interpret, express what we see , without having to have special talent or extended training to effect the process. In print, language is the primary element, while visual factors, such as the physical setting or design format and illustration are secondary or supportive. In modern media, just the reverse is true. The visual dominates; the verbal augments.Dondis then explains the importance of these practices in relation to communication," Vision involves more that just seeing or being shown. It is an integral part of the communication process which encompasses all considerations of fine art, applied art, subjective expression, response to functional purpose."