The Library of Babel, by Jorge Louis Borges

My first read through of the text was a struggle and so my initial reaction was 'needs styling up, graphics and emphasis of key points' – this angle was for purely selfish reasons – I felt it was hard to read and needed some simplification for myself! However as the request wasn't to style up the text but to find a theme of interest and follow I resisted from doing the obvious.

An initial thought that came to mind was to explore other authors that I find easier to read. I like the lighthearted Sci Fi of Douglas Adams and found a nice quote in response to Borges enquiry into the meaning of the universe:


Although I love this quote, I felt that this wasn't necessarily the best 'visual' response so continued thinking about themes from the text.

Mathematics in Art
I found patterns and mathematics introduced through the text quite interesting. The matter of infinity is a constant theme. Through discussion with friends, it was suggested that perhaps all the text in the library equates to Pi with a base of 25? Obviously my friends are far more intelligent than I. Some visuals I found of interest whilst considering mathematics and geometry in art:

This visual from Graphis Diagram (1974) I find very interesting. The 'illusion' of infinity and display as an infographic links my previous study with my current module. The matter of sensory illusion is something I would like to consider further.

The traditional infinity sign (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=25666747/) could be another route however is almost a little obvious.

I also came across some beautiful work by artist Emma Kunz http://www.emma-kunz-zentrum.ch/e/index_e.html?#galerie which I found to be both soothing and complex.
Emma Kunz was also a 'healer' and researcher and used her art as a method to display her research.

I also spent some considering how the circular book could be visualised. Initially I felt this could work well as shaped paper (see http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/06/25/what-to-do-with-old-books/) however this was purely for visual interest and I soon changed my mind as to how to reflect the book.

As the book reflects 'infinity', it could take a different from than a traditional book. The use of a Zoetrope could potentially indicate infinity.

The whole process has led to some deep conversations with friends. A quote of my boyfriends that I felt held some interest:
“the universe is expanding at such a rate that no matter how fast you go, you are always moving farther aware from the edge”

What is my practice?

...the first question posed to us during our first class for this module. Although this should be simple to answer, it definitely wasn't! My job title and responsibilities have changed over the summer and now has much more of a focus on 'social media'. I am now an 'E-Marketing Team Leader'. I'm not particularly enthralled with the change in job title - the shift from designer to marketeer is not really how I see myself, however it is only a title and ultimately I still 'design'.

With that in mind, my response to the question is that I am a 'problem solver' - it is my responsibility to come up with new media design solutions (however print design is still within the job description). Essentially I feel that through the natural progression of my career, I am slowly moving farther away from 'hands-on' creativity, however ideas are ultimately what my job is about.

A suggestion from Rob to consider aspects of social design through such things as The Royal Society of Arts project briefs might help me feel I can put some value back into my design.

Somethings to consider for future: www.thersa.org/projects/design/student-design-awards/briefs

This led to a discussion as to whether I am a reactive or proactive problem solver, to which I believe I am both.

What are the things that matter to me in my practice?
It is definitely a common reaction for me to try to make sense of something through design as was indicated through my studies in 'Introduction to Graphic Arts'

Analyzing Practice in Graphic Arts

A new academic year and a new module. I must admit that over the summer I became consumed with my job and haven't given study much thought.