Thursday, February 23, 2006

typographic paint: "temerity"



temerity...(n): foolhardy disregard of danger; recklessness

ex: 'His temerity resulted in a loss of customers.'"

[view main word list and the story behind the series]

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

typographic paint: "detritus"



detritus...(n): 1. gravel, sand, etc from erosion 2. debris

ex: 'The art exhibition was full of cultural detritus.'"

[view main word list and the story behind the series]

typographic paint: "flippant"



flippant...(adj.): not showing proper seriousness

ex: 'The customer had a flippant attitude when it came to making a selection.'"

[view main word list and the story behind the series]

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

kramerbooks and afterwords cafe


subject: Kramer Books and Afterwords Cafe
materials: pen, pencil, gouache, found items, and torn paper on newsprint




[return to main "journal art" page]

coffee and seattle


subject: coffee and Seattle, WA
materials: pen, pencil, and espresso on paper



[return to main "journal art" page]

journal art


Simply put, I am inspired by the ability to record a subject or event on paper, in a book, with as much interpretation as humanly possible. But each time my journal is opened, my pen does not begin with an interpretation of form or a study in gesture; it all starts with writing, with words, simple typographic forms, and builds from there. My journal art: an extension of writing that includes more visually expressive elements.

So what qualifies as “journal art”? I use three criteria to make that decision:

-it must be done in a “spread” format; that is to say, there must be some reference to binding and facing pages.
-it must use at least two artistic disciplines, one of which must be writing.
-it must be made by hand (the only exceptions being the inclusion of found objects or photography)

(note: one piece that I’ve included, “Kramer Books”, does not meet the first criteria; I’ve still included the piece since it retains a lot of qualities that I enjoy about journals; just until I finish new work.)


Although fine art, these ideas and treatments are just another form of writing, in my mind. But being a trained visual artist, I cannot resist the temptation to draw or paint in some way; I figure, why not merge my interests in a way that makes sense.

{I'd also like to "draw" prose and poetry; no major illustrative elements, just hand-drawn letters, sentences, etc that convey the subject in a manner other than printed or digital type. I may also look into letters through photography, which has a whole other set of possibilities associated with it.}

So enjoy my off-the-cuff handmade narratives; new work will be posted soon!"

the "journal pages":

-coffee and Seattle
-kramer books

...more work coming soon...

the blog + barista


Inspired by bookstores and coffee shops, the blog provides readers with a place to experience a variety of creative commentary and resources on everything from vineyards and handmade goods to ideas on how to make the world a better place.

[the barista]

I'm a writer and professional...ok, amateur......no, seasoned...coffee drinker. My name is Joe Blend, barista of typographic goodness.

My overall experience includes conducting wine tastings at a vineyard, riding a leaking bus in the rain to New York, NY at 3 a.m., and chopping firewood in the mountains. Translation: no boring, generic artist bio here; a great writer needs a variety of experience from which to work from, as well as have the ability to look at subjects from a variety of angles. After all, caffeine isn't just for coffee."

contact



If you have any questions or would like to discuss a potential project, please send an email (with coffee coupons) to wakeup at abstractlatte dot com.

[inquiries]

I'd love to hear comments, questions, or any other typographic tidbits that you may feel suit the effort behind my blog. Remember, my blog is polite so your comments should follow suit!

Thanks for visiting!"