The first thought I had when walking into the Academy was “this is legit.” Designers, I realized, have an incredible power: the power to breathe life and personhood and identity and being into an establishment.
One of my favorite pieces in the school was the mural in the large main room. I loved the color choices. One thing I've been thinking about is the power of a mark, and I liked how just a few shapes or marks in that mural were so masterfully crafted to give an entire personality of a little owl or face with only a few strokes. I've been trying to figure out what the minimum mark I can make is that still captures the essence of a thing.
I can't imagine finishing such beautiful art in such a short period of time.
I was so curious how an artist imagines the personhood of a place, as I mentioned in the beginning, and brings that personhood to fruition. It was a rare treat to meet the mind behind the design and to attempt to pick the designer's brain. So often I admire things, like that mural or the fantastic color choices and fun feeling of the place, but I don't know who created it or what their thought process was in doing so.
As someone whose interests have often been belittled or considered lesser-than and not as worthy, I was reminded of the power of design. Walking into the Academy reminded me that art can turn an abandoned, dilapidated, personless entity into a chic, sophisticated being with wit and intelligence and personality all its own. In realizing what incredible, often overlooked power artists have, I was encouraged, inspired, and blown away by the power and beauty of design and intelligent designers who bring life and beauty into the world.
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