day 3

i started considering today the effects of time on certain mediums that letterforms are constructed out of. some materials disintegrate more rapidly than others. depending on the medium used (ink vs. paint vs. neon lights vs. metal vs. nontraditional materials), certain letterforms might disappear within a matter of days of being placed in their environment.

last semester in photography, i studied an essay called art in the age of mechanical reproduction. Specifically, the author talks about the 'aura' of a work of art. An aura would be defined as the qualities and attributes of the work attained not by the qualities inherent in the work itself, but through its environment, ownership, travels, general history, etc.

i would consider typography to be art. therefore, typography must have an aura. does some typography have more of an aura than others? yes. what gives typography an aura? i would venture that this sign has more of an aura than say, any typography for a chain fast-food restaurant. it is one of a kind, found only in one place, and has existed for far longer and more diverse conditions than that of a mass-produced chain sign.

i think that the disintegration of typography into the environment is particularly interesting in this case. it seems as though it would generate a very unique kind of aura. i believe that this could further evolve into a personal commentary of the environment, the typography in it and how i have experienced it while living here.

i will explore this idea further by creating typography that exist specifically to be integrated into its environment. i want to be environmentally responsible (no pollution), so i will explore media that will leave no mark on nature. my series of final panels could consist of evidence that these letterforms existed (most likely in the form of photographs).