Journal 3: Symbols and Signs

I found all of these symbols in the general area of my apartment complex. It appears that I am surrounded by materials that could be potentially hazardous to my health. Many of the symbols that I have found during this assignment warn me and others of possible danger when using everyday items. It is weird to think that these simple things can be so dangerous but I suppose that we have simply become accustomed to the relentless warning these objects give us. Other items include the bear from the Berlin flag hanging in my room. A Pepsi logo, some instructions for the washing machine, and the Mustang logo from my car.

I was surprised at the fact that I did not have to travel far or spend too much time looking for these symbols. They are all around us, we have just become ignorant to their presence unless it is directed upon us.

Journal Entry 2: Signs

I chose to take a more comical approach to my signs. I feel that the usual signs for these items tend to be very rigid and bland; which is a reflection of our society. We blindly follow these symbols, and they look as if they are standard issue images. Authority uses these signs to tell us how to behave, but why must they be so boring!? By introducing a little fun to them, I believe they can take us outside of our obey mode and make us see what we are really doing. Making the thing more personal could be a good business approach to building design perhaps. Although the signified object remains the same, the signifier can be changed infinitely to produce the same result; and that is what this assignment shows us.

Journal Entry 1: Who Am I?!

I believe that I am a sponge. I love to envelope myself in the world around me. Studying every little detail like a detective on a hot case. Soaking up every once of liquid like your ordinary sponge.

However I would not consider myself to be ordinary by any means. As an artist, I learn everything I can about the world, soak in the details, and embellish in the little things. By taking everything in, I have more to put out in the long run.

I believe that others may view me as a partially

open book because I am loaded with lots of content. I am a rather wordy individual at times which also may contribute to my book analogy.

I tend to be very reserved and have a hard time opening up. Like an open book, people have some of the information right up front. However most of the nitty gritty details have to be searched for. People have to do some research to get to know the real me.