Blog Post 6

Finishing up the reading, I certainly explored the profound movement popular culture has placed icons in this fabric of the everyday. It is so interesting to see the establishments of icons, and the landmarks that are created due to this phenomenon. In many ways, I find that “icons” connect the everyday because these “symbols” are used for identification. Icons identify the mundane, the values, and ultimately icons identify with people. An excerpt from the reading, says, “Icons are magnets of meaning onto which we can project our memories, our hopes, and our sense of self.” This probably explains why there are so many icons that nudge the wind this way and that way, or surrounds us in the everyday. This is actually a little daunting, in light. Perhaps, it is daunting because icons have continually changed through the century, and has an authority to represent something, or define another thing. This, to me, is fine. I think there should be great sensitivity, though. But again, I think, icons can be artistically, symbolically, and beautifully deep. And I do love a good representation of something that can be described without words, in a visual, even simplistic way.

            As an artistic and the art that I create, I find myself intrigued with the powerful impact icons, and popular culture has on the everyday, on an individual, and the meanings that come from this world. These ideas can bring people to think, to follow, to motivate to inspire. Again, it can be beautiful, but I find with this artistic power- the world can become vulnerable with so many icons and symbols that bombard their presence in the world. I love Chip Kidd’s story of the apple. With the beauty, the fun, masterpiece of design, and art of pop culture, or as artist, we need to make sure to “either just have the word, or [just] have the picture. But don’t do both.” As an artist, creating art (with the view of popular culture) can be intriguing, engaging, and artistic; however, sensitivity to this is essential as a creator.