Phew. Just returned from a great week at DesignInquiry in Maine. (Some stuff already posted here.) Lots of talks by great designers/educators/thinkers, plus studio workshops (even an acting class; erp). I think my own stuff went across pretty well, and the students working with me produced some very interesting ideas. More soon.

Marlene, Margo, and Matt: A Story of Three M’s.

1900-1997
Stuff happens.

1998-2000
Matt talks up Marlene’s role as an outstanding designer/artist/activist
in a thesis about design and dissent that no one reads.

2002
Matt calls Marlene (finally) and invites her to visit Hampshire College
to do two successful talks on art/activism and film title design.

2004, June
Matt attends DesignInquiry, meets Margo. Matt asks some questions, gets
a headache. Dances a bit, feels better.

2004, October
Matt sees Margo in Chicago and tells her she should call Marlene about
Maine.

2004, November
Margo meets Marlene in Manhattan and she agrees to come to Maine – even if Matt’s going, and since it’s not like any other conference or symposium
out there.

2005, March
Marlene designs a poster for Motive/Method/Medium featuring a mystery
man in a medium-size tie.

2005, June
Marlene, Margo, and Matt and many other movers head for MECA in Maine.

2006-3000
Stuff happens.

Poster by Marlene McCarty.
Event by DesignInquiry05.

Phew. Just got back from Maine. The weeklong DesignInquiry was not what I expected, or imagined I wanted. I think once I’ve caught up on my sleep, I’ll have a better perspective on the week’s proceedings. For now: high points include the book project (including visits to David Wolf’s letterpress studio) and Elliott’s presence/performance; low points would have to be missed sessions, sleep deprivation, and that talk on semiotics.