The Jotter - issue 36
“Rules are meant to be a spring board, not a straitjacket.”
Dave Trott
Hello,
After being mesmerised by The Cosmic House (see last month’s Jotter), I am taking a brief break from chasing brutalist buildings around the sun and turning towards the bright colours, eclectic styles and quirky fun of post-modernism.
It's putting the Jotter ethos into practice. Ignoring the silos, appreciating different approaches, being open to contradiction and drawing from what went before to make something new.
The great modernist, Mies van der Rohe, said:
“Less is more”
The great post-modernist, Robert Venturi, countered with:
“Less is a bore”
Both are right and both are wrong. It depends…
Many of my web designs are influenced by the “less is more” aesthetic but a current client has challenged me. “I'm asking you for something much brighter than anything in your portfolio, so you may have to work with your sunspecs on :-)”
My sunspecs are on...
Onwards
Andrew
This is a post-modernist Pumping Station on the Isle of Dogs. It makes me smile.
(photo taken on 20th July 2023)
“I like elements which are hybrid rather than ‘pure,’ compromising rather than ‘clear,’ distorted rather than ‘straightforward.’ … I am for messy vitality over obvious unity.”
Robert Venturi
01, A new era?
The Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic was one of the most exciting tennis matches I have seen in recent years. Made special by the tenacity and shots of Alcaraz, and the grace of Djokovic in defeat.
02, Business
This wise post by Barrie Thompson may be three years old but it contains timeless and essential advice for businesses of all sizes.
“If folk don’t ‘get’ your thing, it’s probably just not for them. Which is fine. Because there is a place just down the road — in your town — which is made for them. Guide these folk to that place with a smile on your face. Get back to focusing on your crowd; your thing is for them.”
03, Art
In ‘Art Every Day’, George Bothamley shares illuminating insights into a chosen artwork. Here he uses the example of an unfinished drawing to explain why Leonardo da Vinci was a very talented chap.
Woman in white (drawing) by Leonardo da Vinci
04, Look down
I always learn something new in Katie Hessels The Great Woman’s Art Bulletin. She uses the example of a mosaic on the floor of the National Gallery to highlight how much we miss by not looking down…
05, And look up
“Being Matthew, he notices the tops of buildings rather than the bottoms - architectural flights of fancy by way of cornices and window mouldings that have ridden out the winds of change down below.”
From City of the Mind by Penelope Lively.
This building in Nottingham means a lot to me.
After passing it many times on my way to school, I still recall the day I looked up and for the first time noticed details and decorations I had previously ignored.
It taught me the importance of observing and looking beyond the obvious.
06, Action
Jolly good fellow, Stefan Powell, shared this food for thought on what was once Twitter …
“It’s amazing how many thought leaders we follow vs. how many action takers and action takers we follow.”
07, Work.
George J Harding is a very nice chap and a very talented Bristol based artist. We have worked together to launch his new website where you can buy his paintings and commission him for a portrait, a landscape, or one-to-one tuition.
Thank you for reading the July Jotter. The next issue will emerge into life on Friday 25th August at 11am.
Onwards
Andrew
Brutiful Brutalism
A 24 page tabloid with a selection of photos and accompanying text of my favourite brutalist buildings. Printed on quality 80gsm bright recycled paper. Buy or browse here.
“When burdened by the feeling that there are too many photographs in the world, I ask myself if there are too many flowers.”