Back in the Saddle

Heya, here’s what I’ve done so far this week, in case some of it might be of interest to you.
1. I just got into Sufjan Stevens. Sheesh, why didn’t you tell me more about him? Illinois is a great album. At the same time I am also walking around a lot more with Death From Above 1979 on my iPod.
2. 3D Design with Roman was OK. If I get into Tuesday’s class, that is. Apparently the bible for the course, which he quoted liberally from, is Elements of Design: Rowena Reed Kostellow and the Structure of Visual Relationships. It is actually a book about an influential Industrial Designer in the states, and what she taught for 50 years. The book outlines the essential exercises for any designer. Our first assignment is to use the Dominant, SubDominant and Subordinate concept to build a three piece recti-linear joined form. Eventually we have to run a ping pong ball down it. I’ll tell you more about that later, or read that book. Also sounds like Roman is a hard marker, demanding good quality models. Cool. I’ll also send you the list of shit to bring to next Tuesday’s class.
3. Print Making was very cool. We barely did anything today, but the prof did show us some impressive half-tone photo prints, that we then printed. Or rather, I went back later and messed around with them and some moveable type.
4. I told you I broke up with my girlfriend? Just before xmas. I feel shitty lately. Just takes some time. Good breakup as far as those things go, though.
5. How were your grades? Us Industrial Design applicants have been asking everyone else what they got last term. People are getting nervous of the competition. I think a couple guys we know got all A’s (maybe one A-), with a final GPA of 3.8 or 3.9. I think some others got 3.3 or maybe it was 3.5. Anyways, all pretty high. But I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Lots of people hovering around the 3s.
6. However, I need to work on my portfolio a lot.
7. Did you hear back from any other schools?
8. Oh ya, Interdisciplinary Media with Henry Tsang looks cool. First assignment you’d love: create a 2-3 minute sound recording that creates a sense of place (physical or psychological). Must have at least three tracks, using human voice, natural sound and artificial. Record on an old Marantz, transfer to Mr. Computer, edit tracks.
Looking forward to you returning. Man, got some hella ideas to bounce off you.
Jeff
p.s. I just realized this email would make a good post on my website (minus certain names and parts, of course). Stay tuned.