What Inspires me?

What inspires me?

Marcel Duchamp – Fountain

The most famous of Duchamp’s ‘readymades’ caused a great debate and fundamentally changed how art was viewed and what was viewed as art. When this submitted piece of work was not put on display at an open exhibition it sparked unrest, leading to an article written in The Blind Man entitled ‘The Mutt Case’. The article defended Duchamp, recognizing Fountain as a work of art; ‘Whether Mr Mutt made the fountain with his own hands or not has no importance. He chose it. He took an article of life, placed it so that its useful significance disappeared under the new title and point of view – created an new thought for that object’. (Extract from The Blind Man, Vol. 2, May 1917, New York City – p5) The reason this inspires me is because of its impact on the cultural world, completely changing the way art was viewed and moving it on to something new. This controversial piece of art effectively changed the very way art and design was classified and therefore the cultural work would not be what it is without it.

Hovis ‘Go On Lad’ TV Advert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_suyZb5mDk

This advert was created to celebrate 122 years of Hovis. Produces in 2008, the advert portrays the journey of a boy, travelling from the bakers to his home, through the 122 years of British history. The advert lasts 122 seconds, a second for every year of Hovis. This inspires me through its sheer intuitive genius; the length of the advert representing the 122 years, the journey through British history – picking out key events, as well as the overall feel and production of the advert.

Advertising/Branding/Packaging

Although a slightly broader inspiration, it is still an important one to me. The three components, advertising, branding and packaging constantly surround us, providing me with and ever-changing, ever-developing source for inspiration. Although they are not all inspiring, it enables me to assess what I really like and what I don’t. Whether it’s an individual typeface, the colour selection, layout or concept, there is always a vast selection to choose from. As it is always developing and changing, you can also identify trends as well as aesthetic quality.

Music

Music is a very important part of my life, whether it is walking somewhere, doing work or just relaxing I love listening to it. I didn’t want to put a specific artist or genre as I think all types and styles inspire me. It helps me relax, as well as work whilst enjoying myself at the same time.

Language & Publications

On a similar level to advertising/branding/packaging, they are always around us. They are used to communicate, inform and inspire us. As with advertising/branding/packaging they're not all interesting and intuitive but when you find one that is, well-informed, well-presented, articulate and elegant; it almost becomes a work of art in itself. A prime example of this is the graphic designer, Alex Trochut’s book – More is More. His book is detailed, elegant and well presented as a book, as well as containing a vast selection of his work, which on its own is inspiring.