NYC Subway Tile Color Schemes
The New York metro system is well known for its patronage of elaborate mosaics, uniquely designed by a different artist in each station, but even the simple "subway tiles" used in the tunnels hold significance. Differing tile colors at each stop allow subway users to quickly gauge their progress without taking excessive attention away from their conversations, thoughts, or entertainment. Such details can seem so mundane in day-to-day life, yet it is staggering how much thought and design is present in every aspect of life. I recommend visiting the New York Transit Museum not only if you ride the subway, but also if you are simply visiting the city. Movement and transportation has become integral to modern society, and it is really neat to be exposed to the different strategies in which commuting is approached. p.s. Speaking of mosaics, though, I really love the hat mosaic at 23rd street on the 4-5-6 line. With the hats positioned at varying heights, the installation draws riders to actively engage with the work, choosing their ideal hat based on visual preference and height suitability.
Geocities
When the internet was first created, a web service called Geocities rose to prominence, which allowed users to create their own websites. Because modern algorithms had not yet been developed, websites were grouped into neighborhoods based on their content. For instance, Athens held websites that revolved around literature, education, and philosophy. Silicon Valley hosted websites concerning technology and hardware. Because these websites were not algorithmic, users weren't necessarily following trends to achieve likes, views, or engagement. Rather, they were simply following their personal interests for the sole purpose of channeling creativity and authenticity. Though Geocities no longer exists, a new version titled Neocities has been created, which allows users to create and browse websites in a similar fashion. One of my favorite websites I have stumbled across is modeled after a Catholic confessional, but imagined within a telephone box instead of a church. Website users are exposed to a combination of history, narrative, and choice: permitted to absolve or convict the confessor.
Lingering by Fountains
You're in the sweltering desert, with skin a bubbling red and lips like sandpaper. Hoarse is your voice. Mirage after mirage has misled you; your faith is waning. Your feet drag on. Sense and clarity have long been deserted. A booming voice echoes throughout the abyss, vibrating the sand granules beneath your body and shaking your frail muscles. You remain unconcerned. You have been commanded FORWARD! and forward! you go. Time has passed, and at last you reach a mirage that is not a mirage. A bright blue pool of water beckons you. If you could properly think, you might be alarmed, for gathered around the water are creatures of all sizes lapping up fluid, steered by thirst. You ignore them. You bend down, and your tongue grazes the surface. Lightly. Hungrily. The lot of you remain, undisturbed. Unbothered. You are calm, and for a moment, there is peace. It is not exactly true that there is utter tranquility at water holes. But... water does bring lives together. I too have sought relief near water, perched upon ledges near fountains and rivers. A reprieve. Amazingly, I am often gifted companions and conversations among the strangers surrounding me. People always strike up conversation with me, or I with them. Some have ended up becoming dear friends who I think of frequently. I recommend: Try sitting near a body of water in a populated location and if you feel bold, talk to somebody. There are so many perspectives and stories to hear. But even if you're not quite ready, find a ledge, lay down your head, and fill your ears with the beautiful drips of trickling water.
Seeing - Annie Dillard
"The vision comes and goes, mostly goes, but I live for it, for the moment when the mountains open and a new light roars in spate through the crack, and the mountains slam." Oh, to experience the world as Annie Dillard does! Seeing is one of the most beautiful reminders of how fully the earth brims with wonder and curiosity, if only we may open our eyes to see it. Doing so is not always simple - requiring a patience to wait for the right conditions, knowledge of what to look for, and the drive to seek out new experiences - but the thrill of a long-awaited sight is worth all the effort. I recurrently stumble across this work once or twice a year, and it always inspires me to approach mundanity in a new light. Anything I have experienced once before, or a thousand times before, can still offer me value, so long as I am receptive and observant enough to receive it.
