Sunday, September 18, 2011
A walk, to look at signs
More and more I find myself trying to really look at things; to think about objects and moments as if they were always significant. I think a lot about signs, particularly painted ones or old/deteriorated ones. Someone wanted to put up some words that generally address the public, and that is fascinating (keeping the practical side of a sign in mind but firmly in check). A sign says so much about intention and the individual or individuals that decided to put it up. I try to imagine the person that put up whatever sign I'm looking at, maybe even what was going through their mind as they fastened it or painted it. Why this font and not another? Why in that spot and not somewhere else? Was the slogan a source of pride, or embarrassment? Did they make ten more just like it, or maybe 5?
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I used to think I hated signs. In my very early twenties I ran across a quote saying something to the effect of "I never saw a landscape that was improved by a billboard." That resonated pretty strongly with me.
ReplyDeleteThen I went to Newfoundland. There is a law in that wonderful country that only local businesses can put up signs -something to that effect, though I'm sure it is more complicated than that. If you're from outside the country the only sign you can put up for your business is a simple, small sign giving directions for your location. What that translates into is all these weird, sometimes fantastic and sometimes outrageously tacky signs made by the locals, and then every once in a while a tiny little sign saying, "McDonalds ahead, turn left on highway 9."
I realized, I love signs, so long as I feel like they weren't designed by a committee.
Great post. "Carpenter Shop" is my fave.
I remember being struck one day by the fact that signs have no clear audience, or clear speaker behind them. They seem to have their own set of grammar rules that we only accept because we are so used to reading signs. It is always shocking to me when someone decides to write their sign in singular first person. Like, "I am sorry for the inconvenience". Suddenly I have to consider that a real person is speaking through this sign. It makes me want to leave note on their sign that says, "no problem".
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the way your perspective on signs works Matt. I have always found myself reading signs out loud to myself, as some kind of inside joke. Naturally I suppose I started to think more about them as time went by. There are still a lot of signs that seem problematic, but even those carry a kind of irony that is just sitting out there for all to see.
ReplyDeleteJeff, I like what you said. I've never really thought about the grammar around signs in a particular way. I'm sure that I will now. It is an interesting thing to think about one person telling the general public that they are sorry for the inconvenience. Seems like someone like that should give themselves a break.
I love your comment Jeff - what a thinker you are. I feel like I am going away from this post conversation forever changed.
ReplyDeleteWe have an ancient sign in our shed from a men's store complete with a picture of an old derby style hat. This sign was made with confidence and pride as it is raised images and letters and a wooden sign. 'Clothing' across the top right corner, the derby in the right corner and on a whimsical angle in capitals and fancy scroll EDGAR'S. Below this is the word MUSIC set on the lines where notes such as a or b or f etc would go. The emphasize of capitals tells me that music was Edgar's passion with clothing and hats on the side.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the sign from? No idea. Perhaps it was a local store and we scored this prize at an auction. It has been in the shed, hanging, for years, largely unseen. There is a large blank wall in my red room that I have been contemplating a use for. Your post has spurred me on to bringing EDGAR into the warmth and life of a home.