Collecting is a way of imposing a certain type of order on the world. As we collect things, we engage in a process of mental ordering—categorizing objects, ideas, memories, etc. Collections are great resources for inspiration and creativity.
One wonderful collector that I have met is J.P. Williams. He was a student of Paul Rand. I met him on a design field trip in 2009. One of our very own authors, John was an intern in his studio. J.P. said, “You are only as good as your obscure resources.” He lives this principle through collecting. He collects neat things such as security patterns on the inside of envelopes, as well as various types of string from all around the world.
One of the things I collect is illustrations of brains. The brain is a symbol of intelligence and identity. By identity, I mean that we are our brains. Or more precisely, we are what are brains do. A brain transplant is the one operation where it is better to be the donor than the recipient.
If you find any illustrations of brains, send them to me at gavinomics@gmail.com. I would love your help in increasing my collection.
What a cool Idea. I’ll keep my eyes open for some sweet brains. Are you particular about the representation of the brains? Like would the really simplified graphic representations from IBM work for your collection? Or too abstract?
Very cool. This summer/fall at work we had a professor from UC-something come in and talk about the Cabinets of Curiosities from Renascence Europe. These collections were intentionally not specific like yours, but he over all concept is similar. Fill the well and you can draw deeply.
I’m sure i’ve got some brains around here somewhere.
Oh, and J.P. was in the last issue of Martha Stewart for his collections. Pretty Cool.