Gauge presents John Coy

It was great to meet John Coy again after the AIGA portfolio day. He was giving a lecture last thursday at CSULA about his works and what he got throughout his life.

John Coy was the 2010 AIGA/LA fellow. He is not only a professional graphic designer, but also a very sensitive, and spiritual person.

It was funny that John Coy said several times "when I was at your age...", as he probably was the oldest and most experienced person in the lecture room. It was great for us younger designers to have this opportunity to learn about those things that we have not experienced in our lives.

There are many points that he mentioned in the lecture inspired me and made me start to think from my own perspective.

Once he mentioned as beings we all receive "inputs from the universe".

As we all know that everyone receive inputs from the world everyday, every minute, and every second...We receive sounds, images, taste, tactile impression.. etc, from the nature; As designers we get inputs from printed matter, websites, TV. I also feel that when I was getting inputs from those things made by people, I might try to imitate. This results in the uncertainty identity of the outputs. I saw an art work at LACMA presenting the idea of the uncertainty of identity, "personal identity may not be certain or fixed; rather, it is nuanced, fluid, and often hybrid." The artist transforming herself to a person who has influenced her intellectually or emotionally.

I think John Coy's view is the opposite. John Coy mentioned that everybody is unique and has their special identity. We really need some time to know ourself better and develop our own spirit.I think by saying "receive inputs from the universe" it means to build up a relation between oneself and the nature, which is the truth.

Once we received the inputs, we process those informations. Our works are the outputs. The works should show the identity. As human beings, we want to be accepted by others, as designers we want our works to be recognized. John Coy always encourage us to be ourself and trust ourself, do the best and find a place that could fit.

This also reminds me of a point of view that has been mentioned by Xudong Zhang, a professor of East Asian Studies, in one of his article:

There are two different ways to be recognized and accepted. Either attempt to imitate others, even beg to be accepted by the others; or develop the inside of oneself and change the relationship between oneself and the outside, forcing the outer world to face, understand, and respect the otherness in between.

This could apply to both people and culture. We need to keep our unique identity, rather than imitate others.