Elements {øf} Inspiration • maps

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Element: Maps

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Maps are great sources of visual & technical inspiration. They are a perfect harmony of art & science. They combine measurement with scale, color with logic and meaning. They have a structure, yet they embrace the way the land moves and flows. They also recall thoughts of travel, adventure, exploration; finding the unknown. Also maps show us something that we cannot see from our level, they give us a greater perspective of where we are in relation to the environment. 

When I was a kid I used to draw up treasure maps and hide things in my back yard. I always enjoyed hiding the map and digging it up months later to go out with friends and search for the treasure -- so they have always held a good memory to me.

I also like to think of Maps as a metaphor for storytelling. They have many of the same elements that are in a story just displayed in a different form. They have a key: a logical method of labeling things. Both maps and films contain a structure, yet the content held within the structure is free flowing and creative. Much like within a film, scenes are built from sequences and composition; a framework, yet the emotional content of the story is what shines, its what gives the film color and vibrancy. This is the same concept in a map, the topography and layout of the land gives the map its vibrancy. And in combination with structure, we as viewers develop an understanding of what (a map, or a story) is trying to tell us. 

CaseyW

Comments

[Eddie K]

Wow!