short report from sxsw, part I
this is the pithy introduction to some of the wonderful things I discovered at sxsw. more profound thoughts are to follow, of course, but why not begin with some fun things seen, observed, heard, etc.
{ CUPCAKES }
Due to some overcrowding at the keynote talks, and the promise of podcasts for any seminars missed, Alyssa (friend and former HHCC colleague) and I set out on our first afternoon in Austin for a little urban exploration. First, to south Congress street, where I found my favorite treat in Austin: hey cupcake!
(a cupcake shop in an airstream. the creamiest! alyssa and I found a line there at any time of day)
(simple menu, easy choices. pinwheel inspiration!)
{ BLOXES }
Again, due to a little overcrowding during keynotes (although the Zuckerberg one-on-one sounded like a good candidate for post-viewing), I found myself wandering around the convention center and happened upon a stack of cardboard boxes in various configurations: tables, towers, and possibilities of forts? I stopped by a particularly appealing set up to talk to Bloxes founder and creator Andrew Wilson: these lovely little boxes can create tables, divide structures, cubicle divisions, in an aesthetic manner while helping to dampen sound. I took a couple pictures and got a free tshirt (an unheard of act for me — I generally give back even the schwag bag at conferences).
(looking at these again, I can’t help but see pinwheels!)
{ AROUND TOWN : LETTERING AND STARS }
The more I walked around Austin, the more I began to notice the Texas star motif everywhere. Simple, lovely, and used on almost every piece of municipal signage/grating/object, I began to envy Texas their star (what would be the MA version if applied? Turkey? Pilgrim hat?). As well, I love seeing sign-painting, inlaid lettering, and neon at the forefront of Austin display.
There are lots more shots from our Austin adventure posted here, but I need to include just one more: this one is in the running for the best sign of the year.
(why? #1: define “Ace” and #2: “alterations” has itself been altered)