“Design in art, is a recognition of the relation between various things, various elements in the creative flux. You can’t invent a design. You recognize it, in the fourth dimension. That is, with your blood and your bones, as well as with your eyes.”—D H Lawrence

Dobry den (Good day in Czech)

Greg and I just returned to Hendersonville, NC from an incredible trip to Prague in the Czech Republic. Never could I have imagined the beauty that was constantly, almost nonchalantly displayed at every corner, in every building. It seemed like millions of cobblestones lead me to marvels that somehow survived what history had dealt them.

People have asked me what my favorite parts of the trip were. That’s a tough question. The very Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral in Prague was an awe-inspiring place of worship and symbol of holiness and faith. Also, the majestic Charles Bridge that crosses Vltava river in Prague. It was commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1357 and has seen the good and bad of eras of history in that area.

In contrast, the The Lennon Wall is a totally different creative inspiration. Once a normal wall, since the 1980′s it has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti and pieces of lyrics from Beatles songs. In 1988, the wall was a source of irritation for the communist regime. Young Czechs would write complaints on the wall and this led to a clash between hundreds of students and security police on the Charles Bridge (mentioned above). Now, the wall symbolize love and peace.

In the midst of all this history are remarkable contemporary bronze statues sprinkled throughout parks and courtyards in the city. The clean, rounded lines contrast with the intricate tangle of vines, patterns and seemingly hundreds of visual layers carved into the historic buildings (even each door, window, and every other structural element). Some of the contemporary works are comments on modern life.

English author, poet, playwright, essayist and critic, D H Lawrence created works that represent the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization. In Prague, sculptures with the same theme are placed next to a building that was built before the 1500′s. And this contrast works. One gives you a rest from the other. Let’s you appreciate the properties of all with out personal saturation or having to “choose” which art you want to experience in such a large city.

There are artistic treats and surprises around each turn in Prague. These surprises and their contrasting styles have re-opened my eyes to the design possibilities in all medium. The chaos vs. balance even translates to web and graphic design. Contrast can create visual drama and an experience clients cannot turn away from. Why not take the risk?

P.S. No rock climbing pictures of Stacy this trip—foot still broken. Greg climbed in the Czech Republic near Poland, though. I’ll have to wait the broken foot heals and stick with the incredible climbing near Hendersonville and Asheville.

Nashledanou (Good bye..for now)