Where do our “original” ideas come from? I spent my early childhood in this building at the corner of 18th and Jefferson Street in Oakland, California. It was my father’s printing plant. I sat at the feet of my father’s graphic artist, Hank, and watched him work. He leaned on his drawing board and drew with his rapidographs. I wanted to grow up and be just like Hank (or marry him). He didn’t mind my watching. He wasn’t a very talkative fellow.The building is still there. Here is a Google street view image.
I grew up and took many graphics classes in college. I became a graphic artist, book designer, and a printer. I had my own set of rapidographs. Thanks, Hank. The building, I realize now, had a profound influence on the other choices I made later in life. Our house, which I designed with two architect friends, has a round window. It is straight and boxy with sharp angles and a flat roof surounded by a parapet; obviously influenced by the images I formed as a child.
Ha, I thought I was so original.
How nice that the building is still there!
ReplyDeleteSome very interesting things to ponder. Great photos too.
ReplyDeleteI went with my mom once to the printers and watched a man place type...I didn't want to leave. That was in Oakland too. Mom worked at CCAC. [Now called California College of Arts, they dropped the 'Crafts' a few years back.] She would assemble the college catalog every year, plus all the other things she did from the Public Information office on campus.
ReplyDeleteHow very interesting! I used to watch my grandmother creating meals with love, & her influence still remains with me. I find providing food for my family a pleasing experience. I suspect my mother's thrist for knowledge has had a lifelong effect on my curiosity, and collections of trivial information- which occasionally comes in handy.
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