Comments on: Third time’s the charm – more from Type A http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/ The IMA blog is a space to discuss everything related to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:32:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Andrew http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-8717 Andrew Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:03:51 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-8717 Wow. I am rereading all the posts that everyone has offered and am feeling so great about the level of response and reflection that the project has generated. I want to take more time to respond fully to everyone and will do so very soon... Adam and I have watched our conception of this project evolve in many ways, but the core of it remains where it began: a strong commitment to the direct and vital experience and to deeper engagement with the institution and those who work within it. This project continues to challenge our creative process to grow both within our collaboration and within the larger group that we've all created. Much more to write. But for now, many thanks to you all. Wow.

I am rereading all the posts that everyone has offered and am feeling so great about the level of response and reflection that the project has generated. I want to take more time to respond fully to everyone and will do so very soon…

Adam and I have watched our conception of this project evolve in many ways, but the core of it remains where it began: a strong commitment to the direct and vital experience and to deeper engagement with the institution and those who work within it. This project continues to challenge our creative process to grow both within our collaboration and within the larger group that we’ve all created. Much more to write. But for now, many thanks to you all.

]]> By: Tad http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-8527 Tad Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:59:21 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-8527 Much like the entire team building experience, the high course at Butler University reinforced the micro and macro experience of individual challenge and collaborative effort. I fully intended to only photographically document my colleagues as they challenged themselves and add my supportive voice to those less comfortable in this endeavor... but wanted to completely avoid the opportunity I had to push myself beyond my fear of heights. Much like my daily interactions within the museum environment for sixteen years, I was moved by the effort of so many individuals in the pursuit of personal and team goals and the broad support present, I decided to take a risk. Although there was no pressure from my colleagues to participate, the lost opportunity to face a fear, both privately and publicly, would be a disappointing reality to shoulder when others were taking the same risk. Again the ebb and flow of my own terror while I was traversing high above my comfort level, was tempered with my observations of those equally challenged by their experience,those who looked at ease, and the audible support of those who encouraged me without judgement. I took away many "lessons" from this particular experience, especially as it relates to the final sculpture at the end of this process, but will post these at a later date. I would like to read comments from team members about their unique vantage point from the high course too, or from any reader who may be intrigued about this process. Much like the entire team building experience, the high course at Butler University reinforced the micro and macro experience of individual challenge and collaborative effort.
I fully intended to only photographically document my colleagues as they challenged themselves and add my supportive voice to those less comfortable in this endeavor… but wanted to completely avoid the opportunity I had to push myself beyond my fear of heights.
Much like my daily interactions within the museum environment for sixteen years, I was moved by the effort of so many individuals in the pursuit of personal and team goals and the broad support present, I decided to take a risk.
Although there was no pressure from my colleagues to participate, the lost opportunity to face a fear, both privately and publicly, would be a disappointing reality to shoulder when others were taking the same risk. Again the ebb and flow of my own terror while I was traversing high above my comfort level, was tempered with my observations of those equally challenged by their experience,those who looked at ease, and the audible support of those who encouraged me without judgement.
I took away many “lessons” from this particular experience, especially as it relates to the final sculpture at the end of this process, but will post these at a later date.
I would like to read comments from team members about their unique vantage point from the high course too, or from any reader who may be intrigued about this process.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7801 Lisa Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:11:35 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7801 Few things happen that are profound enough to make you realize in the midst of experiencing them that they are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Yesterday's groundbreaking ceremony for IMA's 100 Acres and this entire week of Team Building with Type A (Adam and Andrew) and the IMA team were extraordinarily perfect examples of such revelations. Intense, ongoing dialogues about the definitions of art, community, existence, interpersonal relationships and, dare I say, the meaning(s) of life were transpiring around us, because of us, everywhere. Laughter, interrogation, challenge, questions. Beautiful interconnections that often transcend typical daily life, but are essential to its significance. A deep sense of passion, commitment, pride in one's work, a desire to make the world better than we've found it. So many ideas, fluttering desires, so much that is real and true. How fortunate we are at this time of global crisis, when people are starving and killing each other, and the world is self-destructing, when sensibility is elusive, when the bedrocks of our national stability are crumbling, we see there is hope. To transcend politics and ideology and understand the basis of what matters most. To have true ties based on experience and challenge and the beauty that comprises each of us individually and makes our communities richer. We need to cull these qualities and bring them forth regularly, a new dedication to ensure we will make the world better. Bring on the high course. Masochism, ready or not here I come! Few things happen that are profound enough to make you realize in the midst of experiencing them that they are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony for IMA’s 100 Acres and this entire week of Team Building with Type A (Adam and Andrew) and the IMA team were extraordinarily perfect examples of such revelations. Intense, ongoing dialogues about the definitions of art, community, existence, interpersonal relationships and, dare I say, the meaning(s) of life were transpiring around us, because of us, everywhere. Laughter, interrogation, challenge, questions. Beautiful interconnections that often transcend typical daily life, but are essential to its significance. A deep sense of passion, commitment, pride in one’s work, a desire to make the world better than we’ve found it. So many ideas, fluttering desires, so much that is real and true. How fortunate we are at this time of global crisis, when people are starving and killing each other, and the world is self-destructing, when sensibility is elusive, when the bedrocks of our national stability are crumbling, we see there is hope. To transcend politics and ideology and understand the basis of what matters most. To have true ties based on experience and challenge and the beauty that comprises each of us individually and makes our communities richer. We need to cull these qualities and bring them forth regularly, a new dedication to ensure we will make the world better.

Bring on the high course. Masochism, ready or not here I come!

]]> By: Tad http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7783 Tad Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:35:38 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7783 Congratulations on a wonderful presentation today regarding the site's potential, community participation, and our team building experiences. It has been very rewarding to reconnect with each other throughout this evolutionary process, to celebrate the IMA's history, and refocus our collective vision to propel this institution into the next 125 years. I had mixed emotions today as I was often thinking of my wonderful Mother who passed away six years ago, on September 18th, at the exact time we were planting trees in the park. Her bold creative spirit, compassion, and strategic introduction of the IMA to her children in the early seventies, paved the way for my love of art and photography. Today as a sixteen year IMA colleague and Chief Photographer, I was reminded of her gift and with great pride stood with all of you in the creation and implementation of new opportunities for future generations. A good day indeed. Congratulations on a wonderful presentation today regarding the site’s potential, community participation, and our team building experiences. It has been very rewarding to reconnect with each other throughout this evolutionary process, to celebrate the IMA’s history, and refocus our collective vision to propel this institution into the next 125 years.

I had mixed emotions today as I was often thinking of my wonderful Mother who passed away six years ago, on September 18th, at the exact time we were planting trees in the park. Her bold creative spirit, compassion, and strategic introduction of the IMA to her children in the early seventies, paved the way for my love of art and photography.

Today as a sixteen year IMA colleague and Chief Photographer, I was reminded of her gift and with great pride stood with all of you in the creation and implementation of new opportunities for future generations.
A good day indeed.

]]> By: Lindsey http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7775 Lindsey Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:08:39 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7775 To continue our discussion from today: I really love the idea of the cast handholds. Not only do they document each individual's involvement in the project, they also become anonymous...representing the group as a whole and what we've accomplished together. Also, I love the thought of future climbers (when/if the tower is lowered) reaching for, grasping at, stepping on, and clinging to our "hands"....just one more thing that represents us "spotting" and being supportive of one another. To continue our discussion from today: I really love the idea of the cast handholds. Not only do they document each individual’s involvement in the project, they also become anonymous…representing the group as a whole and what we’ve accomplished together.

Also, I love the thought of future climbers (when/if the tower is lowered) reaching for, grasping at, stepping on, and clinging to our “hands”….just one more thing that represents us “spotting” and being supportive of one another.

]]> By: Tad http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7673 Tad Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:40:19 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7673 As a team building participant and occasional outside observer, I am struggling with the possibility of the initial tower concept remaining unchanged except for minor variations...handholds, suspended/lowered, etc. There is little doubt that the team building exercise, much like our daily interactions with our broad IMA brethren and those visitors we welcome and proudly serve, shape and transform our experiences and future actions. Why should we erect a vision of a pre-conceived notion of our process as it existed before the experience? I trust we will delve into this discussion with great debate in the next few days, as we traverse many a treacherous obstacle, both physical and mental. As a team building participant and occasional outside observer, I am struggling with the possibility of the initial tower concept remaining unchanged except for minor variations…handholds, suspended/lowered, etc.
There is little doubt that the team building exercise, much like our daily interactions with our broad IMA brethren and those visitors we welcome and proudly serve, shape and transform our experiences and future actions.
Why should we erect a vision of a pre-conceived notion of our process as it existed before the experience?
I trust we will delve into this discussion with great debate in the next few days, as we traverse many a treacherous obstacle, both physical and mental.

]]> By: Richard McCoy http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7633 Richard McCoy Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:21:44 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7633 Leaving the Freud alone for now, I'm awfully interested in this public discussion of the development of your project and the online display of the documentation around the project (http://www.imamuseum.org/typea/project-documentation). Since I work in the conservation department here at the IMA, I'm interested in the documentation of art that is commissioned by the IMA. Care to answer some questions? Are there any ideas, drawings, or other kinds of documentation that you're not interesting in sharing with the public? Do you either of you take pictures during the team building exercises? Do you either of you keep other kinds of "records" of the team building exercises (notes, drawings, etc)? Are the other participants encouraged to document their experience? Of course each of those questions could be answered with a yes or no, but I'm just as interested in your thought process as it relates to documenting this project. Leaving the Freud alone for now, I’m awfully interested in this public discussion of the development of your project and the online display of the documentation around the project (http://www.imamuseum.org/typea/project-documentation).

Since I work in the conservation department here at the IMA, I’m interested in the documentation of art that is commissioned by the IMA. Care to answer some questions?

Are there any ideas, drawings, or other kinds of documentation that you’re not interesting in sharing with the public?

Do you either of you take pictures during the team building exercises?

Do you either of you keep other kinds of “records” of the team building exercises (notes, drawings, etc)?

Are the other participants encouraged to document their experience?

Of course each of those questions could be answered with a yes or no, but I’m just as interested in your thought process as it relates to documenting this project.

]]> By: Lindsey http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7605 Lindsey Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:37:42 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7605 Coming from a Registrarial perspective, I tend to think first of "lawsuits waiting to happen" when pondering a grounded tower which is meant to be scaled. If the tower did have to be stanchioned off, what will it mean to a viewer who sees a climbing tower they might not be permitted to climb? It certainly changes the experience... Coming from a Registrarial perspective, I tend to think first of “lawsuits waiting to happen” when pondering a grounded tower which is meant to be scaled.

If the tower did have to be stanchioned off, what will it mean to a viewer who sees a climbing tower they might not be permitted to climb? It certainly changes the experience…

]]> By: Matt http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7590 Matt Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:08:52 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7590 I am very tickled and pursuaded by your characterization of the Tower of Babel story as a relatively early utopian gesture, an explanation you contrast to the more traditional analysis that it is a cautionary tale of human hubris and divine justice. Interestly enough, there is evidence that ties both sides of the story together. Every time things looked bad in the old days, say when Rome was sacked or the pope was too obviously rich and corrupt, millennialsts began to proclaim the end of time and to look outside the established church for heaven on earth. This was bad for business, as you might imagine, and representatives of the established church rushed in to assure their flocks there was no final judgement coming and that utopia would have to wait; stay calm and continue to tithe. Reference to a text like the Tower of Babel, which demonstrates the "futility of attempting to pre-empt heaven by taking an unauthorised path," was often part of the establishment's attempt to reassert order. It rarely worked and the millenialists attempts at utopian experiments almost invariably lead to bloody suppression, which in the end proved more pusuasive than mere allegory I am very tickled and pursuaded by your characterization of the Tower of Babel story as a relatively early utopian gesture, an explanation you contrast to the more traditional analysis that it is a cautionary tale of human hubris and divine justice. Interestly enough, there is evidence that ties both sides of the story together. Every time things looked bad in the old days, say when Rome was sacked or the pope was too obviously rich and corrupt, millennialsts began to proclaim the end of time and to look outside the established church for heaven on earth. This was bad for business, as you might imagine, and representatives of the established church rushed in to assure their flocks there was no final judgement coming and that utopia would have to wait; stay calm and continue to tithe. Reference to a text like the Tower of Babel, which demonstrates the “futility of attempting to pre-empt heaven by taking an unauthorised path,” was often part of the establishment’s attempt to reassert order. It rarely worked and the millenialists attempts at utopian experiments almost invariably lead to bloody suppression, which in the end proved more pusuasive than mere allegory

]]> By: Danny http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/09/15/third-times-the-charm-more-from-type-a/comment-page-1/#comment-7587 Danny Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:49:48 +0000 http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=1009#comment-7587 Very cool. I love the idea of having the sculpture up for a certain amount of time, and later lowering it. But will the IMA let people actually climb on it once it's on the ground, or will it be a lawsuit waiting to happen? Very cool. I love the idea of having the sculpture up for a certain amount of time, and later lowering it. But will the IMA let people actually climb on it once it’s on the ground, or will it be a lawsuit waiting to happen?

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