Anyone who has a career in art will appreciate recognition. Art is pushed aside as school funding cuts are directed towards limiting the arts. I find it ridiculous when people don't realize the affect art and design has on the world.
The video by the AAA Country channel highlighted the annual Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards in 2010 (also in 2011) that was hosted by First Lady, Michelle Obama. I couldn't be more ecstatic about designers receiving respect from some of the world's most influential people. To me, that is also a win for all artists and designers in general.
From graphic design typeface to interior design, the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt National Design awards the best of the best. These designs appear in our everyday lives with or without us acknowledging it.
You may be thinking, "Art? You mean like paintings? Who cares about painting?" Or "Graphic design is the stuff that is on graphic t-shirts, right?" Yes, but when I say art, I'm not just talk about Picasso or an elephant print of a t-shirt.
But does art = design? Or does design= art? In the world of art and design the definition of both are always debated. All in all, the similarity they had remains clear: art and design are so important that it's almost impossible to fathom a world without either. Art and design is everywhere.
The building you work in, the house you live in, or the store you shop at is architecture. That is design.
The clothes on your back, whether it be an knock-off of Prada or not, it fashion. That is design.
The movies you watch, the music you listen to, and the video games you play all have elements of art and design.
You don't have to like it. They could all be flawed. Art and design exists everywhere around you. Without art or design I have no idea what I would be doing...ever. Art comes in many forms and affects your everyday life, whether you acknowledge it or not. Art isn't just paintings, it is also design.The world may not revolve around it, but designers create the futures we envision in new forms of design everyday.
For the complete list of winners of the 2010 National Design Awards, view the slideshow here.
For more information about the 2011 National Design winners, view this video.
Keisha Douglas is an independent filmmaker who specializes in music videos. When she is not filming, she spends much of her time blogging and freelance writing. She is the voice behind Mito Vox, an entertainment & etc. blog. To learn more about her freelance services visit her website. View all her Film Annex posts on her WebTv Channel.
