Recap of the fifth iRead meeting
on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,
Chapter Four: “Design”
and
Chapter Five: “Story.”
Margie Monde, Cumberland University’s Director of Graphics & Marketing, and Art Instructor, led the discussion on ‘Design.” Just about all of the attendees saw themselves as artists, including those whose talents are in art appreciation. Ms. Monde stressed that we must all be good designers and cultivate an artistic sensibility to give meaning to our lives. She described a new degree program in Design here at Cumberland. It will include courses in studio art, 2D and 3D design, graphic design, and more. Her presentation focused on the points in the book. Design is crucial to modern business as it will differentiate one product from another. The group examined design magazines which are available in Vise Library. Mention was also made of local art museums such as the Frist in Nashville, and Cumberland’s own Adams Gallery located in the Heydel Auditorium as sources of design inspiration.
Dr. Stuart Harris, Professor of English here at Cumberland University, led the discussion on “Story.” He began by noting that we all use empirical knowledge, but we all live by stories. The group discussed the definition of “myth.” They are stories that are “not true, but are much more important than that.” Modern day examples were given such as Spike Lee’s version of the story of Malcolm X. Myths are stories we live by, that we want to believe, and that resonate throughout our culture.
Joseph Campbell’s hero journey arch type was discussed. Dr. Harris pointed out the elements of the western and detective stories, and how often the main character is a loner living on the margins of society. These stories became increasingly popular as technology developed, and mankind gained the ability to destroy the world. As we lost meaning through the drudgery of our daily work, we looked for it through stories. It was mentioned that this also led to the abstract expressionism movement in art as photography became to develop. Dr. Harris discussed non-linear writing exercises such as word clusters, scar clusters, and floor/street plan stories. He also outlined the benefits of fast writing to “burn through to energy unobstructed by social politeness.” “The American Life” on WPLN radio is good for listening to people telling stories about their lives which he recommends. Another group member recommended the National Stoytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN the first weekend in October – this and other activities are also mentioned in the book.
Dr. Harris will be reading from an original work on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 12:30 as part of the University’s Second Cup of Coffee series in the Dining Hall K room.
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