Ideas that Matter
All of us have ideas from time to time and some of them actually matter. Ideas that matter could affect change for Good in the world if we took a few steps of faith and a little time to do something with them.
Ideas are often born from questions burning within us: questions we ask ourselves, and questions God asks us. The search for understanding in answering these questions leads us to unexpected places with unforeseen consequences. Let me tell you my story.
In my senior year of college I had the crazy idea to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship. Rather than apply for a Fulbright to obtain a master's degree, I wanted to research a question I was really interested in learning more about (a novel thought I know). I studied Chinese and majored in East Asian studies, so I had a natural interest in things Chinese. I'd always wanted to see if there was a connection between the growth the Chinese underground Christian house church movement and the spread democratic ideology. This question became my Fulbright application thesis. My college's application review board thought I was nuts and urged me to remove the Christian stuff in my application and broaden the scope of the research. I said thanks, but it stays. Long story short, by a miraculous Hand of intervention, I was awarded a Fulbright grant to research the underground house church movement and the spread of democracy in 1993.
I mention this story for two reasons: first, to illustrate how questions and ideas go hand in hand. Questions that God places in your heart about design can reveal ideas that matter to Him. Second, I want to show how a completely secular vehicle (like my Fulbright scholarship) can be used by God to carry you to ideas that matter. Currently I'm aware of one secular design vehicle that I would encourage you to investigate: Sappi's Ideas that Matter 2005. This competitive grant program recognizes and supports the inspiring variety of projects to which designers contribute their time, their creativity and their hearts to ideas they believe in. They offer grants from $5,000-$50,000 for each project selected, to cover both implementation cost of selected print programs and out of pocket expenses (includes photography, illustration, printing, mailing, etc.). The only thing it doesn't cover is the designer's time. The project has to be completed in 6 months from award, and the application deadline is May 31, 2005.
I'm going to try for this grant in conjunction with my Skatepark Open Project. I've been envisioning a printed book/journal that skaters across the country could give to civic leaders, schools, organizations and business leaders to help them communicate who they are and why they are valuable to the community (more on why there are valuable in this speech). I'd like to have the skaters in our community contribute their own stories, take their own photos, do their own illustrations, etc. to explain their sport, their creativity and their value to the community. If you are interested in helping with this project, just let me know.
You have questions and ideas God is percolating in you that relate to design and the passions of your heart. We'd like to hear them. They matter to us too.
Ideas are often born from questions burning within us: questions we ask ourselves, and questions God asks us. The search for understanding in answering these questions leads us to unexpected places with unforeseen consequences. Let me tell you my story.
In my senior year of college I had the crazy idea to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship. Rather than apply for a Fulbright to obtain a master's degree, I wanted to research a question I was really interested in learning more about (a novel thought I know). I studied Chinese and majored in East Asian studies, so I had a natural interest in things Chinese. I'd always wanted to see if there was a connection between the growth the Chinese underground Christian house church movement and the spread democratic ideology. This question became my Fulbright application thesis. My college's application review board thought I was nuts and urged me to remove the Christian stuff in my application and broaden the scope of the research. I said thanks, but it stays. Long story short, by a miraculous Hand of intervention, I was awarded a Fulbright grant to research the underground house church movement and the spread of democracy in 1993.
I mention this story for two reasons: first, to illustrate how questions and ideas go hand in hand. Questions that God places in your heart about design can reveal ideas that matter to Him. Second, I want to show how a completely secular vehicle (like my Fulbright scholarship) can be used by God to carry you to ideas that matter. Currently I'm aware of one secular design vehicle that I would encourage you to investigate: Sappi's Ideas that Matter 2005. This competitive grant program recognizes and supports the inspiring variety of projects to which designers contribute their time, their creativity and their hearts to ideas they believe in. They offer grants from $5,000-$50,000 for each project selected, to cover both implementation cost of selected print programs and out of pocket expenses (includes photography, illustration, printing, mailing, etc.). The only thing it doesn't cover is the designer's time. The project has to be completed in 6 months from award, and the application deadline is May 31, 2005.
I'm going to try for this grant in conjunction with my Skatepark Open Project. I've been envisioning a printed book/journal that skaters across the country could give to civic leaders, schools, organizations and business leaders to help them communicate who they are and why they are valuable to the community (more on why there are valuable in this speech). I'd like to have the skaters in our community contribute their own stories, take their own photos, do their own illustrations, etc. to explain their sport, their creativity and their value to the community. If you are interested in helping with this project, just let me know.
You have questions and ideas God is percolating in you that relate to design and the passions of your heart. We'd like to hear them. They matter to us too.
posted by fivemcclungs at 7:53 AM
4 Comments:
Thought not Christian related directly, a year ago I offered my local city park my services as a designer - lack of paying work drove me to it. I saw their series of park maps, pavillion use forms and overall graphics and donated time to redraw all the material, design a new logo (which they failed to use consistantly) and whatever improvements I could make. My deal with them was to upgrade and improve signage in the park since it is a bird sanctuary. The city council approved this measure after a short letterwriting campaign by me and my wife. And now the park has the proper protection signs up to protect the local bird population. All my bird pals - swans, egrets, ducks, geese, and an occasional pelican - think it's great.
And that's what it's all about, isn't it? Intelligent art & design make life better for us and for those around us. This is the perfect attitude to have.
David C. Hancock
http://www.DavidCHancock.com
I know the submi date of May 31st is aproaching soon, but has anyone an idea where I can find an application for Sappi's Ideas that matter competition?
Here is the official website address.
http://www.sappi.com/SappiWeb/Initiatives/Sappi+Ideas+that+Matter/
They mail me one each year. Application is pretty extensive.
- Frank
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