Museum exhibits and books do share John Begg’s definition of the book as “a three dimensional container of ideas.” Museum exhibits, books, the internet, and many other forms of expression can share the definition “container of ideas.”
I am fascinated by the relationship between container and ideas – particularly the substance of both. The substance of the message, material, and means. Is the message meaningful? From where is the message, the idea coming? From joy? From questions and curiosity? From answers and rules and conventions? Out of respect for that which it impacts? Do the materials enhance and reflect the message? Sustainable? In a manner that gives more than takes?
Why am I suddenly interested in the book as the container to express my ideas as opposed to museum exhibits or the internet?
I don’t know the answer. Probably it is not about choosing one form over the other. More about finding a container that suits the message and is within my means at the moment? About the expression of ideas. Container and idea aren’t fixed anyway. I should look at them as earth and water. Earth as container; water as idea. One always informing and altering the other. Imperceptibly and perceptibly mixing along the way. Running inside and throughout. Dialogue and communication. Conversation.
Gloria
14 Nov 2008this is a great question…. for your research.