1000 Journals Project.

I don't know if you've heard of the 1000 Journals Project. This was actually started by one of the faculty members of the Academy, Brian Singer, and before his project was to be displayed at the SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), he had a live forum at the library.



Interesting, this is how it all started: "I've always been fascinated by what people scrawl on bathroom walls and in public spaces. I had been taking photographs of this writing for years, and wanted to put together a book. It seemed appropriate to encourage readers to become contributors, and join the conversation by writing in the actual book. From there, I decided that a blank book might be more fun... especially one that traveled around, to gather a variety of thoughts and opinions. And then, why not 1000 of them? It's such an absurd number. The project officially launched in August of 2000, with the release of the first 100 journals in San Francisco. I gave them to friends, and left them at bars, cafes, and on park benches. Shortly thereafter, people began emailing me, asking if they could participate. So I started sending journals to folks, allowing them to share with friends, or strangers. It's been a roller coaster ever since."


Click on this photo to view larger. Read it, it's funny.

Why did he do it? "If you ask a kindergarten class how many of them are artists, they'll all raise their hands. Ask the same question of 6th graders, and maybe one third will respond. Ask high school grads, and few will admit to it. (explained in Orbiting the Giant Hairball)What happens to us growing up? We begin to fear criticism, and tend to keep our creativity to ourselves. Many people keep journals, of writing or sketching, but not many share them with people. (when was the last time a friend invited you to read their diary?) You will not be judged here. And you will have company. This is for you. For everyone."

I was moved by his project.

To read and know more about this experiment, check the photos below or visit the website. Click on photos to view larger.







Of course I had to participate in this project. I went to the MOMA and there were about 7 books displayed, and anyone can actually write on them - share their story or add a piece of art. Below are some interesting pages done by people who have received these books (I'm sure these weren't done at the Museum).





I chose this book. He actually made several cover designs to make these books unique, and assigned each of them a number. I chose Journal No. 751. The books found in the MOMA actually came back to the author, but the pages weren't filled up so he decided to display them at the museum.



Visit the website and join in on this experiment! :)