London Alphabet by Leila Amer

My goal for the alphabet was to find shapes that resembled letters. For example, a crack in the cement could resemble an ‘A’ or the curves from a wrought iron fence could mimic the curves of a lowercase ‘E’.

I chose to take this approach to the alphabet because I thought it would help me look at my surroundings in a different way. Instead of just looking for letters on signs or billboards, I would try and look for random markings on a light pole or the shapes and patterns embedded in the steel plates on the floor.

This was definitely a good exercise and, when looked at as a complete alphabet, it definitely helps the viewer get a feeling of London.

Leila Amer

Woodbury University

Graphic Design

London Alphabet by Jenni Vo

This assignment really opened my eyes to the world of typography around me, especially in London. There are so many urban-decayed and unique typography that isn't found any other place in the world. Typography is a lifestyle in London as is in any other part of the world. It is the voice of the artists in graffiti as well as the signage. There are many textures and beautiful typography that are invisible to the norm and being able to notice these things made me feel as if I was on an expedition. Finding my own alphabet through my travels helped make my London Alphabet unique and interesting and my favorite part was looking for the textures and unique colors.

-Jenni Vo
Woodbury University
Graphic Design

london alphabet by Jenn Nassef

I adore typography, so when we were assigned the photographic exercise of collecting images of numbers 0-9 and the full alphabet I found it quite intriguing. Throughout our trip we roamed the busy city streets, and found ourselves surrounded by words and numbers that reflected upon London's unique city aspects. Creativity was definitely called for when searching for specific letters and numbers that fit well with your existing collection (hence the upside down giraffe as a 4). It was a challenge collecting an overall alphabet that, as a whole, presented itself as a piece of art, but I do feel as though it represents the culture of London.

Jenn Nassef

highgate cemetary by Laura Orozco

Marx
Now I knew that Karl Marx was resting somewhere in London, however I didn’t know we were going to visit him as a class which was quite an awesome experience. As usual, we had our long walk up a hill but all worth it once we entered Highgate Cemetery, a space filled with lush greenery with headstones and religious statues merging in cluster form with intimate paths to go deep within the trees. The drizzle added to the effect and set the mood as we walked on newly wet soil, whispering our thoughts as we shared feelings usually reserved for other occasions.

-Laura Orozco
Woodbury University
Architecture

highgate cemetary by Alex Kuhse

Highgate Cemetary is one of those places on Earth you can spend years looking for the right words to describe, but have none of them make any sense until you see it for yourself...

Walking through the eerily lush landscape amongst displaced headstones and decayed statues is somewhat comforting. I am assuming the opened graves and displaced headstones are a result of under soil route movement, however I have not ruled out the possibility of it being zombies.

Even Karl Marx is buried there for some reason...

be still....

Alex Kuhse

Graphic Design

Woodbury University

Highgate Cemetary by Leila Amer

The cemetery was somewhat of a surreal experience. The moment we entered through the gates it began to rain which filled the air with a sense of eeriness. Walking around it was crazy to see all the gravestones stacked on top of one another, some even eroding due to tree roots that had grown underneath.

Even though many of the gravestones were interesting to look at visually, it was also interesting to read what was on the actual gravestone. A feeling of sorrow would take over when you realize a child merely 20 days old was taken from this earth and buried alongside its mother who died just a few years later.

It instantly reminded me that life could end at any moment and I truly felt blessed to be in good health alongside good friends.

“And ever has it been that love knows not it’s own depth, until the hour

of separation”

Leila Amer

Woodbury University

Graphic Design

Misc London Snaps

Saatchi Gallery & Harrods by Aaron Lopez

The Saatchi Gallery was a great experience for me. It's a contemporary art gallery displaying works of artist with creativity that was abundantly clear in the artwork. Though most of the artwork should be appreicated at face value and didn't need any deeper digging, it was a fun experience. It was colorful, exciting, and novel. In other words, it was exactly the type of thing I'm interested in. Harrods was a whole different experience. It was more of a maze than a shopping center. We only had half an hour to look throught the whole place. That wasn't even enough time to window shop! The dress code was ridiculous if you ask me. I actually had to change my ripped jeana before we even left the dorms to make sure I can get in. While leaving Harrods, I saw a girl get rejected from going in the store because she was wearing jean shorts. It was crazy. ahaha. Definitely an London Experience.

Aaron Lopez

Woodbury University

Graphic Design

Saatchi gallery & harrods by Elizabeth Sweeney

After finishing a lunch in Chelsea, London we walked over to the Saatchi gallery (gallery for contemporary art) nearby in the area. Upon arriving there was a statue of balloons hanging from the roof with two legs descending from it. This was the first piece we saw before entering the gallery to know what we were going to get to see. After arriving the first few galleries were interesting, however very commercial. I was the least impressed and wasn’t sure how I was going to respond to the other three floors. On the second floor I discovered some photographic pieces and was completely intrigued.

I then continued to the next showrooms and floors where I was captivated by the life-like statues of a mystical realm. I was also fascinated with the giant animals that after studying you realize were made out of recycled tire parts.

I was so intrigued with the exhibits that I ended up meeting up with the group 20mins past our meet-time. After apologizing to the group we set off to our next destination, Harrods. After a light-rain and brief walk we arrived. The stores exterior was lavish and the interior was just as classic. Filled with over a million dollars worth of merchandise some of us were not sure where to start. We quickly learned no photography was allowed so we were left to document with our minds. After spending about 30 minutes walking through the store we decided we needed a break. We sat outside and observed the “Londoners” and tourist travel into the store with excitement and exit with little green bags of joy. Overall this trip was filled with exceeding my expectations and memory card.

Elizabeth Sweeney
Woodbury University
Graphic Design

Misc London Snaps

portebello road by Jenn Nassef

Directions to Portebello Road...
1. Take underground to Notting Hill station
2. Once out of the station, follow the crowd

And that is exactly what you do. Portebello Road is simply the place to be on the weekend, filled with endless antiques, hand made jewelry and trinkets, and a sea of both visitors and locals for miles.
The sound of local musicians intoxicate the roar of the crowd as they mingle with those around them in search of the best deals and rare finds.
Not only was the air filled with the gentle sound of the acoustic guitars and the passionate lyrics expressed by local musicians, but the aroma of sweet crepes and fresh bruschetta invaded the streets. Not to mention the most delicious sprinkle doughnut I indulged myself in. Let's just say I am thankful for the fact that we had to walk so far to reach the end of this market, I was able to walk off maybe a fourth of this sinful pleasure. Along the way I was also able to pick up a few treasures here and there for family and friends back at home. Easily you could spend the entire day there going from one booth to the next digging and rummaging. The atmosphere of Portebello road is just so enjoyable being out in the fresh air amongst the people of London and it's visitors. I spent two visits during my trip here in order to take in as much as I possibly could. It's a place where you could just simply lose your head!

Jenn Nassef
Woodbury University
Graphic Design.