Drucker

As it applies to us, Drucker seems to focus on how in the mid-1920s there was a movement both in literature in art and that “the relations between form and expression” were dependent on “the capacity of the image, the poem, the word, or the mark to be, to exist in its own right.” She later discusses the importance of art/words to be rather than to represent. The notion is that words are not merely a gate into seeing a fuller picture, but that they themselves are the picture and should be presented in such a way as to be seen stand alone.

Introducing then, the power of words and the pattern poem to express more than words could previously, Drucker delves into the work of Mallarme who clearly distinguished his poetic form from the work of others. This avant-garde approach helps one realize that things as simple as font size, style and placement can radically alter the perception of a work.

This, among other ideas, led to other writers and artists paying closer attention to how others would perceive their creations. Spatial distribution is equal to word choice in many ways in the sense that it can express ideas as clearly or delve into abstraction. That notion, while not new to me, is brought to the forefront and I am able to see it more clearly. If I pay attention to all aspects of a work, it creates a more powerful, cohesive piece that can communicate volumes even in simplicity.

Many people refuse to experiment with writing because they are locked into form. To change font size or spacing mid page or mid sentence seems a many a way to break from cohesion. What they don’t realize is that by staying rooted in old patterns and forms that they are ruining cohesion. There is no way to break a boundary. There is no way to communicate parts of the message and so cohesion is lost.

For my own work, I think I need to be more aware of the placement of letters and also, what a certain font or placement communicates. If I have a message that I want viewers to comprehend, I must produce it in whatever language they will best understand. Readers respond to variance, to change and to abstraction. While it is true that some will not be able to break from their own boundaries in order to properly read this language, it is present for them should they wish to. That is what a writer should do—use every tool on the table and wait for someone to read.