Associations with Valentine’s Day

I bought these red, white, and pink jelly beans at Central Market the other day to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit. Our discussion of Mardi Gras in class on Tuesday made me realize how we associate visual culture with many holidays. Just like these red, pink, and white jelly beans, most of the grocery stores and convenience stores across Fort Worth all have a Valentine’s Day Theme. When I see these three colors together, I tend to think of Valentine’s Day. The heart icon and love symbols are also associated with Valentine’s Day, which is filled with visual culture. It’s amazing how visual culture is all around us!

~ Abby Boyd

 

 

 

Reproducible

As we begin to cover the topic of digital imaging and reproduction, this framed object that has been sitting on my desk for a year and a half now stood out to me. Technically, this is a reproduced print of the Chi Omega Symphony. The symphony embodies who Chi Omegas are as women, and who we strive to be as citizens. It is something that Chi Omegas embrace and take very seriously. If the original copy that Ethel Switzer Howard had not been reproduced, the symphony would have not become as important as it is today. Technology has allowed Chi Omega to share the symphony with its members across the country and become an integral part of our sisterhood.

~ Abby Boyd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iconic Labels

The Patagonia label seems to be appearing more and more frequently across the country, especially at “preppy” schools like TCU. Many people on campus, whether they or male or female, are wearing the Patagonia brand. If you are seen wearing the Patagonia label or have the Patagonia iconic mountains on your shirt, you seem like you love adventure, you love the outdoors, you are a hipster, or maybe you are just a conformist. This label has become recognizable across the country. Americans wear this shirt to give off a certain message to whomever is looking at them.

Although Patagonia has always been a popular brand, the brand, and even this trout decal, has a different meaning for me. Since as long as I can remember, I have gone to our family friend’s ranch in Meeker, Colorado every single summer. My dad taught me how to fly fish at that ranch. Some of the clothing and fishing equipment we use is made by Patagonia. When I think of the Patagonia brand, I think of all the fun memories I’ve had catching trout with my dad. This iconic label reminds me of times spent fly fishing, the beautiful Colorado scenery, and spending time with family and friends. Although some people may have never used Patagonia as true outdoor gear, I will always think of the Patagonia brand as a mode of bringing my family and friends closer together.

-Abby Boyd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tulips

When I see fresh flowers in a vase in someone’s house, I always tend to think of that home being clean, traditional, and loved. Those people care about how their home is perceived. They want people to think that they live a normal, put-together life. Flowers visually can brighten up a room and bring some nature inside a home. Flowers are also sent to people or families for their birthdays, anniversaries, surgeries,  or funerals. Flowers can have different meaning, depending on the occasion.

My roommate Maddie brings home fresh flowers every week to liven up our petite dorm room. To me, these tulips represent my friendship with Maddie. They resemble her bright personality and her tendered nature towards others. It is amazing how a naturalistic object can have a number of different meanings for different people.

Abby Boyd