Bringing the Theme of “Courage” to Life

In exploring this year’s theme of courage, we asked you – our audience – what courage means to you. Some described courage as facing fears head on, and moving outside of one’s comfort zone. Others felt that it might sometimes be more subtle, like having the fortitude to carry on each day, even when faced with obstacles. It seemed that many people interpreted courage as breaking through barriers, transcending boundaries.

To bring the theme to life visually, we started with a basic human physiological condition – the fight-or-flight response, and the movement of adrenalin in the body. What do we do in the face of danger? The choice is usually made very quickly. We looked at patterns in nature and in art that depict this transference, movement.

We then examined the patterns created when parts of a larger group set themselves apart. Repeating geometric shapes create a feeling of stability, but can also feel constrained. Shapes danced, floated, wandered in the visuals we found, suggesting courage as individual parts of a greater whole stepping out.

We explored the visual forms of the building that would be our venue this year on 12.12.12. This iconic venue designed by architect Anthony C. Lewis suggested triangular shapes, diamonds, diagonals; shapes that can be associated with ascent.

Our visual interpretation of the theme emerged from study and experimentation with these concepts. Courage can be about removing oneself from constraints, from conformity, from boundaries and established norms. It can start with a single step. Sometimes courage is also about the ability to exist within a system and transform, still be different.

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