VA BEACH-aiga??

august 2005: Hey David,
 
Just finishing up on all my thank you messages for the event sponsors and I was saving you for last.
 
Well, WE definitely did it, but without your creative work, your charm and your willingness to connect with people on a real human basis, it would have been just another nice place to drink booze. In short: UdaMan! ** I was just talking to one of the people who attended the event, the owner of the local “Art House” movie theater, and he said that this event was the best answer that you could have given to the local AGIA folks-you showed up and nailed it!
 
For my part: I’m honored to have worked with you on a professional level to pull this event off (a dream of my college days); I’m a huge fan of your work and an even bigger fan of the process by which you give your work substance and value. When people ask why your work still rises above the crowd of imitators-I can tell them that others are just arranging objects in 1 or 2 dimensions- your best work floats in 3,4,5? dimensions, swimming in the emotive dream of the heart. It was great to really catch that side of what makes you tick and to hear you try to pass that secret onto others. My biggest hope is that some young person heard you and saw your work, and is inspired to leave their daily grovel and take some chances to create their own path. Your visit here also really shook some dust off of my creative soul as well. I’m more fired up than I have been in years!
 
Gotta say that I was also impressed with just you as a person. Especially with all the negative vibes that the local AGIA folks were shoveling out before you got here. It was great hanging with you, talking story and listening to some history. Hope to do more at some point! Both Skip and I were stoked that you were such a present person with your ego checked at the door. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that you would be a pain to live with, but hell, who isn’t?
 
Anyway, Skip got some good pics of the event, so I’m sending them along for your website. I’m also sending the pics to the Portfolio Weekly paper for their “Saw You There” section-helps spread the word of how good the event really was!
 
Got some promo things from Twin Fin, I’ll send a box soon. Can’t wait to check out Tortola, but, if a good swell is forcast for Cape Hatteras, you should fly up! I’ll keep you posted.
 
–Mike

Dear Mr. Carson,
My name is Angela , Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Digital Art at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA. Yesterday, the advanced graphic design students I guide gave presentations on their “Design Heroes” (from a midterm assignment), one of which was you, presented by Stephanie Swinson. I was touched to hear she had been able to have correspondence with you and I, in turn, wanted to relay to you what a positive impact that has had not only on her, but the two design classes (that meet together) as a whole.
 
The BFA program is just in its beginning stages of development here (I am new here – and in the 1st semester of my full-time teaching career – as a result of AASU’s willingness to grow). As the students discover design as a passion (and not a ‘class’), it was really great to see their reactions during the presentation. I could feel her sense of excitement spread across the room as she spoke about you – so much so the Intro group (instructed at the same time) can’t wait for next semester!
 
We thank you for the inspiring work you produce (I also dig your work) and for taking the time to talk with an aspiring student. It sure meant alot and will continue to have an impact on everyone in that room.
Thanks again.
 
Best.
Angela

From: Anto
Sent: Jul 25, 2005 6:37 AM
To: dcarson@earthlink.net
Subject: Trek
 
july.24 05
 
 
Mr C…
 
 
‘Ini sungguh menggetarkan hati.”
 
(It’s real vibrate heart).
 
The big questions for surfaces?
All revealed.
 
 
Genius.
 
 
 
 
Antobowo (Jakarta)

To: dcarson@earthlink.net
Subject: Thank you!
Date: May 17, 2005 1:16 PM
Dear Mr. Carson:
 
My name is XXXXX XXXXX. My son attends XXXXXXXXXXX college in XXXXXXXX, Kansas. My sons name is XXXXXX XXXXXX He will have his senior showing next year. The reason for my email is to thank you for the inspiration you give the students. XXXXXX is passionate about the work he does, and I feel your work has been instrumental in the way he sees, and projects his creative talent. I am sure many students do projects with you as there subject, and XXXXXwas at least one of them.
 
He had a chance to see you on one of your last visits to Kansas City. He was so enthused for days. He has one of your books and keeps it with him all the time. He loves to share your book with everyone. He does very well in school. Very good GPA, and does well on his projects. Always has first in shows on his portfolio reviews.
 
Again, I am grateful for the inspiration you not only give XXXXX, but all that love your work. XXXX does not know that I am writing to you, but I can’t tell you how it feels for me to see him get so excited about something he loves so much. That is graphic design. I only hope that as he pursues his dream, he gets the fulfillment out of his work, as he says you get out of yours. After all, he is my son and I love him very much.
 
Thank you again,
 
XXXXX XXXXX