Today, Frank Warren from PostSecret gave a brief talk at the DePaul bookstore (literally across the street from where I work). It was slated for around lunchtime, and I headed over there with Ben and Chris.
The event was held in the atrium area, on the lower floor – quite possiby one of the worst places to be, as there were tables of students/people eating lunch and talking, right above the event. The noise echoed up, and then back down… making it really difficult to hear (the screechy, feedback-prone mic didn’t help much either).
On each person’s chair, there was a replica of the original postcards that were used. The project began as part of a small art show, with Frank going around handing people cards, asking for secrets. After the art show ended, he kept on receiving postcards and, well… he’s been receiving them ever since.
Quick shot of some of the books for sale; this event was part of a book tour, promoting the latest release: A Lifetime of Secrets.
View of the crowd.
Frank, showing off one of the postcards that didn’t make it into the book.
Another view of the crowd. All told, there were maybe twice this number in attendence.
Before the event, I went over to say hi to Frank. He and I have exchanged a few emails here and there, prior to today. I asked for his advice for an old (now defunct) project called “One Day Secret,” and he picked my brain some regarding my approaches to posting audio.
I was hoping he’d remember me, but as it turns out he didn’t (at least, not really). Most of our chats have taken place over email, and the last time I saw him in person was for a few fleeting moments, over a year ago. He remembered our prior conversations somewhat, and the two of us talked very briefly about his newly launched audio project. But soon after that, he had to go and start his presentation.
In hindsight, I feel a bit silly (and a little fame-whorishg), thinking that he’d remember me, when I’m sure he sees and talks with a gajillion people on a daily basis. And being on a book tour, I can only assume that the number of people vying for his time simply increases.
Here was a nice thing though – because I was on lunch break, I had to leave a bit early. I got a few more shots of the event, and hopped on the escalatar situated behind the crowd. As I was looking out over the reading, Frank spotted me and, mid-sentence, gave a little wave – that was pretty cool.
I didn’t end up taking any video of the event, as the audio was just… pretty bad, overall. However, I do have some fun footage from the last reading I attended, when PostSecret and Found Magazine presented together at Intuit Gallery.
