Saulk Institute Visitation On Spring Equinox

Upon entering the Saulk Institute we were greeting by a security guard initially, until 6:01pm and Max walked out to grab us.  As we entered through the courtyard he advised us that the buildings currently there were not part of the initial plan and that it was all trees, Torrey Pines I believe.  

He gave us a brief history about how Jonah Saulk who founded the cure for polio and happened to be in contact with the mayor at that time of San Diego, who's son so happened to be a polio survivor around the same time as well.  The land was ultimately donated,  and he envisioned a place where the top scientists from around the world could come and act as a sort of "meeting of the minds."

This day was exceptionally special because the spring equinox was happening and the sunset was going to be lined exactly with the "river of life," which is the canal in the center of the main courtyard.  A special set of cameras were set up (multiple) in unison and the sunset was surreal to say the least.

Max wanted to shows exactly what was envisioned when the architect built the site, along with the feel for the property in general, and gave us a sense of creativity that exists. Fully equipped with walls with chalk boards to write thoughts.

Finally he brought us into his design room, and the videographer was getting ready to leave, turns out he brought him on board from working on previous projects. They collaborate with each other and it is their job to be in contact with the scientists to gather new and relevant material and package it in a fun way for events, and the magazine that comes out multiple times a year.  It made sense that it was hard to convey and relay messages back and forth from the scientists to them because they are very black and white, and articulate their words in a language that typically only scientists understand.  They get the information and make it fun.

The fact that Jonah Saulk married Picasso's  mistress Francoise Gilote, and they have full rights to use her paintings I feel has a vibe to Maxs work he produces for the Saulk.  His design process is unique in a sense that since he has access to old and new images he has the opportunity to mix the two medians and create his own feel. 

Posters he created for different trade shows were also interesting because the way he receives information from the scientist and makes them visually appealing.  All this takes time and practice and the way he showed us through his creative process in the periodical was intriguing because the way he layed the prints out for press were meticulously placed, and folded for perfect binding, also he advised us about the CMYK color process and how for certain special colors you would simply add a color plate before the printing press.

Throughout the tour he advised us about different designers, famous, past & current and I will continue to look into these.  The Loui Barragan, Robert Redford, Herman Miller & more!

Max was a very good host & I hope to be back soon!  Very much advise taking a tour, they are open to the public!