Free Rise

One week down at Google. As we wait for Kid #2 to arrive (and my too-soon paternity leave to commence), Kid #1 has already taken a shine to some of my schwag.

As I wait for both the new job and a new baby to make life fun and exhausting again, I’m taking advantage of this quiet week to do the things that a new job and new baby would normally preclude.

Yesterday, that meant attending SF MOMA’s 75th Anniversary Exhibition, with four floors of brain-exploding works from the collection.

I love SF MOMA, but I can only take about 120 minutes of it before overstimulation starts to set in. The beauty of a modern art museum of this scale is that you can focus on what stirs you, and skip what leaves you cold or bored.

What do I love? Lots of things, but most of all deconstructions — works that break down societal rituals or cultural crafts into their component parts.

Here’s an example that really blew my gourd. This short film was showing in one of the 4th floor theaters, and I was rather excited to find it online when I got home.

It’s helpfully titled “Chapters 1-12 of R. Kelly’s Trapped In The Closet Synced and Played Simultaneously” by Michael Bell-Smith. As the chapters of R. Kelly’s wildly ridiculous R&B soap opera progress in synchronicity, the words disappear, revealing the songs’ common structure and the videos’ visual palette.

Give it a chance.

Chapters 1-12 of R. Kelly’s Trapped In The Closet Synced and Played Simultaneously (2006) by Michael Bell-Smith. Courtesy EAI. from Why + Wherefore on Vimeo.

Last Friday was my final day consulting with Wells Fargo. In two weeks, I’ll be starting a new gig with Google.

Specifically, I’ll be responsible for the product marketing of YouTube and Google TV Ads, and I’ll be situated at the YouTube campus in San Bruno.

I’m terrifically excited about the opportunity, which is pretty close to my ideal position. I’ll miss working in the City, but I’m also beyond relieved not to have to commute to the South Bay daily. The actual start date may be affected by the imminent appearance a new baby in the house.

Thanks to everyone who’s sent their warm wishes. Job hunting in 2009 was hard.