The Title Me Project began while I was in the Visual Communication department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sharing my abstract drawings to my peers, I'd say, "What would you title this?" The question entitled each person to interpret what I was showing them and take ownership of it by giving it a title. Without fail, the title illustrated ways of interpreting the drawing I'd never even thought of. It was fascinating to me that abstract work could be so widely and diversely interpreted, if a viewer was engaged enough with it. They'd look up at me and say, "Is that was it is?" And inevitably, the answer had to be "Yes!" It didn't matter if it was something I could even imagine or create myself, the interpretation of it and their own perspective was what interested me way more than any original intention of mine.

In 2005, I started posting my drawings in online art communities on LiveJournal.com and Myspace.com. I labeled each post, "Title me!" with no other explanation. The creativity immediately began pouring in from everywhere. Hilarious, poetic, silly and downright brilliant titles were posted. I knew I had to record each title. A vast collection began and is now managed in a database. Each time I show, sell or post these pieces, all previously given titles are included if possible along with an opportunity to add to the collection. What are your titles?

Jemal Diamond
thejemalshow