Abbott Miller
Lalita Noronha
Outwardly, Bombay-born scientist-turned-fiction writer Lalita Noronha has little in common with acclaimed designer and graphic design guru Abbott Miller. They both, however, understand how words and names carry specific connotations. Through the nexus of image and invention, Noronha and Abbott explore the meaning of Baltimore's name. Abbott explores the concept of renaming the city in an effort to evoke a positive perception while retaining an authentic identity; Noronha presents an original work of fiction investigating the poignancy of place and identity.
photo by Lisa Macfarlane
by Abbott Miller, and Lalita Noronha
What's in a name?
When approached about this issue, Abbott Miller had a thought. "People outside the area have the idea that they know what Baltimore is—even if they don't," he said. "The name elicits an odd reaction. So what if we just renamed the city?" Lalita Noronha took inspiration from that concept and, over the course of several creatively charged weeks, she drafted an original piece of fiction that illustrates the poignancy of place and identity. Meanwhile, Abbott toyed with some ideas for a new city name. "Believemore," anyone?
Renaming Baltimore
When you tell someone you live in Baltimore, a strange smile comes over their face. It's often not based on any true knowledge of or insight about the place: Instead, I think it's because the word itself sounds funny. Here are some options to consider for renaming Baltimore and creating a new image for the Greatest City in America.
-by Abbott Miller
