Theory of Derive

Theory of the Derive was my chosen reading. Since this is going to be my first Drift walk, this article was appealing to me. I find it interesting that there is a theory to drifting. I have always thought of a drift as being a stroll, or a journey, with no calculated direction. This text suggests something different, that there is a technique to it.
Derive, the article explains, is a "playful-constructive behavior and awareness of psychogeographical effects", making it different from a journey or a stroll. It is letting go of your standard routine movements, but with certain calculation and awareness of direction, while exploring a different landscape. Debord describes the limitations of chance, that to strictly wander in an open country is remaining ignorant to the possibilities that can be found in exploring the "transformations", and liveliness of an urban surrounding. The whole idea is to create new conditions. He also writes of spatial field. To explore a particular terrain is easier than to interrupt your exploration and travel to a different area ex. the example of taking a taxi. That the drifter becomes more concerned with disorientation. Dubord also writes of the advantage weather can have for derives.
This article put to rest a lot of concerns I had about my first drift walk. It is a test for me, because my mind tends to naturally wander in whatever I am doing. Quite honestly, I have relied more on chance as a way of discovery. These excercises will be a great eye opener for me, now that I have an idea as to what drifting truly means. To be a true artist is to explore the unfamiliar and retain the knowledge of change that happens in everyday life.