01.Feb.2011 do something else
I read an interview recently that I cant get out my head. The article is titled “Jon Kolko on Design That Changes Human Behavior” and its from 6.15.10. Here’s the snippet that snagged me:
What are you sick of? - I think we’ve gotten to the point of design where it’s no longer OK to say that it’s all worth doing. I think that a whole lot of people dedicating their careers to making really beautiful tables and chairs and lamps when the same amount of energy could be set to other problems. I think it’s time for us to start having a conversation and say, “you know that project, that lamp, that chair, is not worth doing; do something else.”
I want to create meaningful work. Work that helps people – that does more than just “look pretty” and boast my ego momentarily because other people think its pretty too. This pushes me to do unglamorous work that doesn’t necessarily come easy to me. This drive to affect and serve humanity pushes me to do something else.
I suppose the article lingers because his response resonates with my own beliefs human effort going to do good and solve real problems vs just making the world a prettier place with nicer chairs.
Dont get me wrong, it makes me a bit jealous of people who can just sit back and create illustrations, advertising, branding ect for a living. I suppose things need to be illustrated and sold, yes. And I enjoy plenty a pretty picture just for the sake of aesthetic therapy, but I also think that all design can be pushed to be and do more. And that the intent behind a design endeavor can yield something that truly benefits humanity.
30.Jun.2010 thats why i hold you
For a change, I’m tasking myself with something fairly straight forward: review a music video by one of my favorite bands.
I just watched, in HD glory, Interpol’s recently released video for a single off their new album. The song is called Lights. This is the first time I hear this song as well. And this is just my gut instinct, I’ve only watched it once.
First off. I’m confused. I don’t love it. I don’t dislike it. I feel like I need to look up the director or the lyrics. Is that a bad thing? I’d say that I like being confused. Things that make me think. But right now my take on it veers slightly towards the negative. Maybe its because I’m freshly out of work. Worn out from errands and still there’s a growing to-do list. Maybe I’m just in the mood to have something handed to me. I think this is when people are most likely to watch re-runs on tv. At least I can remember a time when I lived for CSI Las Vegas reruns on Spike after work.
Maybe that kind of relaxation is good for your brain. Or, I should probably just do something relaxing. Meditative. Instead of trying to figure this video out. But… how the hell do you turn that off? Plagued by curiosity, hunches, and intuition. I don’t belong in this place.
Anyway, here’s the video:
So… drinking milky liquid off a microscope slide. Bathing with black loofahs (where do I pick up one of those) followed by a close shave with some straight razors. Ok. That makes sense. If I was going to coat someone in latex, that might indeed be a good idea. And now for the release… white milky liquid oozing out of her mouth.
If that description doesn’t make you want to go watch the video if you passed over it, I’d wonder whats wrong with you and how your neat little mind got here.
Song sounded like typical Interpol. Doesn’t make me want to run and pick up the album. Especially after checking out their 3D glossy logo on their website. Romantic-scifi-neo-noir-porn? Sure, why not.
07.Jul.2009 paparazzi
i feel the need to justify the lack of resolution/quality in the snapshots i post here.
i take pictures with my cell phone camera of things i happen to see when i’m out living my life. if i take my camera with me when i venture out, sometimes the world is just a little less fascinating. suddenly i’m looking for “things to take a picture of” instead of just being present with life.
often the most trivial of riffraff is what calls to me. and it would seem that the most authentic inspiration comes when unexpected. stumbled upon. impromptu.
if i expect to capture inspiration or life, those subtle, private moments might elude me. some things are not meant to be captured in 8 megapixel glory or hd. trust.
nevertheless i do own a nice(er) camera that i’m afraid to take out because my last nice(er) camera was accidentally smashed in the midst of fun-having. and i cant say i’ve ever gotten over it. anyway, whenever i’m *really* having fun i don’t feel much like taking pictures.
so here’s a couple pictures i took with said camera, i’ll try to use it more often since its just depreciating on a shelf:
08.Sep.2008 Ravenous sighing, I got nothing to say
So 40 posts into this blog and I’m having second and third thoughts. What was the point exactly? Whats with the pretentious name?
12.Aug.2008 It’s an odd dance of self-identity
so i was like inthemiddle of writing this lengthy blog post about nonduality and selfawareness, a tome that had been the culmination of weeks of experimental this-that and i was thisclose to breaking through with an “aha!” when i get an email from Michelle. she fwd’d me the cover story of the latest adbusters, aptly titled: Hipster: The Dead End of Western Civilization. i thumb through and read the article on my blackberry and realize that quite a bit of mixed strong reactions are emerging.
14.Jul.2008 life supports that which supports life
how much is too much when Nothing was enough in the first place?
this weekend i came to a crossroads where i’m guessing all fledgling young adults eventually land. i found myself in a sort of iconoclastic apocalypse (credits to mia for phrase) where everything i’ve thought was “cool”… everything that i’ve passively worshiped and poured my time and energy into, was not only total crap, but aggressively contributing to my demise. dramatic i know, but hey, i’m a dramatic kind of girl woman.
