The Big Idea - you'll get there in the end

I went to a really interesting talk last night hosted by the She says gang. It was all about the psychology of getting an idea, and how to allow yourself to get to the eureka moment. The evening consisted of four speakers all with fascinating nuggets of information to share.
One speaker, Dawn Sillet of Creative mastery mentioned something quite interesting about how the brain works. She said that as human beings we are inanely structured to solve a problem. And that if we allow our brain to, it will come up with the goods in the end. Rather like when you forget what you wnet going upstairs for, but remember when you get back down. Or when remember the answer from the pub quiz, when you are on the way home two hours later. That is often why we get our best ideas in the bath or on the loo. it is hwile we are relaxed, and our brain subconciously makes the connections, and solves the problems that we've been struggling to earlier. So when you see Creatives mucking about on the Foossball or lounging about, it is actually work. It is good to allow the brain time to breathe. That said it is all about balance (as with everything). So we need stimulus, challenges, deadlines, motivation, stress, calm, wacky ideas and logic to come up with the best ideas.
So if you catch me running around naked, hollering like a red indian, then stopping to do a suduko, you know why.

Crafty Tea

I'm all for a good cuppa and biscuits, so these were right up my street. And the fact they are hand crafted by British knitters or part of a fairtrade scheme in Asia makes them even better.
I came across them in this sweet little shop in Kingly court, Carnaby street, All The Fun of the Fair. I really felt like a kid in a toy shop as it took me back to childhood. they have all sorts of bits and pieces, buttons, haberdashery for all your crafty needs. Or if you just need an interesting baby present, my fav was the carrot rattle.
The top pictures are handmade pieces by Bugs and Fishes who makes kitsch pieces, from teacups to butterflies and birds. Love it.

Cool Animation

'MUTO' a wall painted animation by BLU from Brazil:




http://www.vimeo.com/993998

PostSecret

This may not be new to some of you, but I came across this article in the Sunday times and upon looking further it was relevant to project I'm currently working on at Langland.
It's about a project called 'Postsecret', initiated by Frank Warren in America. He asked members of the general public to submit their deepest darkest secrets on a plain A6 postcard. He invited people to reveal their regrets, fears, loves, desires and embarassing secrets to him anonymously; anything as long as it is true and it has never been shared before. Frank collected them together on a website after receiving over 10.000 cards in under a year. Secrets were sometimes moving or funny or just plain weird: 'I stole valium from my epileptic dog', 'I waste office supplies because I hate my boss', and 'I've always wanted to rob a bank'.
What became apparent was that by opening up their deepest thoughts, people actually began to help others, and a kind hearted supportive community developed. the project continued and he has published many books on this fascinating exploration of people and what goes on behind closed doors. For more laughs and insights visit www.postsecret.com

Where have I been?

I missed my blog too!
I was quite pleased when I got a few messages from readers asking what's going on with my blog. I haven't disowned it - just been extremely busy.
By royal appointment to the Ad industry, I'm freelancing in an agency right next to Windsor castle. And seeing as I spend a great deal of time travelling there (I live in North London), it doesn't leave much time for blogging. *Any donations of a laptop are welcome.

Meanwhile I have a stash of articles and links that I want to put up, so bear with, and apologies if you've seen it already - I can't always be on top of what's Hot!

Embroidered Graffiti

I found this very amusing: A Swedish artist, Ulrika Erdes encourages people to not only express themselves using good old fashioned embroidery, but of those who do, they leave such charming messages on public transport. From 'Hello' to 'Hugs' or a picture of a bird, it's hardly rebellious. How very Swedish.

MoveMe

For any of you that travel on the Victoria Line, an organisation called Artbelow have taken over the space at Finsbury park Tube station. During my many minutes on the platform, I've been admiring some nice pieces of work by artists supporting the 'Move me' campaign to encourage people to Cycle. I'm already a bike lover so can appreciate the sentiments expressed, and hopefully others do too.






To view the complete exhibition, visit http://www.anythingmac.co.uk/artbelow/

Grand Freeze at Central Station

This is really good - a new take on flash mobbing with people freezing at Grand central station, New York.