St Josep La Boqueria market, an amazing colourful and inspiring spanish food location. Creatives at work.
Category: Inspiration
Skies the limit.
I visited the sky garden recently and looking out across London really reminded me of the magic and beauty of the City, its so easy to forget the bigger picture. London life has its stresses but taking a break to look from a high, enjoying the richness of the surroundings is an activity worth undertaking.
Learning something new every day.
At the National Theatre London.
When you get to a point you are feeling you are stuck at a red light in life or career, my advice is always ‘Get Out There, see what might turn up, learn something new and if possible make someone smile’.
I am still buzzing, following an amazing weekend. I was searching the National Theatre Website and I came across a play ‘Hedda Gabler’ by Henrik Ibsen. The powerful promotional image encouraged me to want to book a ticket.
I will have to admit Ibsen did not initially draw me, it was the image of Ruth Wilson and the feeling this was a story worth investigating.
Wow, this is a play worth seeing. The cast are amazing and in particular Ruth Wilson who plays Hedda. This is not highbrow; this is a new version by Patrick Marber who also wrote the screenplay ‘ notes on a scandal’. What is great about the National Theatre is, although this play is sold out, the National provides other opportunities to access a few tickets, all explained online and also will be screening this show at Cinemas on the 9th March. So it will be possible to see it.
What have I learnt today? Well, I have to keep an eye on work by Patrick Marber, performances with Ruth Wilson and that Ibsen was Norwegian, born in 1928 and he also wrote a Dolls House.
I purchased a ‘Big Issue’ and this did make both the seller and myself smile.
Blog 100 and another beginning.
Candoco Dance Company at Sadlers Wells
I am always so inspired by the talent and creativity out there. As a fan of self help books I am always on the look out for things to read, do and see which press the right buttons to ignite passion, enthusiasm and confidence.
My number 100 blog feels just right as this Sadlers Wells show by the Candoco Dance Company was amazing, thrilling and inspiring. The production was so forward thinking and has kick started me into including Contemporary Dance now in my creative launch pad.
Worth having a look at the video clip ‘ telling – 25 – stories-in- our -25th -anniversary -year.
Blog 87: Exercising my imagination
Another day enroute to my goal. I know it’s not the destination it’s the journey that’s important, but there is no doubt in my mind having a goal is more exciting than frustrating. Well today it is.
Prior to my next injection of cultural activity, I turn to my bookshelf for some useful prompts and inspiration. My latest amazing find is ‘How to have great ideas’ A guide to creative thinking by John Ingledew.
My day starts with ‘Exercise your imagination’ and that’s exactly what I intend to do
Blog 85: Upward and Onward
Finding the prompt that helps you move forward is often a challenge. A change of environment, a visit to see something new and or a good book with a cup of coffee is my recommendation.
Red flowers, upward, onward and a good read. ‘The person who doesn’t make mistakes is unlikely to make anything’ a wonderful quote from an excellent read by Paul Arden. ‘It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be’ is really motivational, accessible makes you smile and with quotes which I am sure I will be referencing for some time.
Blog 84: Finding your prompts
Don’t give up searching for your prompts because once found it’s a roller coaster ride from there on.
Art in whatever form is for everyone however much it may feel housed for the elite.
The more I look at these pots, the more I sense a form of communication. What was the mood of the artist, what are they trying to say but more importantly, they have encouraged me to question and be curious. What is great there is no right or wrong way to feel about the creative offers surrounding us but opportunities and possible prompts. Do carry on looking, as there is definitely a prompt out there for you.
Pots by Picasso at Winter Palace St Petersburg 2016.
Blog 83: Community spirit on the Southbank
Back from a trip to the Southbank and I still have goose bumps.
37 screens showing scenes of Shakespeare plays along the River, mentioned on Radio 4 on Saturday evening was my first prompt.
My plan was to negotiate the crowds attending the Marathon and off to Blackfriars bridge tube station I went.
I have always been a supporter of the marathon but from afar, not really engaging but this has definitely now changed!
As I crossed the Bridge on my way to the Shakespeare events I could hear the cheering and feeling already the support and community feeling around the activities taking place below. Runners at the 24-mile point and people lining the road and on the bridge above shouting encouragement for them to keep going. I never imagined the impact this would have on me. Not meant for the visitor aiming for the cultural experience; the crowds, cheering and community spirit surrounding me has been like a shot in the dark and has opened another door to the inspirational experiences and opportunities around me.
Blog 82 : Finding Beauty and igniting a smile.
A quote from my recent read and which really made me smile this morning was ‘Make the World to believe in you and to pay heavily for the privilege’ from Gilbert & George.
I wondered for a while and quickly did a Wikipedia search and found some other snippets, which have touched the right nerve. What do you think?
Their work is referred to as anti-elitist and adopting the slogan ‘Art for All’ aiming to be relevant beyond the narrow confines of the art world.
My recent read referred to in Blog 81 and today is ‘Think like an Artist’ ..and lead a More Creative, Productive Life by Will Gompertz. A must read for anyone needing some inspiration.
Blog 81: Finding my voice
Having a passion about something does not mean your own narrative and own voice comes easy, but when it happens it’s worth all the pain.
Procrastination, lack of confidence and looking inward rather than outward can stifle your ability to grow. Personal growth and the ability to succeed can happen at any time; it’s about finding the right buttons to press to begin the escalator up.
A plane trip to Russia, my dose of art and a good book has given me the shake up which has reignited the journey I have been waiting for. First things first; one good book ‘Think Like and Artist’ by Will Gompertz which I would absolutely recommend. An easy read with inspirational messages and it also highlights you are not on your own. Second the medicine I also needed was a Tony Cragg work a surprise at the Winter Palace in Russia.
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