I have adopted Seth Godin’s Linchpin manifesto for the month of February and beyond.
The Linchpin Manifesto - Seth Godin
Category: art
It’s probably only a matter of time before someone steals this idea as creative “inspiration” for a TV commercial. Ten years ago would you have thought that an actress of the calibre of Isabella Rosselini would be starring in a web series dressed as a randy prawn? Possibly not. Evidence that the craziest most unlikely concepts actually work. This original web series uses striking and quirky characters and comedy with an environmental edge. This is my favourite so far but you can watch the series or get the widget here.
I have been incognito dear reader for the last 4 months due to a radical but welcome job change. That is no excuse really as I am still a digital producer so first resolution for the year is to post at least twice a week (ok so I am 4 posts down but it’s the intention that counts).
Now the new job led me to have my fortune told for the very first time at a work Christmas party. This was a useful diversion away from stuffing my face with canapes. The first words out of Madame Antoine’s mouth were “So, when are you planning to return to Paris?”. The hook worked and I sat enthralled for half an hour. My home my be Sydney but my heart belongs in France.
Vive La France!
It was an amusing end to 2010 and a great beginning to 2011 as this month I take my cue from everything French and Chic:
Fashion—–> She’s not French but she is chic… Vogue Japan Editor At Large and avid fashion blogger Anna Dello Russo is my fantasy fashion muse. If only I had the funds and the legs to wear her wardrobe. Conceptual outfits worn as daywear, fruit inspired milinary, I imagine that having a watermelon on your head takes confidence (Sarah Jessica Parker should take note). As does being a non-conformist in the fashion industry. Dello Russo, I salute you, your blog and and your great legs!
Literature—–> Last year, a dear friend insisted that I read ‘The Elegance of the Hedgehog’ by Muriel Barbery. Having read the synopsis, it sounded thoroughly depressing. The novel focuses on the interwoven daily lives of a 12 year old girl who has decided to commit suicide and an older, grumpy concierge who happens to be an autodidact. They both reside at no 7 rue de Grenelle, a hotel particulier in Paris with intriguing residents. While rummaging through a book barn I came upon it again, read the first three pages and had to buy it. I am enjoying it so much so that I am purposely reading the last couple of chapters very slowly to prolong having to end it and I keep rereading chapters because it is without a doubt beautifully written. A classic example of not judging the book by it’s cover!
Food—–> Larousse Gastronomique weighs about 3 kilos, the version I have was lovingly transported from the UK as part of my grandad’s luggage. It was a journey with a purpose. There is an excellent recipe for a Tarte Tatin which is my second favourite dessert (after poached peaches) that I made for New Years eve and went down a treat with Vanilla icecream and champagne. It also has a potted biography of Toulouse Lautrec on page 1,091.
C’est Magnifique!
She’s the original ‘bad’ girl of Brit Art – what I love the most about her is not being conformist and bearing her life and her soul through art without apology for it’s subject matter.
I love the clip below where she mentions that art always finds her even though she sometimes doesn’t want anything to do with it.
The first time I discovered her work at the Tate, it was like peering inside someone’s locked diary, as if you really shouldn’t be reading it, utterly compelling.
Much respect to ‘Mad Tracey from Margate’…….
Am experimenting with tumblr – just set up streetscout to post up all my street art pics 
Dali with Man Ray
There are too many reasons to list why Dali rocks (see here with Man Ray). Here are just 4 and why if I sit there and think, that’s a bit of a crazy idea, I remind myself that society initially considered a lobster phone “art” with a capital “A”….probably not.
1. Expelled from Art School after stating that no one there was qualified enough to critque him.
2. Developed a signature mustache and once presented at a conference dressed as a deep sea diver (with helmet for added effect).
3. Dabbled in sculpture, writing and film outside of painting and illustrating collaborating with independent film maker, Luis Bunuel, horror maestro, Alfred Hitchcock and poet Garcia Lorca.
4. Became a massive influence on popular culture, fashion, theatre and film inspiring others such as Andy Warhol and Walt Disney.
5. Fearlessly explored the world around him. Dali used quantum physics as a theme for “The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory”, a reworking of his most commonly known painting of melting clocks “The Persistence of Memory”.
Nathan Sawaya uses Lego bricks instead of clay, marble or plasticine for his amazing sculptures from the small to the gigantic, this chap must have the patience of a saint – check out the gallery at his site, http://www.brickartist.com/lego-art/tree-shadow.html.
n.b also a great way to publicise Lego as a creative brand and product…..
An eerie effect, the London scenery makes me feel homesick 
Drift from mustardcuffins on Vimeo.