The first flamboyant

A friend of mine recently went to Tanzania.

She knows I have a thing for seedpods.

So when she saw the first Flamboyant Tree (in the picture on the right) on her trip, she immediately bent down to collect its seedpods (or maybe she climbed the tree, I don't know). All I know is, here she was, thousands of miles from home in a foreign land and the first thing she does is think of me...sniffle...


She lugged them all the way back to the US and then sent them to me via post all across the ocean.
Oh and what a delightful surprise that package was...


So below is the painting called "The First Flamboyant" which is now on its way back over the ocean for a return surprise.

Those pods have seen the world!

Thanks Laura!

Read more...

If you only had one day to document the world... what story would you tell?

One Day On Earth is a new multi-platform participatory media project rallying documentary filmmakers, students and ordinary citizens around the world to capture 24 hours in the life of the planet.


One Day on Earth - Original Trailer from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

Read more...

Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. -- Christian Friedrich Hebbel

As you know, I love the Arthouse Coop and their projects and am currently participating in one.

I like the fact that they prompt me to create, give me a set of rules and even send me the canvas or sketchbook.

Which got me thinking... Why do I need someone else to prompt me?

So last week, while I was attending a training on 'Performing with Presence', and it prompted me to start a little art project of my own, out of the blue.

I was inspired by the 5 P's of Presenting:

1. Preparation
2. Purpose
3. Presence
4. Passion
5. Personality

And especially number 4: Passion. Because that's basically what life, art, outstanding work, etc is all about.

So I took some 10x10 cm canvasses with me to class and asked the trainers and participants if they wanted to participate in my art project, which I call 'The Art of Passion'.

The goal is to collect passions from the people I meet.

I give them a little canvas and they write one word (noun or verb) on it that represents their passion, the reason why they get out of bed in the morning, something they love doing and would do even if noone paid them.

So what is your passion? What gets you all excited so that you could talk about it for hours?

image: Passion by Ludmila Andersson http://www.anderssonludmila.com/en/art_gallery/abstract_art/passion_painting.html

Read more...

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. -- Wayne Dyer

This lively RSA Animate, adapted from Dan Pink's talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace.

Read more...

How all inspiring leaders do the exact opposite from everyone else - and why you should too.

Simon Sinek explains why people want your WHY not your what.

Read more...