Rationale

It will sound ridiculous, but for the first month or so after being set this brief, I found it really difficult to find inspiring things. Perhaps I was looking too hard and missing everything, I’m not sure, but eventually I began to see more clearly and I started to build up my blog.

I had already subscribed to Arts Projects magazine, which I love and look forward to reading as soon as it comes through my door. I soon realised that this magazine was full of interesting artists, designs, facts, articles and even tutorials. There were so many things that I could write about, things that caught my eye, and things that I somehow missed before. I think this has been the best thing about this brief, that I’ve come to notice everything more. Before I would have seen a beautiful building, perhaps taken a picture and thought that it looked pretty, but did I ever stop to think who designed it, how long did it take, what was the inspiration? The truth is probably not, but now I think about all of this and more. It really has just opened my eyes to the world, which is something I needed.

If there’s one thing I don’t like though it’s having to actively look for inspiration, it just doesn’t seem to come to me that way, I have to cross it when in my everyday life. So obviously trying to find 5 posts for each category (specifically museums) has been difficult. I probably should have started much earlier, but summer, holidays, friends, work all seemed to get in the way. By the time I realised what I had to do, it was August and I had 2 months to find 35 inspiring things.

But I soon realised that I love films, which is one of the categories so why not start there. I go to the cinema at least once a week so naturally the taking of Pelham 123 was my first post. I like to start each post by giving a brief overview of what the subject is; in this case, I gave a short insight into the plot of the film. This then introduces the reader so they can have an understanding to what you’re talking about. Then I give my opinion, what impressed me and why I think it’s worth seeing. I had the impression that this is what Blogs are all about, expressing your views, so hopefully I’ve achieved this well.

One of the main categories I struggled with was websites. I’m not really sure why, as I find that I can sit and admire a well thought out and produced website for a long time. This is probably because I did a module in Web Design last year and I know just how complex it is, how much harder it is than it seems. So as you can imagine, when I see a good website, I feel in awe of the person who created it. A website like ‘Eco Zoo’ for example. I actually found it through the arts projects magazine that I mentioned previously. Someone had mentioned it in an interview saying how inventive and dynamic it was. Obviously I had to see it for myself, and I was not disappointed. The way you could interact and manoeuvre you’re way around the website was just so innovative. I particularly loved the 360 degrees perspective. Being able to see all the way around the tree and the pop up book was so clever and visually interesting. Then eventually I stopped searching and tried to remember websites that I had been on that impressed me and I soon realised they didn’t have to be innovative, just different or perhaps clever in some way. Love creative is a prime example of this, using simple techniques to create something different.

Additionally I’ve tried to keep up to date with all design news by subscribing to the Design Week mailing list. I’ve found that it’s been really useful and interesting, occasionally pointing me in the right direction for something that I could post on my Blog.

I’ve found it hard to speak professionally when either explaining a post or commenting on someone else’s, this is something I will have to improve on obviously. Once I become excited about something, I tend to let my words run away from me, so if there is some colloquial language in there, this will be why. But I have tried to rein myself in and concentrate more.

Furthermore, I’ve enjoyed reading and commenting on others posts. But as I said before found it difficult to not just say, I love this, it’s amazing, but to actually think about why. It’s interesting to see how people have responded differently to the brief or in some instances the same. It’s natural that we would come across something that more than one person would find interesting. If I saw that someone had already written a post about something, I would still post mine anyway, as I think it’s only fair that you should have your say on a matter. Or alternatively, I would just comment on their post with my personal opinion.

One thing I have noticed, is that this blog has really has introduced me to the world of architecture. I’ve started noticing buildings more, especially when in New York surrounded by wonderfully crafted skyscrapers. It was hard to not be inspired there; you become absolutely saturated with creative designs.

One thing that did shock me is that I struggled to find books to post on my Blog. I love reading so didn’t understand why. Perhaps it’s because I’ve let myself be taken away with the Harry Potter and Twilight Books to stop and appreciate anything else. I have tried to read a few, but none matched up to the style that J.K Rowling and Stephanie Myers possess.

I understand that I only have four museums posted, I tried to think of a fifth, one that I could visit in Leeds, but I completely ran out of time. Time management has always been an issue of mine, I tend to underestimate how long something will take and find myself staying up all night to finish to deadline. Hopefully this can be improved. This year will be tough enough as it is, poor time management will only drag me down.

Overall I have enjoyed this summer brief. At first it seemed daunting, but now I realise that’s only because I was thinking about it too much. As soon as I started to relax, things started coming to me much easier. I will definitely carry this on as I’ve found it has kept me up to date with the design world, better than design week ever could. Most importantly, I’ve actually enjoyed writing about everything that inspires me; it almost feels like a weight has been lifted.

August Rush

When visiting New York, I went on a Movie Tour and the guide kept mentioning this film and how good it was, which made me want to see it even more than I did already.

The film is based around a young boy called Evan , who after being in an orphanage for 12 years is determined to find his parents. Other boys in his dorm tease him as he believes that he can hear his parents playing to him. I found this quite strange at the beginning, but as the film progresses you come to understand the way Evan's mind works. The child of a famous cellist and guitar player, you would expect that he would be musically talented, and that he most definitely is. It turns out that he's a musical prodigy, with an extraordinary talent, giving himself the stage name 'August Rush.

This film is full of ups and downs, you feel for this little boy as he makes his way through New York trying to fulfill his dream to reconnect with his parents. I can't believe how good Freddie Highmore (Evan) was in this film. He probably would have been about 12 when making August Rush, but with his acting ability, you would have thought he was at least 15. It's inspiring that someone so young can have such a raw talent, I wish that I could have been that driven at his age.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

I've been meaning to watch this film for a while, but never seemed to get round to it. It's set during the Second World War and is seen through the eyes of eight year of Bruno. He is the son of a commandant at a concentration camp but doesn't understand what is happening in the world. After moving to a new house near a concentration camp and thinking himself an explorer, Bruno becomes determined to discover what this camp is and why it's there. He soon meets a boy named Shmuel (i.e. the boy in striped pyjamas). He lives across the fence in the camp and begins to help Bruno understand what's really happening, but not even he knows the whole truth.

One thing that really surprised me was when Bruno's mother (i.e. the commandant's wife) didn't know about the gas chambers. Presumably this means that not many did. They showed a video full of propaganda about how the concentration camps were a fun place, where the Jews could play games and socialise. I suppose many believed this as they had no reason not to. But the smoke and smell from the chambers could not be covered up and Bruno's mother found out the truth.

I felt naive when watching this film and stupid for not knowing what was really happening during ww2. I knew about the gas chambers, but I never understood why everyone just let it happen...obviously because they didn't know. Bruno's innocent mind and willingness to make friends has serious consequences, with the film ending in a shocking, unexpected and ironic way. It was a thought provoking film and I found it really interesting, but also quite sad as you know that it's real, (not this story specifically) but the way people were treated.

Fantastic Mr Fox

Originally a book by Roald Dahl, 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' is being made into a film for the big screen. I can't remember it very well but I definitely read this book when I was younger, so you can imagine my surprise when I see a trailer for a film by the same name. It definitely looks like it's going to be an interesting film, with the different animation style. But not only that, with a cast such as George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson and many more, it's set to be a big and successful film. I hope that it is, because I remember loving the book when I was younger, and there's nothing I like more than a great adaptation.

LOVE

http://www.lovecreative.com/

I found this website when researching different design companies around the North West. LOVE is one of the most famous design agencies in the UK, with clients such as Playstation, Nike, Nandos, Microsoft and Yorkshire Tea. You would expect a company such as this to have a well developed website, which they do, but it's not what I expected. The first thing you will see is a note sayin that it's a website created in power point, which you notice throughout with the sounds and transitions. It's funny because when designing a presentation people tell you to avoid such things, but it seems to really work here.

The home page is very simple as you can see from the top picture, with only a few words and it's also an easy site to navigate through, but that's definitely a good thing. There's nothing I hate more than not understanding a website and having to really search for something.

Generally I just love the fresh simple feeling this website portrays. It's different and fun which I think, by the look of their work, reflects the company well.

China's 60th

These are some of the pictures showing China at it's best. Here they are celebrating their 60th anniversary. The moment I saw this it didn't surprise me how amazing their spectacle was. After seeing the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing, I wouldn't expect anything less. But still, you can't not be impressed by this. As you can see, the design of the parade was flawless, not even a foot out of line. I know that we like to celebrate in style, but this really is something else.

Izumi Omori

Izumi Omori is an artist exploring her Japanese and Cornish influences. I found a few of her cards in a Cornish shop and was immediately impressed. After researching a bit more I found these three paintings, which are just a few of my favourites. The main thing I notice, apart from the obvious ability to combine colours, she knows how to create a different but always positive atmosphere. The middle example demonstrates this well, as it's quite eerie but the subtle hint of yellow makes it more serene and peaceful. Her paintings make me feel like I'm in a dream, they have that hint of surrealism.

Harry Potter

Having been so fond of the Harry Potter series (books) I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to publish this post. The thing that is truly great about Harry Potter is that it's a book for everyone, but for those who do feel embarrassed reading it, Bloomsbury very kindly produced what I call the adult versions. It just gives the book a more grown up feel. I don't particularly mind the 'childish' covers, but I can imagine by boyfriend wouldn't be seen with it. They provide an alternative, which is great. Also I think the artwork on the adult covers is quite impressive. The artist has selected the main most important details from each book and made it it's focal point. I don't mind abstract, but I think this works better as it has more of a connection with the story. On the whole though, it's just a great way to attract more people, and create a more diverse following, not that the Harry Potter books need it.

Revels

www.revels.co.uk

I recently bought a packet of revels and wondered whether or not they were still doing their clever advertising flavour evictions. On entering the site I was surprised that I had to enter my d.o.b. apparently it's for over 12's only, which I don't really understand as there's nothing harmful on there. In fact, theres games on this website which I would have thought too easy and boring for the 12's +. But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this website. I liked the way you could interact with the space, by pressing on different chocolates lead you through to a different destination. You twist and whirl around this stripy box you seem to be in, which I found to look reasonably simple, but kept me amused for a while. Overall a fun little site, shame that the eviction was over, I would have liked to kick out orange. I was disappointed also to see that even though people have voted out coffee, it's somehow made it's way back again.

Little People in the City

I found this book on my boyfriend's shelf after he'd bought it thinking it was funny. It's definitely got a hint of humour, but it's been constructed in a clever way. This book portrays lots of different tiny sculptures all set in London. The main thing I was most impressed by was the minuscule details. That bee is actual size, so you can see just how small these people really are. The artist who created them must have a steady hand. Definitely worth a read so you can appreciate the time, effort and thought that has gone into this clever book.

Jeremy Clarkson

I began to read this book a while ago and whenever I feel like a cheering up, I just pick it up as it's bound to get me laughing. If there's one thing I love about Jeremy Clarkson, I always seem to agree with him. You can tell this book has been written by him, it's full of the style you see from him on Topgear. Some may find it to be too sarcastic, but I find this sort of humour, especially when it's coming from Jeremy to be hysterically funny, so it's right up my street. I think many would agree with me however and find it just as funny as I do.

2012

http://www.whowillsurvive2012.com/

You're probably getting fed up of hearing this, but when I was in New York I saw a lot of massive posters on the sides of buildings etc, saying simply 'WE WERE WARNED' in large red writing. It certainly caught my attention and I think I immediately understood what it was for. Basically there is a film coming out in October 2009 called 2012, which I think is a lot like the Day After Tomorrow but much worse. For some reason, I seem to be attracted to these big disaster films, they fascinate me and I love all the special effects, hopefully this one won't disappoint.

This post is actually about the website however. When first hearing about 2012, I quickly clicked onto the official website to see what it was about. The ordinary features are there, for example you can learn about the film, cast, crew etc, but I was surprised by all the extras. You can download a free app to your iphone, which is basically a test to see if you could survive in a disaster. There's also a competition which involves you watching the trailer and answering a question. A clever tactic as you might have to watch it over and over again. There's also a voting campaign for your 'next world leader,' which involves you watching the candidate's video's, some of which are very funny.

Overall I was impressed with this website, it kept me busy for a long time, all the time thinking about the film, which was no doubt their intentions. It's not particularly visually interesting, but that's not the reason I chose to write about it. Sometimes it's more about the content rather than how it looks.

The Friendliest Building in New York

I apologise for the awkward photo, I took it whilst of a moving bus so it isn't great, but you can get the overall idea of the architecture. This is actually the Hearst (International Magazine) Building, which as you will notice looks quite odd as it combines the modern and the traditional/ new and old. The bottom of this building was built in 1928 by Joseph Urban and then the tower was added on in 2006 by Norman Foster. It's interesting as it's been built using a triangular framing pattern, which is considered to be quite uncommon.

Apart from the fact that it looks different, it's also famous because of the number of environmental considerations built into the plan, for example, the rain is stored in a tank in the basement and the building itself is made from 80% recycled steel. The tour guide also mentioned that they recycle just about everything that they can, which I think is great considering it' size. More companies should take notice of what they're doing in this building.

Kandinsky

As promised, here is my post on Vasily Kandinsky. The pictures I've chosen to include are just some of my favourites that I saw in the museum. As we weren't allowed to take photos, these have actually come from the Guggenheim website. I chose Kandinsky as one of my inspirational artists, because I genuinely love his work. I'd heard about him in High School, when doing a project on abstract art, but for some reason forgot about his work until I saw it hanging in the Guggenheim museum in New York. I couldn't understand why, as I really warmed to his paintings all those years ago. Seeing them in front of me, really was inspiring though, I liked being able to go really close and see the tiny details to his work.

His exhibition was actually situated in the spiralling part of the Guggenheim, which really framed his work well. His earlier work was at the bottom, and as you worked your way up the building you could see how his style changed and developed. The three pictures displayed above shows this development well, going from what I like to describe as frantic, to something more detailed yet just as abstract. It really does look like another artists work. As I found out from listening to the audio commentary, Kandinsky was born in Russia and went on to study law and economics, he didn't actually start painting till he was 30. His spiritualistic and expressionistic view was quite unpopular to begin with, so he travelled to Germany, where he began teaching at the Bauhaus. You can definitely see this influence in his later paintings. He then travelled to France, where he lived the rest of his life. Another interesting thing I learned was that Kandinsky was greatly influenced by classical music, on the way round the museum you could listen to the various pieces he listened to as he painted.

I can't say I fully understand all of his paintings, I think that's the whole point with abstraction, you perceive how you would like to. The main thing I really enjoyed about his work, was the colour. The way he could combine colours and knew exactly how to use them was fascinating.

Guggenheim

Last time I came to New York I didn't get to visit this internationally renowned museum, as we came on the only day it was closed. So as you can imagine, I've been dying to go again and explore this significant art museum and architectural icon.

I will be honest, I was expecting more artists' work for the money I paid to get in, but I did happen to love the main artist on display; Vasily Kandinsky (who I will mention more in another post on this blog). I was also blown away by the architecture of this place, it just stood out from all the rest of the buildings in New York, it really is one of a kind in this City. But what more could you expect from Frank Lloyd Wright, who is famous for his unique designs. He once said that he thought that art museums lacked atmosphere, so here he wanted to create more than just a space to hang paintings. He definitely achieved this, I was impressed with many aspects of the museum, but especially the spiriling gallery. It's just so simple yet captivating, you could tell from everyone's awed expressions that this was impressive.

Another great thing about this gallery, was that you were given audio commentary, so you could select certain paintings and hear all about them. People tend walk and look at the paintings at different paces, so being able to choose what you listened to was really interesting and useful. Overall I would say that I did enjoy the Guggenheim, the fact that it's visually stimulating itself really does help to reflect the art work inside. Shame about the admission price, but truly inspiring.

WiCkEd

For who doesn't know, this is a Tony Award Winning Broadway and West End musical. It's based on the book 'Wicked: The Life and Turns of the Wicked Witch of The West' by Gregory Maguire. It's like a parallel novel to the Wizard of Oz. It's focused around a woman named Elphaba (otherwise known as the wicked witch of the west) and how she came to be so Wicked. Apart from the amazing set design, costumes, and of course vocal performances, I was really impressed by the storyline. It focuses on Elphaba's life before the Wizard of Oz, her younger life experiences and her interesting power. The thing that I liked the most however was the way it linked to the Wizard of Oz, you noticed familiar characters (e.g scarecrow) and find out how they ended up like they did. When it finished I had the biggest urge to go home and watch the Wizard of Oz, just to see if the story did work how it was portrayed in the musical. Overall I really enjoyed the show and would definitely go and see it again!

Which is the Fairest of Them All?

There has long been a debate in New York over which skyscraper should be considered as the most beautiful. On the one hand you have the Chrysler, which is probably the more well known building. But then there's the Woolworth building in lower Manhattan to consider. The Chrysler, built in 1930 by William Van Alen, stands as a masterpiece of Art Deco, with it's famous terraced crown. In contrast, the Woolworth is of the Neo Gothic style, built much earlier in 1913 by Cass Gilbert. It's one of the oldest skyscrapers, but at a modest 57 stories is dwarfed by the Chrysler, which stands as the 3rd tallest building in New York.

It's hard to decide between the two as they're both beautiful in their own ways. But when I got closer to the Woolworth I discovered all the tiny decorative features that just put me in awe, so for that reason, it would just edge ahead of the Chrysler.

Museum of Natural History

I realise that my blog is starting to look a lot like a photo album of New York, but I am genuinely impressed and inspired by everything I post. And of course New York is full of inspiring things, the Museum of Natural History being one of them. The main thing I loved about it was how they'd put so much effort into making everything look authentic, even the tiniest details weren't missed. All the displays looked so realistic, which can be quite scary but ads to the overall feel of the museum. Not only is it a visually exciting museum, but you can learn a lot here too. I can't imagine anyone getting bored here, not even a child.

A View From the Top

I have very recently been to New York for my 21st. Obviously this trip was about celebrating my birthday, but I was also wanted to explore, visit the sights and get a better sense of the culture. I've been before on a University trip, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but it felt quite rushed, so I was hoping to slow down a bit and see as much as possible.

So as you can imagine the next few posts will be all about New York: it's museums and amazing architecture that it's become famous for. Here is one of the most iconic buildings in the World; The Empire State Building. Most people know it for being the tallest building in New York, but there are a couple of interesting and inspiring facts you may not know. For example, this building was built in just over a year back in 1930, which at 102 floors is shocking. However this might have something to do with the fact it was at the centre of a competition for the tallest building, between Walter Chrysler and Jakob Raskob. So if you want a building built well and fast, then form a competition! But in all seriousness, I really was blown away by this building, it's not the prettiest in New York, but it has history and character and obviously amazing views.

Twilight

I saw the film when it came out, not really having a clue what it was about. There had been so much hype surrounding it that I thought I should see what all the fuss was about. The film, which came out last year, was suprisingly good. I didn't know what to expect, which in a way, made the film more interesting.

So after seeing the film I became slightly obsessed by it and bought the DVD as soon as it was released. But for some reason never thought to read the book. I literally picked this up two days ago and have read the whole thing already. There hasn't been a book since the Harry Potter series that has caught my attention quite this much. I was shocked how alike the book and the film were. I suppose this had something to do with my dissappointment of the Sixth Harry Potter film. I couldn't understand why they missed so much out and changed details for no reason. But with the twilight adaptation, I can really see how they tried to keep it as close to the book as possible, which is something I respect.

The book I found to be compelling, I knew what would happen (from seeing the film) but became impatient when reading, therefore finishing it in a couple of days. This is most definitely a good thing however. I get easily distracted, so anything which can keep my attention like this must be good. I won't try to explain the plot in Twilight, but a general overview is that it's a love story with a twist. That twist being vampires.