Jan 20

David Lynch (And You and Me) On Creativity

I attended a gathering in Seattle this week to hear David Lynch speak about his creative process, filmmaking, and how his creative successes stem--according to him--in large part from his 33-year, twice-a-day commitment to transcendental meditation.Wow.What a trip this talk was! I adore many of Lynch's films: Mulholland Drive, Lost Highway, Blue Velvet, etc. Some classics, for sure. But I must say that I was deeply intrigued by how his meditation gets him to [paraphrase]... read more ›
Jan 14

Take 17 Minutes and Watch This

I'm suggesting that you take 17 minutes to watch this historic speech. If you're observing the holiday at home or at the office, turn up the speakers and gather a few family members, friends, or collegues together.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
Jan 12

Henri Cartier-Bresson Interview

An early Master of Photoraphy, Cartier-Bresson, shares some insightful thoughts with Charlie Rose in this interview below. I confess to be a fan of Cartier-Bresson and not of Charlie Rose (nothing personal Chuck, just a style thing). Regardless, here 'tis: Spotted this on originally on Alec's blog a short spell ago.
Jan 04

American Photo Mag: Shoot It, Blog It, Share It

Hi Friends. Thinking about blogging? Today Miki Johnson, an outstanding editor at American Photo Magazine, posted to the editors blog called State of the Art, a story containing excerpts from an interview I gave two weeks ago about blogging. The story is entitled Shoot It, Blog It, Share It. The story also appears on another well-known print title's website at Popular Photography. FWIW, aside from my comments, there's some wonderful, interesting commentary from Alec Soth... read more ›
Dec 25

Obituary: Old School Dead at 50

While I'm respectful of the past, it's true, I often rip on the Old School of photography, art, and culture--just read previous posts. Not because it's bad, but simply because it's not now and it's less relevant now than ever before. I just gave an interview to American Photo Magazine editor Miki Johnson (check out the group blog she does with the other editors Jay Defoore and David Schonauer) and I suspect my comments will... read more ›
Dec 18

Gregory Colbert: Amazing Imagery Amidst An Inspiring Idea

If you're not familiar with the work of photographer and filmmaker Gregory Colbert, now's your chance. Without a doubt Colbert gives us some of the finest images ever recorded highlighting the interaction between animals, humankind, and the natural world. In his most recent exhibition entitled Ashes and Snow, Colbert shows us what it's like to be committed to a singular artistic vision. The 18 minute video below from a 2006 TEDTalk illustrates this vision through... read more ›
Dec 07

Hillmann Curtis Featuring David Carson, Milton Glaser And Others

I'm a sucker for great design and an even greater sucker for documentary films. What could be better, in that case, than a series of short (5 min) mini, profile documentaries about some of the greatest designers of our times, by one of the great designers of our times, Hillmann Curtis.Hillmann on David Carson. Hillmann on Milton Glaser. (Those are both hosted on the AIGA site.) The whole series can be found on Hillmann's site... read more ›
Nov 14

TEDTalks – Ray Kurzweil on the Future

I like to think of myself as a futurist. I enjoy living in the now (as much as we can do such a thing these days...) but I also enjoy thinking forward. I enjoy talking about the future too. Questions are often emailed and asked to me: "where's this headed, or that...?" While a lot of these questions are foggy ones about general "state of the industry stuff", and others are often technology or popular... read more ›
Nov 10

These Go To Eleven! Maybe So, But Focus on Your Core

Remember in the hilarious scene in the mockumentary film This Is Spinal Tap by Rob Reiner when Nigel is being interviewed about his guitars and amps and he points out that his amps are better because instead of stopping at 10, where other bands' amps stop, "these go to eleven..."?Or from the Farrelly brothers' film There's Something About Mary, where the guy decides he could make a mint on 7 minute abs instead of 8... read more ›
Nov 03

Re-calibrate, Accidental Creative #36

Check out the Accidental Creative podcast to re-focus your creative energy. I've reference the AC before, however Episode 36 is particularly good because it offers a simple reminder to pay attention to the things that matter in the rhythms of our professional lives. I recently found myself at odds with my creative rhythms, so the timing of this episode was particularly effective in getting me back on track. Being a good creative professional and being... read more ›