This country does things differently. The streets seem like chaos and although the infrastructure is bursting at the seams, the city of Mumbai manages to stay afloat – and in fact thrive. New buildings and bridges are being built all the time; so too new businesses opening. Hygiene is non-existent but the people don’t seem to know any better. Mumbai Harbour is full of rubbish, the city’s smog is claustrophobic, but on the flip side, the people (despite seeming like they are in a permanent rush) are very friendly and on the whole easy to interact with.
That said, Indian people operate on a very relaxed schedule; at times they will push passed you in a desperate hurry to get off a ferry first; but then other times, your hotel staff may say they’ll do something for you in the next few minutes, but in fact it means the next hour!
The food isn’t my best friend, nor the variance in temperature indoors – with Indians obsessed with having air-conditioning sub 20 degrees – so I have ended up with the flu… but other than these minor complaints, a country that my family convinced me I would not like to visit, has provided many surprises and is actually turning out to be a very pleasant experience.
Poverty is of course very noticeable throughout the country and city, but unfortunately it is to be expected – and having visited a number of other countries with similar problems (eg Cambodia), the culture shock this time around has not been as huge as I anticipated.
We’ve learnt a lot about doing business in India and how there is huge potential for growth in most sectors here. The government does have many regulations in place to ensure international companies cannot just enter the market and dominate, taking opportunities away from local investments, but at the same time, India realises the need to ‘up the ante’ and has been doing so since 1991.
Visiting a country with a population over 1 billion, you do notice people everywhere! You can’t fire people very easily so it’s important you hire the right employees to start with; six days working weeks are normal; and traffic jams are a way of life – including cars/trucks/buses filled to the brim with people.
Yes, India is obsessed with cricket and (Bollywood) movies; but when there’s so much not in their favour, these activities are harmless and easy for people to experience.
One lecture I really enjoyed was learning about Indian culture, customs, the class status, and how diverse the country’s 29 states really are… in language, resources, heritage, people, business opportunities and more.
Later today I will be flying north to Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the country and experiencing for myself (through observation) this diversity… as except for a handful of site visits to local companies and my day trip on Sunday to Elephanta Island to see caves from the 6th century (a World Heritage Site in fact), I really haven’t had the chance to mingle with the locals and see for myself what India is all about…
So bring on the weekend – and I hope to have more reflections in the not too distant future!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Business in Asia with AGSM
For the last 9 days, I have been travelling around Asia, learning about ‘how to do business’ in the various countries that this continent comprises.
First stop was Singapore. Catching up with an old family friend as well as my boyfriend’s old uni friends were definitely highlights; however, I did also enjoy learning about the reasons that people choose Singapore as the ‘perfect’ place to start a business. The opportunities available in this country seem endless, despite the political influence; and the tax breaks amongst other aspects seem very attractive.
Our speakers were very knowledgeable and entertaining. Studying in association with the SP Jain Centre of Management provided some restrictions, but also ‘opened up doors’. One afternoon, we met a few of their students in the full time MBA program – which includes terms in Dubai, India, Singapore and either Toronto or Sydney.
One interesting reflection is how ‘at home’ I’ve been feeling on this trip. Surrounded by 30 AGSM students, speaking English and sitting in a classroom/conference room every day, I haven’t actually felt like I’ve been overseas!
First stop was Singapore. Catching up with an old family friend as well as my boyfriend’s old uni friends were definitely highlights; however, I did also enjoy learning about the reasons that people choose Singapore as the ‘perfect’ place to start a business. The opportunities available in this country seem endless, despite the political influence; and the tax breaks amongst other aspects seem very attractive.
Our speakers were very knowledgeable and entertaining. Studying in association with the SP Jain Centre of Management provided some restrictions, but also ‘opened up doors’. One afternoon, we met a few of their students in the full time MBA program – which includes terms in Dubai, India, Singapore and either Toronto or Sydney.
One interesting reflection is how ‘at home’ I’ve been feeling on this trip. Surrounded by 30 AGSM students, speaking English and sitting in a classroom/conference room every day, I haven’t actually felt like I’ve been overseas!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Passion, Positivity and Persistence = Entrepreneurship
I just went to a function tonight where the guest speaker was John Symond, a man who went from success to bankruptcy, and then from rags to riches.
In 1992, he started up Aussie Home Loans - a mortgage lending service to contend the big four Australian banks.
He revolutionised banking in Australia and is now a household name - else if it's not his name, it's his self-marketing advertisements or the voice telling us, "At Aussie, we'll save you!"
What inspired me the most however in tonight's conversation was how he became the entrepreneur and success story that he is today.
Essentially he said it's all about have a clear understanding of what you're passionate about, what motivates you, knowing where your strengths lie, and formulating a clear path to follow. Couple this with a positive outlook, and a burning ambition to succeed and the rest will happen. Free-riding marketing activities do also help, but aren't compulsory.
When times were tough, John decided to go back to the basics - look at what he had loved so much about life until things turned bad, assess where his knowledge base was greatest, investigate gaps in the market which could be exploited, and ensure that self-belief was so strong that with a good business model and partners to indirectly ensure he was at the same time being realistic with his ventures, his idea was sure to succeed... which it did.
Mind you, he did admit that it is extremely important to learn from previous experiences and one's mistakes rather than just sweep them under the carpet, and ignore how different actions would have provided better outcomes.
He pointed out that in times of economic distress, this is when new business ventures find opportunities to shine. His moment was in the recession during the early 1990s... however now is another opportunity waiting for entrepreneurs to show their stuff. So I eagerly await to see what revolutionary businesses and ideas are coming out of this current (global) financial crisis.
It may take some time for these to surface, as I know there is still a chance of more downturn occurring before seeing the upside to this situation... but when times do improve, I have no doubt wonderous businesses will add to the wonderful world we live in. Just think... in 2001, we had an economic downturn post 9/11 as well as the dotcom bubble burst... and now we have Google - a concept so far beyond our imagination less than nine years ago.
And facebook, it has brought social media to a whole new level - for better or worse... but less than three years ago, I don't think this term was even in our vocabulary... let alone, an activity so may Gen X and Y'ers are involved in.
I am currently studying with an extremely intelligent bunch of MBA students. Many of them have brilliant ideas and come from the younger Gen X stream, or are even Gen Y. I can't wait to see what they plan on doing once their studies are over and the GFC is more a thing of the past. Hopefully some of them will be able to see where the opportunities are, and exploit their ideas to the fullest.
Not only do I want to see them succeed, but if they can revolutionise industries or people's way of thinking, so that society is better off, then even better.
Someone asked me tonight what I plan on doing once my studies are over. I know that my passion, positivity and constant drive for success are present. Only problem is my path has not yet been defined. I know it's up to me to choose this rather than simply fall into something... but if there is one thing I can take away from the function I attended tonight (which for a change was not MBA-related!), it was that it's important to identify where your passions, strengths and interests lie as this will ultimately path the way for anything you wish to succeed in. Could I use my media and marketing skills combined with knowledge in venture capital to help these budding entrepreneurs transform their ideas into success stories and a reality?!
I know that there is one person in my class who inspires me on a daily basis with his dreams and aspirations... and I often wonder if my previous experience would combine well to implement his or other people's creative voices so that they are magnified and heard a little louder?
An aside... I used to think success was all about how well you achieved things on your own. This year I have realised that it can also be about how well you collaborate with others, as only when everyone around you is happy and successful can you genuinely experience self-achievement too.
Thanks for letting me share! :-)
In 1992, he started up Aussie Home Loans - a mortgage lending service to contend the big four Australian banks.
He revolutionised banking in Australia and is now a household name - else if it's not his name, it's his self-marketing advertisements or the voice telling us, "At Aussie, we'll save you!"
What inspired me the most however in tonight's conversation was how he became the entrepreneur and success story that he is today.
Essentially he said it's all about have a clear understanding of what you're passionate about, what motivates you, knowing where your strengths lie, and formulating a clear path to follow. Couple this with a positive outlook, and a burning ambition to succeed and the rest will happen. Free-riding marketing activities do also help, but aren't compulsory.
When times were tough, John decided to go back to the basics - look at what he had loved so much about life until things turned bad, assess where his knowledge base was greatest, investigate gaps in the market which could be exploited, and ensure that self-belief was so strong that with a good business model and partners to indirectly ensure he was at the same time being realistic with his ventures, his idea was sure to succeed... which it did.
Mind you, he did admit that it is extremely important to learn from previous experiences and one's mistakes rather than just sweep them under the carpet, and ignore how different actions would have provided better outcomes.
He pointed out that in times of economic distress, this is when new business ventures find opportunities to shine. His moment was in the recession during the early 1990s... however now is another opportunity waiting for entrepreneurs to show their stuff. So I eagerly await to see what revolutionary businesses and ideas are coming out of this current (global) financial crisis.
It may take some time for these to surface, as I know there is still a chance of more downturn occurring before seeing the upside to this situation... but when times do improve, I have no doubt wonderous businesses will add to the wonderful world we live in. Just think... in 2001, we had an economic downturn post 9/11 as well as the dotcom bubble burst... and now we have Google - a concept so far beyond our imagination less than nine years ago.
And facebook, it has brought social media to a whole new level - for better or worse... but less than three years ago, I don't think this term was even in our vocabulary... let alone, an activity so may Gen X and Y'ers are involved in.
I am currently studying with an extremely intelligent bunch of MBA students. Many of them have brilliant ideas and come from the younger Gen X stream, or are even Gen Y. I can't wait to see what they plan on doing once their studies are over and the GFC is more a thing of the past. Hopefully some of them will be able to see where the opportunities are, and exploit their ideas to the fullest.
Not only do I want to see them succeed, but if they can revolutionise industries or people's way of thinking, so that society is better off, then even better.
Someone asked me tonight what I plan on doing once my studies are over. I know that my passion, positivity and constant drive for success are present. Only problem is my path has not yet been defined. I know it's up to me to choose this rather than simply fall into something... but if there is one thing I can take away from the function I attended tonight (which for a change was not MBA-related!), it was that it's important to identify where your passions, strengths and interests lie as this will ultimately path the way for anything you wish to succeed in. Could I use my media and marketing skills combined with knowledge in venture capital to help these budding entrepreneurs transform their ideas into success stories and a reality?!
I know that there is one person in my class who inspires me on a daily basis with his dreams and aspirations... and I often wonder if my previous experience would combine well to implement his or other people's creative voices so that they are magnified and heard a little louder?
An aside... I used to think success was all about how well you achieved things on your own. This year I have realised that it can also be about how well you collaborate with others, as only when everyone around you is happy and successful can you genuinely experience self-achievement too.
Thanks for letting me share! :-)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Relaxing in the natural wonders of this world...
Costa Rica has been a total turnaround to the experience I had in Cuba.
This country is all about its natural environment, and makes a big effort in ensuring sustainability is at the top of its agenda.
And, it embraces everything American, including its tourists, fast food chains, TV programs and advertising, and more.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my few days here, and wish I could upload some of my photos and videos to share... but it will have to be another time, when I return home.
Some of the highlights include walking through and ziplining over the canopies of the Monteverde-Santa Elena cloud reserves and rainforests; canyoneering down waterfalls; seeing lava flow out of a volcano; seeing so many wildlife and birds in their natural habitat enjoying life; interacting with locals, experiencing the food, music and culture; meeting other travellers; and seeing the contrast in Costa Ricas natural beauty when I went to the Coast.
My last day in CR was in Manuel Antonio, which included having lunch at Si Cono Mo, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Coast. The place is a hotel, totally focused on sustainability... fascinating, inspiring, and should be a role model for similar instutitions around the world. It is a member of the Green Hotels of Costa Rica and is all about being in harmony with nature...
My next destination will be all about nature but in a different way I think, so lets see. I would have never thought of coming to Costa Rica as a holiday destination until my Mexico plans had to change... and throughly encourage others to come and see this wonderful country.
Note however, no need to experience San Jose, except as a transit stop.
Seeing CR in five days was a challenge, so relaxing as the term defines was hardly on the cards... still, my mind is at ease from these wonderful and natural experiences. Cant wait to see what lies ahead... and hope I one day get to come back here too.
This country is all about its natural environment, and makes a big effort in ensuring sustainability is at the top of its agenda.
And, it embraces everything American, including its tourists, fast food chains, TV programs and advertising, and more.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my few days here, and wish I could upload some of my photos and videos to share... but it will have to be another time, when I return home.
Some of the highlights include walking through and ziplining over the canopies of the Monteverde-Santa Elena cloud reserves and rainforests; canyoneering down waterfalls; seeing lava flow out of a volcano; seeing so many wildlife and birds in their natural habitat enjoying life; interacting with locals, experiencing the food, music and culture; meeting other travellers; and seeing the contrast in Costa Ricas natural beauty when I went to the Coast.
My last day in CR was in Manuel Antonio, which included having lunch at Si Cono Mo, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Coast. The place is a hotel, totally focused on sustainability... fascinating, inspiring, and should be a role model for similar instutitions around the world. It is a member of the Green Hotels of Costa Rica and is all about being in harmony with nature...
My next destination will be all about nature but in a different way I think, so lets see. I would have never thought of coming to Costa Rica as a holiday destination until my Mexico plans had to change... and throughly encourage others to come and see this wonderful country.
Note however, no need to experience San Jose, except as a transit stop.
Seeing CR in five days was a challenge, so relaxing as the term defines was hardly on the cards... still, my mind is at ease from these wonderful and natural experiences. Cant wait to see what lies ahead... and hope I one day get to come back here too.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Things aren´t always as they seem...
The society we live in often dictates how we perceive things...
whether it be what an object is, how a country operates or how people should interact.
I have discovered in Cuba that chicken isn´t necessarily chicken, men aren´t necessarily polite to women, and that what the media in Australia and other western countries portrays about various situations around the world may not necessarily be the case.
For example, the swine flu is a problem but Mexico is still an okay place to travel right now.
Similarly Cuba, and the fact that although it is a communist country, the people here actually like having Castro as their leader and see no need for change. They don´t see it as a dictatorship, and are very proud of the revolution and its 50th anniversary celebrated recently.
I guess my message here as I am running out of credit at the internet station at the post office in Santiago de Cuba... is that it´s important we don´t always listen to what people tell us or simply accept it at face value. Creating our own opinions and seeking opportunities to explore beyond the surface is important too. And, that whether it be interactions with people, media reports or even personal experiences, ´things aren´t always as them seem´.
whether it be what an object is, how a country operates or how people should interact.
I have discovered in Cuba that chicken isn´t necessarily chicken, men aren´t necessarily polite to women, and that what the media in Australia and other western countries portrays about various situations around the world may not necessarily be the case.
For example, the swine flu is a problem but Mexico is still an okay place to travel right now.
Similarly Cuba, and the fact that although it is a communist country, the people here actually like having Castro as their leader and see no need for change. They don´t see it as a dictatorship, and are very proud of the revolution and its 50th anniversary celebrated recently.
I guess my message here as I am running out of credit at the internet station at the post office in Santiago de Cuba... is that it´s important we don´t always listen to what people tell us or simply accept it at face value. Creating our own opinions and seeking opportunities to explore beyond the surface is important too. And, that whether it be interactions with people, media reports or even personal experiences, ´things aren´t always as them seem´.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Do we always land back on our feet?
I have been questioning this headline a lot lately...
When you see someone around you struggling - especially someone you care about - is it better to let them fall and find their own inner strength to get back onto their feet when the time is right, or is the preference to be there to help them so they never have to fall in the first place?
We learn from our mistakes, but do we always have to take that path initially in order to improve?
I guess everyone is different and every situation is different, so as the Organisational Behaviour lecturer at AGSM is known for saying, I guess "it all depends".
I have had a very interesting week. I don't mind spontaneity and 'winging' things but do appreciate when some structure is in place... especially when it involves having foreign experiences.
In two days time, I will be jetsetting to the other side of the world... but have had no time to research anything about where I am going as my original plans had to change last minute.
So I ask, am I going to have a good time and will my circumstances ensure that I will land back on my feet no matter what hardships I may face whilst away?
I like being positive but the lead up to this holiday has been such a rush, that I wonder when my luck may change?
Hopefully it won't be this time.
I also hope that for those people who have been struggling with lifestyle changes, inner conflicts and employment challenges in recent times, that they are back on their feet when I get back - or at least, on the path to getting there - such as having maybe one foot on the ground...
"Anything is possible when you believe in yourself"... and when we believe in the people around us.
Hopefully more often than not, we will be landing back on our feet and achieving all that we hope to.
When you see someone around you struggling - especially someone you care about - is it better to let them fall and find their own inner strength to get back onto their feet when the time is right, or is the preference to be there to help them so they never have to fall in the first place?
We learn from our mistakes, but do we always have to take that path initially in order to improve?
I guess everyone is different and every situation is different, so as the Organisational Behaviour lecturer at AGSM is known for saying, I guess "it all depends".
I have had a very interesting week. I don't mind spontaneity and 'winging' things but do appreciate when some structure is in place... especially when it involves having foreign experiences.
In two days time, I will be jetsetting to the other side of the world... but have had no time to research anything about where I am going as my original plans had to change last minute.
So I ask, am I going to have a good time and will my circumstances ensure that I will land back on my feet no matter what hardships I may face whilst away?
I like being positive but the lead up to this holiday has been such a rush, that I wonder when my luck may change?
Hopefully it won't be this time.
I also hope that for those people who have been struggling with lifestyle changes, inner conflicts and employment challenges in recent times, that they are back on their feet when I get back - or at least, on the path to getting there - such as having maybe one foot on the ground...
"Anything is possible when you believe in yourself"... and when we believe in the people around us.
Hopefully more often than not, we will be landing back on our feet and achieving all that we hope to.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Value of Relationships, past and present
Relationships are interesting connections that you have with people - particularly ones where you are physically involved.
Is there a right or wrong answer as to whether it's okay to stay friends with someone you once dated?
Even if you broke up with someone over 10 years ago you can still have a close affiliation or admiration for them.... so too, someone you may have broken up with less than a year ago.
Is it possible to genuinely have a friendship afterwards (and no thoughts at all of ever wanting to get back with them)?
Depending on how you split, these post-relationship friendships can be harder than others.
When one party has another partner it can be a lot easier or even a lot harder...
Another factor is how much time has passed since the split.
It's vital that both people no longer have the same feelings for each other and that any break-up grudges have subsided.
Yet, it's okay to admire them and recognise that you do have a history with this person.
Out of my past relationships there are only two men that I am still in contact with and call my friends.
Is this wrong that I value their friendship and want them to still be in my life?
I know it's purely plutonic but is it not okay to see them if I am dating someone else?
How would I feel if my partner was friends with his exes?
Relationships involve trust... and if you can't trust your partner then you are with the wrong person!
I value the friendships I share with my exes, but is it not right for us to be friends?
I know nothing would ever happen between us again but does my partner truly know that too? And do I genuinely believe the reverse?
It's an interesting conversation I have had with many girlfriends previously... I know people from the dark ages (ie our parents) disagree, but how do people from my generation see it?
Comments welcome...
Is there a right or wrong answer as to whether it's okay to stay friends with someone you once dated?
Even if you broke up with someone over 10 years ago you can still have a close affiliation or admiration for them.... so too, someone you may have broken up with less than a year ago.
Is it possible to genuinely have a friendship afterwards (and no thoughts at all of ever wanting to get back with them)?
Depending on how you split, these post-relationship friendships can be harder than others.
When one party has another partner it can be a lot easier or even a lot harder...
Another factor is how much time has passed since the split.
It's vital that both people no longer have the same feelings for each other and that any break-up grudges have subsided.
Yet, it's okay to admire them and recognise that you do have a history with this person.
Out of my past relationships there are only two men that I am still in contact with and call my friends.
Is this wrong that I value their friendship and want them to still be in my life?
I know it's purely plutonic but is it not okay to see them if I am dating someone else?
How would I feel if my partner was friends with his exes?
Relationships involve trust... and if you can't trust your partner then you are with the wrong person!
I value the friendships I share with my exes, but is it not right for us to be friends?
I know nothing would ever happen between us again but does my partner truly know that too? And do I genuinely believe the reverse?
It's an interesting conversation I have had with many girlfriends previously... I know people from the dark ages (ie our parents) disagree, but how do people from my generation see it?
Comments welcome...
Assumptions, Presumptions, Prejudices and Expectations
What can I say with a headline like that?!
We all make assumptions in our lives... judging people and situations based on what we think is correct. Whether the facts are subjective and haven't been absorbed accurately or that our vision has become blinded by another factor, we don't always know of, or can't even see it.
We meet someone who is wearing glasses and we already think particular things, such as whether he/she is as intellectual as the spectacles make them out to be!
Or, we hear someone got full marks in a test, so clearly they must be a genius!
Or, we become friends with someone and learn so much about them that we just assume we know their every move and opinion on issues, and are blinded by occasions where their actions may differ to the presumed status quo.
We form expectations of these people based on our judgements/prejudices whether we wish to recognise it or not.
Sometimes we end up so close-minded that it blocks us from truly learning more from the world and the reality that is before us.
I know this is a weakness of mine and can only hope that through my safe learning environment that I am exposed to in my MBA cohort, I will be able to improve on these attributes.
There is one particular person out there who is regularly keeping a close eye on my movements... alluding me to opportunities where I can improve and where my assumptions are failing my capacity to make objective judgements and decisions.
I only hope that he doesn't lose faith in my learning process, as he too is experiencing this self-development curve, even if the focus is not necessarily on the same attributes as mine. I am hoping we are both in this together... along with our other 60 classmates.
We all have strengths and weaknesses; only if we can see the difference between them can we open ourself up to improvement.
I know that I make thousands of judgements everyday and based on these presumptions I form expectations, which may or may not be met.
Being surprised and having someone behave differently to what you expect can be great - eg Barack Obama hosting a passover seder in the White House... who'd have thought?!
I look forward to being on a journey of self-discovery and improvement this year. Many have inspired me including Mr JB, and I only hope I don't let anyone down...
We all make assumptions in our lives... judging people and situations based on what we think is correct. Whether the facts are subjective and haven't been absorbed accurately or that our vision has become blinded by another factor, we don't always know of, or can't even see it.
We meet someone who is wearing glasses and we already think particular things, such as whether he/she is as intellectual as the spectacles make them out to be!
Or, we hear someone got full marks in a test, so clearly they must be a genius!
Or, we become friends with someone and learn so much about them that we just assume we know their every move and opinion on issues, and are blinded by occasions where their actions may differ to the presumed status quo.
We form expectations of these people based on our judgements/prejudices whether we wish to recognise it or not.
Sometimes we end up so close-minded that it blocks us from truly learning more from the world and the reality that is before us.
I know this is a weakness of mine and can only hope that through my safe learning environment that I am exposed to in my MBA cohort, I will be able to improve on these attributes.
There is one particular person out there who is regularly keeping a close eye on my movements... alluding me to opportunities where I can improve and where my assumptions are failing my capacity to make objective judgements and decisions.
I only hope that he doesn't lose faith in my learning process, as he too is experiencing this self-development curve, even if the focus is not necessarily on the same attributes as mine. I am hoping we are both in this together... along with our other 60 classmates.
We all have strengths and weaknesses; only if we can see the difference between them can we open ourself up to improvement.
I know that I make thousands of judgements everyday and based on these presumptions I form expectations, which may or may not be met.
Being surprised and having someone behave differently to what you expect can be great - eg Barack Obama hosting a passover seder in the White House... who'd have thought?!
I look forward to being on a journey of self-discovery and improvement this year. Many have inspired me including Mr JB, and I only hope I don't let anyone down...
Thursday, March 5, 2009
What is art?
Recently, I have truly been inspired to reconsider what is art, and the meaning behind art?
Is it performing arts, visual arts, creativity, (graphic) design, animation, architecture, music, dance, or a combination of all these?
And what is it that motivates or initiates these art forms? Are the founders, creators, artists trying to express themselves, hide, communicate other people's emotions or messages, or is it something far more simple or even deeper than this?
In the last few weeks, I've gotten to know someone who is into everything that art offers, and is so passionate about sharing his art, the concept of lineasim, that I am now too questioning my perceptions.
Yesterday I paid a visit to a wildlife photography exhibition and was amazed with the talent displayed - not only through the visions presented, but also the descriptions which accompanied / explained the corresponding photographs.
Today, I went to a Sydney Theatre Company production and was blown away by the performing talents of the actors and their art form.
(On occasion, I also love to attend live music events and see those artists at work...)
My friend accompanied me on both accounts and his interpretations and insights were intriguing. Some were similar to mine and some were overwhelmingly inspiring, particularly as they were making me think in ways I never knew existed... for the first time (in a long while, or even at all), I was considering dimensions he was explaining to me. I am very proud of the fact that I am slowly learning to appreciates these realms too.
Lineaism for example, his new concept, is a combination / integration of various concepts - a style of drawing based on works by Schiele and Rodin, a style of painting with linear strokes inspired by Van Gogh, and a linear timeline of various events, which connect people, projects and communities.
He conceived this new terminology and style of art on his own. I admire that... so too his drawing talents, expressive verbal communication style, and total dedication and passion to seeing this 'lineaist' vision become a reality, through his own activities as well as interactions with others. I truly believe... and thus my minimal publicity is solely here. Maybe one day it will channel elsewhere too...
I love animation. I have come from a background of visual art appreciation. I feel art is a very important communication portal no matter the incentive, objective or outcome.
I thank this person and the other experiences I have shared in my lifetime to having an even greater appreciation for all that 'art' is and can be...
Is it performing arts, visual arts, creativity, (graphic) design, animation, architecture, music, dance, or a combination of all these?
And what is it that motivates or initiates these art forms? Are the founders, creators, artists trying to express themselves, hide, communicate other people's emotions or messages, or is it something far more simple or even deeper than this?
In the last few weeks, I've gotten to know someone who is into everything that art offers, and is so passionate about sharing his art, the concept of lineasim, that I am now too questioning my perceptions.
Yesterday I paid a visit to a wildlife photography exhibition and was amazed with the talent displayed - not only through the visions presented, but also the descriptions which accompanied / explained the corresponding photographs.
Today, I went to a Sydney Theatre Company production and was blown away by the performing talents of the actors and their art form.
(On occasion, I also love to attend live music events and see those artists at work...)
My friend accompanied me on both accounts and his interpretations and insights were intriguing. Some were similar to mine and some were overwhelmingly inspiring, particularly as they were making me think in ways I never knew existed... for the first time (in a long while, or even at all), I was considering dimensions he was explaining to me. I am very proud of the fact that I am slowly learning to appreciates these realms too.
Lineaism for example, his new concept, is a combination / integration of various concepts - a style of drawing based on works by Schiele and Rodin, a style of painting with linear strokes inspired by Van Gogh, and a linear timeline of various events, which connect people, projects and communities.
He conceived this new terminology and style of art on his own. I admire that... so too his drawing talents, expressive verbal communication style, and total dedication and passion to seeing this 'lineaist' vision become a reality, through his own activities as well as interactions with others. I truly believe... and thus my minimal publicity is solely here. Maybe one day it will channel elsewhere too...
I love animation. I have come from a background of visual art appreciation. I feel art is a very important communication portal no matter the incentive, objective or outcome.
I thank this person and the other experiences I have shared in my lifetime to having an even greater appreciation for all that 'art' is and can be...
Monday, February 9, 2009
sugar-coated whirlwind
Roses are red, violets are blue... sugar is sweet, and so are you!
Wow, what can I say about the last two weeks?!
It has been full of emotions...
from having a guy in my life, to him leaving on secondment to Melbourne...
another birthday come & gone - with lots of wonderful celebrations... including dress ups and amazing speeches...
babies galore, weddings and engagements...
a side step in careers, with a dive face-first into full-time studies -
meeting over 65 people from all over the world, many of whom I will get to know a lot better in the months and year ahead, to other people totally intriguing me, testing my limitations and trying to offer insight into how i can be an even better person...
mentally and physically i am running out of steam - (ie exhausted) - thank god there is a 10 day break coming my way!
Wow, what can I say about the last two weeks?!
It has been full of emotions...
from having a guy in my life, to him leaving on secondment to Melbourne...
another birthday come & gone - with lots of wonderful celebrations... including dress ups and amazing speeches...
babies galore, weddings and engagements...
a side step in careers, with a dive face-first into full-time studies -
meeting over 65 people from all over the world, many of whom I will get to know a lot better in the months and year ahead, to other people totally intriguing me, testing my limitations and trying to offer insight into how i can be an even better person...
mentally and physically i am running out of steam - (ie exhausted) - thank god there is a 10 day break coming my way!
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