Flashback from Penang, Malaysia

Sometimes I wonder what Singapore was like 50 years ago before it became the "Zurich of Southeast Asia."  Well, I think Penang, Malaysia is the answer.  I went on a solo trip three weekends ago and finally post-processed my photos.  Check them out.

[Mental Health Break] Epic Rap Battles

I'm amused.  My vote is for the "astrophysics black guy"

World Cup Love

This advertisement makes me love the World Cup

Google STREET ART Project

I love street art.  

Unfortunately, living in Singapore means I see *very* little of it.  Luckily, Google just launched a new cultural project -- The Google STREET ART project.

I think this might take up a lot of my time today.  Check it out.

PS - I think making my own street art is on my bucket list.  Just need to improve my spray painting skills ;)

 

Words of Wisdom from Debbie Millman

I'm loving this excerpt from Debbie Millman's book, Look Both Ways.  

No need for me to elaborate.  Just read it.

Can you recognize these masterpieces?

This seems like the Lego version of the Google Art Project.  

Can you guess the paintings that inspired the amazing print ads below?

If you're struggling, here's the list:

The series includes Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” (1505-1507), Vincent van Gogh’s “Self Portrait”, Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” (1930), Rene Magritte’s Johannes Le Fils de L’Homme (1964), Vermeer’s “Girl With A Pearl Earring” (1665) and “Lady With an Ermine”, a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani painted by Leonardo da Vinci (1489/1490).

The Personal Project

Over the weekend, I listened to the *excellent* podcast, Design Matters, with guest, Brian Singer.  While in art school, Brian became obsessed with bathroom stalls (that sound weird).  Okay, he became obsessed with the things written on bathroom stalls -- the public discourse that took place via sharpie markers.

After graduating, he wanted to make his own mobile "bathroom stall," so in 2000, he used his own money to launch 1000 journals into the orbit.  They've now been to 40 countries and every US state and have taken on a life of their own, which fortunately, has been captured in the documentary accurately named "1000 Journals".

From what I've gathered, a lot of creative people, like Brian, do personal projects, ranging from blogs like the Jealous Curator to calligraphy like the Daily Drop Cap to photography like A Collection a Day.  It's a way to build constraints and routine around a creative exercise.

I love how all these projects started without money in mind.  Instead, they wanted to release their talents in the wild -- into the unknown -- standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon and setting free your creations into the vast beyond.

Don't we all want to experience something like that?

Why get off Facebook

I've been off of Facebook for 3 years, but recently (and sadly) had to rejoin for business reasons.  Despite that, I'm managing to steer clear of reading the newsfeed and standby getting off of Facebook.

DO IT.

[Mental Health Break] Now this is catchy

I love this.  And, I don't care who knows.

Boat Life

Singapore can be hot, unwalkable and predictable, but it's also an island with all the wonderful things that come with that.  After brunch today, we went to Mana Mana beach club for some beers and sailing.  I've been promising our friend, Tom, that I'd take photos of his boat for awhile, and I finally made true on my promise.  

Check out some photos this afternoon -- both of scene and the boys sailing.