3 x 5 Transportive Playlists

3 x 5 TRANSPORTIVE PLAYLISTS

Hold your horses dear readers.

Following the success of my first 3 x 5 playlists post, which featured 3 purposely handcrafted playlists to accompany you through key parts of the weekend, I've once again returned to the nifty 3 x 5 formula to create 3 new playlists for you to enjoy.

This time, they focus around 3 key feelings, with each playlist featuring songs that will transport you to a particular emotional concept. We have ELECTRIC SPIRIT, A GOLDEN HAZY SUMMER IN THE DEEP SOUTH, and THE HEARTBREAK EVOLUTION, and each encapsulates a unique and distinct vibe, meaning you can select the playlist that best matches your mood.

The idea for these playlists came about because I was delving through my newly amassed music, and I realised I could pinpoint and connect different songs together. There were links to be drawn. There were narratives, idea, feelings, all of which I could convey, simply by putting certain songs into a collective. And it was almost as if it was meant to be, because I managed to craft these playlists in a matter of minutes, and I'm so happy with the finished result.

As am I so happy to be able to share some of my very favourite songs of the moment with you all. I would tell you my favourites, but one, there's just too many and two, I want you to take a listen and decide that for yourselves....

Happy listening!

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ELECTRIC SPIRIT

001. THE SKY IS A NEIGHBOURHOOD - FOO FIGHTERS
002. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL - THE KILLERS
003. SIT NEX TO ME - FOSTER THE PEOPLE
004. PLIMSOLL PUNKS - ALVVAYS
005. I WANNA PROVE TO YOU - THE LEMON TWIGS

A GOLDEN, HAZY SUMMER IN THE DEEP SOUTH

001. ME & MAGDALENA - THE MONKEES
002. THE LAST DAY OF JUNE, 1934 - AL STEWART
003. WICHITA LINEMAN - GLEN CAMPBELL
004. MARY JANE'S LAST DANCE - TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS
005. YOUR SMILING FACE - JAMES TAYLOR


THE HEARTBREAK EVOLUTION 

001. HERE'S THAT RAINY DAY -BOB DYLAN
002. PAIN - THE WAR ON DRUGS
003. YOU'LL FIND - DAN & DRUM
004. TAKE ME BACK - ALICE JEMIMA
005. IN THE MIDDLE - DODIE 

The Art of Design: Christoph Niemann

THE ART OF DESIGN: CHRISTOPH NIEMANN

So the other day something awesome happened. I decided to be adventurous on Netflix for once.

 I've already whizzed through Riverdale (highly recommend you give it a watch, I'm addicted after 1 day, it's cracking), and another really amazing thing I've happened across, is this: Abstract: The Art of Design... series. This 8 part Netflix original focuses on the broadbrush topic of design, honing in on key and contrasting designers who bring different approaches and outlooks to the topic. Each episode is dedicated to one designer, who essentially dictates the entire documentary and makes it into a unique, captivating and creative presentation of who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

The Christoph Niemann episode in particular was a real gem,  (hence my reason for writing this blog post).

A German illustrator, graphic designer and children's author, Christoph studied in Germany before moving to one of his favourite cities, New York, to build his career in the city of a thousand dreams. After receiving the success he deserved, including working for the coveted New Yorker, he moved back to the brilliant, quirky, eclectic Berlin where he now lives with his family.

To delve inside the mind of Christoph Niemann was a real treat because he approaches design in such a different way to me. He's so innovative, meticulous, self-aware, theoretical, and so resolutely invested in every single step of the design process. I loved learning about how he works and how he thinks. Christoph lives and breathes design, and to view the world through his creative lenses made me feel so inspired and re-energised.

What's more, all those beautiful cinematic shots that helped illustrate and construct an idea of Chrisoph's world reminded me of the magic, presence and intelligence of art and design. They are the pillars around which our every day lives revolve, adding such aesthetic beauty, functionality and structure. The world is an artistic mecca, a heady visual feast, a dazzling, seamless masterpiece. And I'd never really appreciated that till now.

As someone who loves art and design, I found it so interesting to get into the head of another creative, and understand what makes them tick. What inspires them. How do they approach creativity. Why do they do what they do and how do they do it? What does it mean to them. And most importantly: can I learn something from them? This series provides you with all this exploration and insight, and in such a creative, compelling way too.

And if you're someone who has a creative streak whirling and sparkling through your veins, I really do believe it's so important to expose yourself to the mind's of other creatives, because it helps you to dream bigger. Grow in creativity. Be open minded to other ways of expressing yourself and conducting yourself. See the world with fresh eyes. And the Abstract... series is the perfect way to do that. Or heck, if you're just looking to indulge in some really stunning, cinematic film making to give those neurotransmitters in your brain an almighty buzz, then get ya'self on Netflix and give Abstract: The Art of Design a go.

http://www.christophniemann.com/

What Happens Next?

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

For most of this year, one of the main things occupying my brain space is this: what does the future hold?

In September I begin my fourth and final year of university, and I can't seem to stop thinking about it.

On the one hand, I'm so happy about finally finishing my degree. I can't wait to go back and see all my friends again, do the things I love, make more cherished memories, try out new things while I can, return to my beloved Manchester, soak up the last of my 18-year-long education and, fingers crossed, graduate with a degree ( a degree!!!). I can't wait to start the next chapter of my life, and have the world at my feet once again. I'm ready for the next adventure. I want to make something of myself, and see what life has in store next. I want to earn some money, see more of the world, gain life experience, be free....

Yet on the other hand, another part of me is absolutely terrified. Terrified about starting fourth year. Doing my dissertation. My final placement. Leaving university behind. Saying goodbye. Receiving the very freedom I seek. And most importantly this: figuring out what comes next.

Because I don't have a bloody clue. And the confusion just seems to get foggier and foggier. And I'm waiting for a sunbeam to strike and illuminate the path I need to take. But when will it come?

Already people are starting to ask me what I plan on doing once university ends, and all I can say is that I have no idea. Throughout university, I've loved asking older years what their plans were one university ended. I longed to hear about what adventures they had planned next, and where their lives were heading. It seemed to exciting and inspiring to me. Yet most times, I was met with 'I don't know', 'I don't have a clue', 'I hate that question', and 'I'm trying not to think about it'. And I didn't understand why.

I didn't understand how they felt, until now.

Because it really is terrifying, doing your final year and then graduating. And I think what scares me most, is that I just don't know where I want my life to go next. Or more like, I can imagine all these things I want to do, areas I want to explore, things I want to learn, places I want to live, people I want to be... and I don't really know where to start. There's too much. And it's overwhelming me. 

I feel like I'm dreaming too big, and yet I also feel like I'm not dreaming big enough at all. 

I feel like I'm doing what I want to do, and being true to myself, and yet I also feel like I'm not. 

I feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, and yet I'm also envisioning at least five more paths I could've, maybe should've, taken. 

I feel like I know myself, and what's right for me, best for me, and yet I also feel like I don't.

I just thought I'd have something figured out by now. That I would know which path to take. But it feels like I'm right back where I was at the end of A Levels, deciding on my future. There were so many spinning plates on the go, and four years later, the same plates are still spinning. None of them smashed along the way. They only spun stronger. And once again, I find myself looking into the melting pot and I don't know what to do next.

Of course part of me knows that everything is going to work out somehow. I need to take it one step at a time. Get through this last year first, before worrying about everything else. Allow myself time to think and explore. Remember that I can be, do, anything that I put my mind to.

But I guess for me, it all boils down to this, and it always has done: do I take a risk, and follow this new selfless path I've carved out for myself. Enter this new industry, profession, specialism. Become a new version of myself, see who I could become and what I could do, and to some extent, go against what comes naturally and innately to me?

Or do I be selfish, and go back to the me that has always been there. Follow the path everyone expected me to take, and are surprised I haven't taken. The path which I maybe should've taken, the one that so naturally speaks to my soul, but I rebelled against. The one that will see me returning to my roots and nurturing them, growing them, because I bailed too soon to know what they could become? 

I have no idea. I really don't. And I don't expect to figure it out anytime soon, and I know that's okay (although I wish I knew the answers already!). But I just wanted to let the web of thought out, because as Shrek once wisely said, it's better out than in. And I will find my way, I know I will. It's just going to take more time than I thought. 

Little Things In London

(the best spontaneous photo I've ever taken!!)

LITTLE THINGS IN LONDON

A few weeks ago I went down to London.

I saw my sister, and her brilliant drama show called Cyrano de Bergerac, starring a phenomenal actor called Soroosh Lavasani. I watched my queen Stevie Nicks, as well as The Lumineers and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, perform to hundreds of thousands of people on a balmy July evening in Hyde Park. I saw Hammersmith high street aglow from way up high. I took an early tube over to West Ham to meet my old housemate. We had cobs and builders tea, as we pondered our lives and futures in a greasy spoon cafe off Barking Road.

I walked through Aldgate and Brick Lane in the pouring rain with my camera, soaking up the culture and creative energy. I walked through even heavier rain up near Islington, Barbican, Farringdon and Hatton Gardens, munching custard donuts to keep me going. I looked at the BP Portrait Award 2017 entries in the National Portrait Gallery. My sister and I sat in St. Martin-in-the-Fields church and listened to the most incredible, ethereal, magical choir and orchestra practice.

We wandered around the back streets of Covent Garden, and took in the colourful vibrancy of Seven Dials. We stumbled across a £5 pizza place round the corner of Shaftsbury Avenue, and walked down the roads in the evening light. Rain soaked us to the bone, and left us feeling so magical and cosy, ready to snuggle down in our pyjamas in the warmth.

I had a delicious Spoons breakfast, and wondered down Kensington High Street with my parents, past the Olympia and Hammersmith High Street, all the way to Holland Park. We looked at the Dutch Garden, the Kyoto Garden, and the Design Museum. It was bliss. And I took the best photo of my life (see above), merely by chance. Oh, and I also found out I passed my third year of university too.

I had delicious Thai food in a pub called The Latymers. I sat at the top of One New Change shopping centre and watched Wimbledon. And I wandered through the British History Museum, and Hyde Park in the sunshine, with all those beautiful sunny flowers, bobbing boats and friendly ducks and geese...

And on the way, I took all these many, many photos, in an attempt to capture the little details that illustrated and punctuated my adventures. Snapshots of London in her hidden beauty. Quirky bits and pieces, the sights you don't always see. The more I go to London, and the more I explore the city, the more compelled I feel to capture the untold story. And celebrate the sheer wonder and diversity of the many stunning sights you can find in our great capital city.

It fills me with such joy. So much joy.

And so I thought I'd share some of my favourite photographs with you.
Let me know what you think!

Visiting London? Looking for something different?
The Londoner
Visit London
Time Out London Blog
A Lady In London

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Tim Burton Drawings

TIM BURTON DRAWINGS

Yesterday my sister & I were talking in the car, and the conversation somehow got onto Tim Burton's 2007 film Sweeney Todd.

My sister had finally convinced me to watch the film a couple of weeks earlier, and I had been so surprised and intrigued by what I saw. I was expecting a gory, over the top, predictable horror story, and whilst Sweeney Todd is gory at times, and its premise is rooted in horror, I wasn't expecting to find it beautiful. I wasn't expecting to come away feeling creatively inspired. I wasn't expecting to feel enlightened.

Yet I came away feeling all those things. The only logical conclusion I could reach, as to why I felt that way, was that is was Tim Burton's stunning filmmaking.

As me and my sister spoke about Tim Burton, we ended up discussing this, alongside Tim's unique creative vision and incredible talent. To make a film like Sweeney Todd, a throat slashing barber in gloomy 1800's London, something of beauty and awe, is a testament to the magic, innovation and unharnessed imagination of Tim Burton.

And when you think of the other films in Tim's back catalogue, including Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Beetlejuice, The Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish, and Alice & Wonderland... iconic films with such striking and compelling visuals and eccentricities, it becomes apparent what a sheer genius Tim Burton is. One of the best filmmakers of all time.

Therefore, when my sister went on to mention how Tim publishes the concept drawings he produces for his films, I simply had to follow the stem right to the root of these otherworldly creations. Where did they all begin. How did the vision come to be.

I can assure you, I wasn't left disappointed.

In fact, I was surprised at how much magic and wonder is infused in the early stages of Tim's filmmaking process. Similarly, I thought it was just extraordinary, and so inspiring, to see how Tim's mind works, and how his vision translates to his drawings, and his drawings translate straight through to his films. These 2D drawings already seem fully formed and bursting with life, personality, charisma. And yet on the big screen they ooze with even more depth and authenticity.

I find Tim Burton so fascinating, and even more so, now that I've seen his concept art. It's impossible not to feel inspired by him, nor indebted for the thrilling escapism he creates. Which is why I would love to share some of my favourite Tim Burton illustrations with you, in the hopes that they might inspire you as much as they've inspired me.


Find the book here and the official website here!

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