Control

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Relinquishing control often feels like a leap into the unknown, especially when it's been the bedrock of your existence—or at least the illusion of such. But in our fast-paced, increasingly random, always-on-platform-driven world, clinging to control can lead us to a breaking point, insanity, or megalomania (As so frequently demonstrated by Elon, Ye, Donald and more). It's frighteningly hard to admit but the truth is that real control in collaborative efforts—whether with investors, constituency members, teenagers, or artists—is an illusion, NOT a reality. Control is a myth.?

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Understanding this is crucial for our sanity and well-being. At least I have learned that it is for me. Surrendering control isn't about giving up, I'm certainly not doing that, it's about letting go of what's beyond your power and embracing the freedom to focus on what you can change.

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Say after me:?

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I cannot force an artist to deliver?

I cannot mandate brilliance?

I cannot control the fate of something that does not belong to me?

I cannot ensure a plumber turns up on time

I cannot control my teenagers?

I cannot change someone, anyone

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Yet:?

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I can control my mindset, my behaviours, my values and my emotions.?

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I'm 47, and still, there is so much to learn.

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Commercial Break.

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This episode is brought to you by Aaron Esh. One of the most exciting young designers of our time??*

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For anyone new to the letter. The following section is a selection of inspiration.?

Legend:

?? = (cupcake) Treat brain.

?? = (oyster)? Not for everyone.

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Books and mags.

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The Internet Phone Book doesn't exist yet, but it will with your help. Elliott Cost ( my old collaborator on the now defunct Empty Day) is ambitious about creating a selection of the best of the Internet, the most personal, poetic, and humanistic. If you know of such a site, suggest it. ?

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Game Play Arts. Not a book or magazine but a platform from Ex-Killscreen editor Jamin Warren, a fascinating collection of game-based art and culture.?

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Vines in a cold climate. It's probably a book for you if you're British and into wine. It's also book for you if you're just into wine.?

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Music

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Field Notes. Each month, Gilles Peterson creates a magical little playlist for WeTransfer. This month, the playlist includes Saya Gray, Sun Ra, Galliano, and many more.?

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Sault. In case you missed it, earlier this month, the incredible collective offered up an Act of Faith Via WeTransfer. You can download it again here (briefly)

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Podcast

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Bubble Trouble. In this episode, Will Page, the Ex-Chief Economist at Spotify and author of Tarzan Economics talks about the disappearance of Festivals or the summer of discontent. “Ticketmaster is the most hated app in the app store."?

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Pull The Thread. Not my usual vice, but the story of a man called Wolf, going undercover to break the illegal wildlife trade, a FREE luminary podcast.?

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TV & Film

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Presumed Innocent. It is a story that has been told, but much like the most recent version of Ripley, this latest very compelling, gripping and unsettling show leaves me hanging for the next episode. It's Jake Gyllenhall at his very ‘Donny Darko’ best and leaves the 1990 film version with Harrison Ford for dust.?

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The Echo. Is a beautifully cinematic documentary of family life following the path of a young girl living in rural Puebla, Mexico. Tatiana Huezo has the ability to make the characters feel fictionalised, yet this is very much real life.?

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Sunny. Some I know hate Apple TV. “Too mainstream!” I disagree. Apple has had some bangers in a very short-lived life in TV production; Bad Sisters, Severence, and the above mentioned Presumed Innocent. Sunny, although new and only four episodes in, is one of them. Rashida Jones is perfectly melancholy and the film noir, sci fi robot concept is stand out.?

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Art

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On a recent trip down memory lane in Margate with my sister and Russell Tovey, we went to see Vanessa Raw at Carl Freedman Gallery. Her work is huge and fantastically sensual without feeling sexual. Plus, she appears to like foxes, which is always a bonus.?

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My first encounter of the Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson was at Tate Modern when he dazzled the world with his version of the sun. A truly mesmerising experience. He's back. Only this time as guest curator for WePresent.com?

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That's it. You're special. Thanks for reading till the end.

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*(Please note that these ads are not paid for, they are suggestions)