Welcome to the weekend edition. (#32)

Well, that week flew by.

Here are some creative things I have stumbled across on the digital landscape plus a new addition to the newsletter that I am testing out. I plan to test out a few more things and I would love any input from what you, the readers, would like to see here.

I hope you enjoy this edition.

Links to some stories can be found at the end of the newsletter.

Have a great weekend.

Rodd

ADVERTISING - FILM

Volvo has made a cinematic piece to launch the new EX90.

The commercial follows the life story of a couple, it has been beautifully done.

Oscar-winning cinematographer Hoyten van Hoytema shot it and he captured a heart-moving story, the spot is 3:35 in length.

You can read more about it and watch the spot in the links below.

PRINT'S NOT DEAD

Photography books worthy of any bookshelf (or coffee table).

This week, It's Nice That did a story on the design and book publishing studio Zone 6.

Here is a snippet.

As a bookbinder, Johnny McMullan (founder of Zone6) typically produces publications entirely by hand. At his independent press in London, he finds that this always allows for “freedom both in terms of materials, costs, and importantly, adding the extra flourishes”, that might not be possible when working with third-party printers. Crafting small runs of artist books, Zone6 focuses its production on projects concerned with “memory – how images have become intertwined in our concept of both past and present.”

Read the full story in the links below.

QUOTE

“If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.” – John Cleese

BANGKOK - A CREATIVE CITY

I'm flattered to be included on this list. Thailand is a great country, and Bangkok is such a great creative city.

I draw so much inspiration from the great art galleries here, the street art (so many great street artists here in Thailand - Asin, Mue Bon, Alex Face, Nev3r, and others), the streets are perfect for street photography (a favourite creative outlet of mine), one of my favourite bookshops is here (HardCover at OpenHouse in Central Embassy), there are some great underground music venues (punk rock is alive and well in Bangkok) and also some great jazz joints, there are some great emerging fashion designers (from streetwear and beyond), then, of course, there's the food - from street carts (some of which are Michelin rated) to Michelin rated restaurants.

If you're creative, consider a stopover in Bangkok—and no, I am not being paid for this endorsement.

I'm planning to do some Creative Workshops in Bangkok in Jan and Feb 2025, for people passing through or wanting to come to Thailand for a break.

Three days of creative discussions, Q&As, art gallery visits, street photography walks and street art explorations with street food stops along the way.

If this interests you please email me at - [email protected]

ART

The art world has gone bananas.

Maurizio Cattelan's duct-taped banana has sold at auction for $6.24M.

You can read the full story in a piece by ArtNews. Here is an excerpt.

“The world’s most expensive banana” sold Wednesday night at Sotheby’s New York. That’s how auctioneer Oliver Barker put it as he was trying to eke out the last of the bids for Maurizio Cattelan's viral artwork, Comedian (2019).

The famed artwork, of a banana duct-taped to a wall, hammered at $5.2 million, with the final price (including buyer’s premium) being $6.24 million. It went to a client of Jen Hua, Sotheby’s deputy chairman, Asia. Shortly after the lot sold, Sotheby’s revealed Justin Sun, the Chinese billionaire and founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, to be the buyer.

Full story in the links below.

TEN THINGS

I thought I'd do something different in this edition.

I'm sharing ten things that either have inspired me or continue to inspire me and things that are part of what makes me "me". Just for fun.

But maybe this is something I will ask some other creative people to contribute to in future newsletters.

Feel free to add your contributions in the comments. And even make suggestions for other points that could be included.

1. First record: KISS (the first album, with 'Cold Gin', 'Black Diamond', 'Strutter', etc) - I was soon to discover punk.
2. Favourite food: Khao Soi Gai. (It had to be Thai food obviously)
3. Favourite sport to watch: Sumo.
4. Favourite band: I have many, but if I had to pick one it would be Joy Division.
5. Favourite city: New York.
6. Can't live without: a Moleskine & a black Artline 200 0.4, a bass guitar, books, music, and art.
7. Favourite drink: alcoholic - Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, NZ. non-alcoholic - Singha Soda Water (if you haven't had one, you must.)
8. Current preferred black t-shirt brand: Uniqlo.
9. Favourite magazine: Monster Children.
10. Favourite footwear: Converse Chucks.

INSTALLATION - EXPERIENCE

Cleveland Public Library has gone all warm and fuzzy.

The art duo known as Friends With You have installed five fuzzy dancing interactive robots called 'The BAND' in Cleveland Public Library.

Here's an excerpt from a piece in Coolhunting, you can read the full article in the links below.

Their latest revelatory work, The BAND (short for Biodigital Autonomous Neuro Dancers), recently debuted at the Cleveland Public Library and will be available to experience for free for an entire year. Comprised of five large-scale robots—each a different color, but all fuzzy to the touch—the interactive piece taps into the joy of dance, and the healing power of sound, as it strives to build connection between the robots and library guests of all ages. As with other works in their repertoire, it’s an amalgamation of future-forward technology and optimism. To learn more about the AI-powered art experience, we spoke with Borkson and Sandoval for their unique insight.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

Not a new book, but well worth reading if you're stuck or maybe second-guessing your creativity.

It's an easy and fun read and can be finished over a cup of coffee.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR - COACHING

Limited spots are available starting in Nov, Dec, or Jan.

Get in touch for more details.

[email protected]

Here are some of the things I cover when I am coaching. ??

That's it for this edition.

Hope something here inspired some fresh thinking.

I'll see you in the next edition on the other side of the weekend.

Rodd

• Volvo's cinematic commercial can be found here.
• Read more about Zone 6 and their book publishing, here.
• The art world has gone bananas, read about it here.
• Get all warm and fuzzy with the Cleveland Library, here.

#inspiration #creativity #ideas #creativedirector #creativecoach