Thursday, 9 February 2012
Friday, 20 May 2011
Tohoku
After the Earthquake...
I last posted a month before the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear power plant melt down. 3 months later, things on the surface appear calm in Tokyo. Food is back on the shelves, there are fewer aftershocks but gradually news about the seriousness of the TEPCO fiasco seeps out.
Pictures of Tohoku seem to have all but disappeared from the International news pages but Japanese news continues to moderately cover relief efforts and updates. Meanwhile in Tohoku people are feeling the struggle of days spent trying to survive, to grieve, to keep going, to think ahead when, in may cases their security has been ripped away. During a recent trip I was struck by the endless views of rubble and destruction. Like apocalyptic scenes houses were floating in the river, or just not there at all, apart from a staircase. To be constantly faced with this as the "image" that you see everyday must be taking it`s toll.
Despite these circumstances the people I met there were amazing - kind hearted, looking out for each other, steady, hopeful but also in a lot of pain. Old people and children were clearly traumatised by the tsunami. I listened to many stories of how they escaped and what they saw. For many the daily reality is one of living a day at a time. There was much talk of the possibility of another quake, and in Ishinomaki the water at high tide was extremely high. This is an aftermath that will take years if not decades to recover from and re-build.
But in the middle of all this pain and destruction I think about the process of grieving, of growth, of recovery. Before something new can be born the old must be laid to rest, and in this case there is a lot of work to be done. My hope is that the government will support those "supporting". Japan does not have a great record for either people speaking out against things, or an environment where emotions are readily shared. I would love to see more openness and people sharing their experiences and being encouraged not only to "ganbate" but to give their pain a voice.
While the CNN news feed gave us many pictures of despair there are also some amazing stories of courage and joy.
. One man scuba dived through the water to rescue his wife and mother.
and in terms of the arts community (in the broadest sense) many artists and musicians are getting involved in projects raising money for the many many needs.
Art Action
I last posted a month before the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear power plant melt down. 3 months later, things on the surface appear calm in Tokyo. Food is back on the shelves, there are fewer aftershocks but gradually news about the seriousness of the TEPCO fiasco seeps out.
Pictures of Tohoku seem to have all but disappeared from the International news pages but Japanese news continues to moderately cover relief efforts and updates. Meanwhile in Tohoku people are feeling the struggle of days spent trying to survive, to grieve, to keep going, to think ahead when, in may cases their security has been ripped away. During a recent trip I was struck by the endless views of rubble and destruction. Like apocalyptic scenes houses were floating in the river, or just not there at all, apart from a staircase. To be constantly faced with this as the "image" that you see everyday must be taking it`s toll.
Despite these circumstances the people I met there were amazing - kind hearted, looking out for each other, steady, hopeful but also in a lot of pain. Old people and children were clearly traumatised by the tsunami. I listened to many stories of how they escaped and what they saw. For many the daily reality is one of living a day at a time. There was much talk of the possibility of another quake, and in Ishinomaki the water at high tide was extremely high. This is an aftermath that will take years if not decades to recover from and re-build.
But in the middle of all this pain and destruction I think about the process of grieving, of growth, of recovery. Before something new can be born the old must be laid to rest, and in this case there is a lot of work to be done. My hope is that the government will support those "supporting". Japan does not have a great record for either people speaking out against things, or an environment where emotions are readily shared. I would love to see more openness and people sharing their experiences and being encouraged not only to "ganbate" but to give their pain a voice.
While the CNN news feed gave us many pictures of despair there are also some amazing stories of courage and joy.
. One man scuba dived through the water to rescue his wife and mother.
and in terms of the arts community (in the broadest sense) many artists and musicians are getting involved in projects raising money for the many many needs.
Friday, 11 February 2011
Education, collaboration, neurobiology,mental health, dreams
Being sick has its advantages. One being forced to stay at home and rest, which for me involves sleeping but also finding many new and interesting things via the internet.
I watched Wall Street last night. It seemed to lack pace and a clear focus but it was very clear to me that the current economic situation is like a Banyan tree with roots growing up all over the place. This problem is systemic and not just about money but about community, values, family and so its not a logical next thought but I was happy to come across the work of David Gauntlett who has written a book - Making is connecting. So much great stuff happening there and at the Social Spaces web site. I am looking forward to reading "Hand Made" edited by Tessy Britton.
Ok, so backtrack and I previously asked about friendship but a larger question is what is community? How do we connect? Somewhere in India children are being read stories to by English Grannies - this is one example of the way technology can bring non physical communities together, but can technology negatively do this? And if so how can we make sure that it is positive.
I think here of Hikikomi who hide away or a recent student of mine who seemed to only enjoy video games and was eventually asked to leave school because she nearly jumped out of a 4th floor window. This is extremely sad - children need access to stimulation and community not to mention a clearer understanding and compassion of mental health needs in Japan, one that comes without stigma. A nicely branded project in the UK Mind Apples with the tag line "love your mind". Asking people to list 5 things which help them feel better mentally it is a self empowering approach to mental health. I like that - asking what helps you?
From their blog:-
Meanwhile, I’d like to share a lovely e-mail I received recently from Dr Keith Gaynor, a clinical psychologist at the excellent Institute of Psychiatry who specialises in theraputic treatments for schizophrenia. They’ve gathered a list of activities that they enjoy, and which also have clinical evidence to support their efficacy in improving mental wellbeing.
SO POSITIVELY
some great projects.
In TOKYO Patrick Newell - school founder, and NGO founder of living dreams - aiming to give to orphaned children in Japan. He has also completed an interesting documentary 21:21 about 21st century education. Here is a little taster:
Jill Bolte Taylor Interview from 21Foundation on Vimeo.
Hans Rosling Interview from 21Foundation on Vimeo.
I know its not connected but I thought it one of those sychronicities that Matthew 21:21 is "Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."
In America and close in name is Learning Dreams - a community project which helps to practically explore what their dreams are and take steps towards realizing them before working with the children on their own dreams. To believe, to dream, to aspire.
In the autumn I took part in the Tokyo Dreamers section of the Trust Art Dreamers project.
My intuition told me 2011 was going to be the year if unexpected surprises. I am looking forward to seeing how all these free floating pieces fit together.
I watched Wall Street last night. It seemed to lack pace and a clear focus but it was very clear to me that the current economic situation is like a Banyan tree with roots growing up all over the place. This problem is systemic and not just about money but about community, values, family and so its not a logical next thought but I was happy to come across the work of David Gauntlett who has written a book - Making is connecting. So much great stuff happening there and at the Social Spaces web site. I am looking forward to reading "Hand Made" edited by Tessy Britton.
Ok, so backtrack and I previously asked about friendship but a larger question is what is community? How do we connect? Somewhere in India children are being read stories to by English Grannies - this is one example of the way technology can bring non physical communities together, but can technology negatively do this? And if so how can we make sure that it is positive.
I think here of Hikikomi who hide away or a recent student of mine who seemed to only enjoy video games and was eventually asked to leave school because she nearly jumped out of a 4th floor window. This is extremely sad - children need access to stimulation and community not to mention a clearer understanding and compassion of mental health needs in Japan, one that comes without stigma. A nicely branded project in the UK Mind Apples with the tag line "love your mind". Asking people to list 5 things which help them feel better mentally it is a self empowering approach to mental health. I like that - asking what helps you?
From their blog:-
Meanwhile, I’d like to share a lovely e-mail I received recently from Dr Keith Gaynor, a clinical psychologist at the excellent Institute of Psychiatry who specialises in theraputic treatments for schizophrenia. They’ve gathered a list of activities that they enjoy, and which also have clinical evidence to support their efficacy in improving mental wellbeing.
“I sent your email round the office (Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry). We got a load of responses and I’ve collated the top five.1. Do one totally absorbing activity (approx 30 mins)
2. Do something silly/funny
3. Do something nice for someone else
4. Smile
5. Remember it’s just a thought, it’s not realHope it’s useful”
SO POSITIVELY
some great projects.
In TOKYO Patrick Newell - school founder, and NGO founder of living dreams - aiming to give to orphaned children in Japan. He has also completed an interesting documentary 21:21 about 21st century education. Here is a little taster:
Jill Bolte Taylor Interview from 21Foundation on Vimeo.
Hans Rosling Interview from 21Foundation on Vimeo.
I know its not connected but I thought it one of those sychronicities that Matthew 21:21 is "Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."
In America and close in name is Learning Dreams - a community project which helps to practically explore what their dreams are and take steps towards realizing them before working with the children on their own dreams. To believe, to dream, to aspire.
In the autumn I took part in the Tokyo Dreamers section of the Trust Art Dreamers project.
My intuition told me 2011 was going to be the year if unexpected surprises. I am looking forward to seeing how all these free floating pieces fit together.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Thursday, 3 February 2011
focus, micro finance and things
2011 and a new post. 2010 the end part at least was rather intense and full of shifts and re-focusing. Taking on board comments on Donald Miller`s wonderful blog I am currently trying to take the small steps towards my distant big goals.My white board has a dedicated daily goals and monthly goals section, although its failure was pointed out to me by a friend who had noted that my daily goal didn`t seem to have change! I can happily cross off at least one thing today, small steps but a little progress.
Having read Yunis Mohammed`s inspiring book - Social Business bearing in mind recent micro finance scandals I was please to read this New York Times about consignment projects where the business end of things is inspired by an actual local need and will ultimately improve the lives of those who the seek to gain as customers. This seems to indicate that it is possible for social finance (style) businesses to suceed in practice.
I also discovered after re-reading Michael Ende`s book Momo, that he made a documentary with NHK and was a supporter of local currency and a fierce critic of the current economic system. I am still researching this and hope to update more...
Having read Yunis Mohammed`s inspiring book - Social Business bearing in mind recent micro finance scandals I was please to read this New York Times about consignment projects where the business end of things is inspired by an actual local need and will ultimately improve the lives of those who the seek to gain as customers. This seems to indicate that it is possible for social finance (style) businesses to suceed in practice.
I also discovered after re-reading Michael Ende`s book Momo, that he made a documentary with NHK and was a supporter of local currency and a fierce critic of the current economic system. I am still researching this and hope to update more...
Friday, 2 July 2010
Just because
They do such great stuff. My newly purchased purple trousers somehow remind me of these pastels...
friends friends and an interview.
Adrian Favell: In the style of Morissy my first thoughts are - a charming and intelligent man whose own nomadic lifestyle seems to mirror that of his sociological research subjects. Recently it has been the Japanese Contemporary Art Scene, artist, curator, student, random passer by alike, equally forming the transient network that constitutes the "scene".
Our interview here
Talking of which I have been contemplating friendship today. Is not "committing" to regular meet-ups a sign of a wiped out friendship? Reading So You Don`t Want to Go to Church Anymore makes me wonder about how much structure facilitates when basic care is not there. His argument is that people feel LOVE when they choose it freely, not when it is a duty, an obligation.
But if we don`t meet with others how can we build a friendship?. Of course many people, myself included can meet up with people we haven`t seen for years and still find a current connection, but is this something that we take for granted? When facebook friends are not necessarily people we meet with, what is real friendship?
Our interview here
Talking of which I have been contemplating friendship today. Is not "committing" to regular meet-ups a sign of a wiped out friendship? Reading So You Don`t Want to Go to Church Anymore makes me wonder about how much structure facilitates when basic care is not there. His argument is that people feel LOVE when they choose it freely, not when it is a duty, an obligation.
But if we don`t meet with others how can we build a friendship?. Of course many people, myself included can meet up with people we haven`t seen for years and still find a current connection, but is this something that we take for granted? When facebook friends are not necessarily people we meet with, what is real friendship?
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Sound and Shadows
The time has come, my little friend, for WHAT?
For sitting, sweating, feeling the underside of toes as they hit the ground.
People coming and going like the waves, many to Berlin it seems, or New York, Russia, Paris.
Meri Nikula leaves soon.
Saturday in a humid warehouse on the outskirts of northern Tokyo she gathered an array of performers for sound improvisations. LEAD Sister II - a man with self made instruments which bear a passing resembalance to characters from the robot pixar film and Tomomi Adachi - sound artist/poet accompanied a shaodow movements and light shows. We also performed a shadow puppet theatre, a re-working of a piece from 10 years ago.
Adachi san`s work is along the lines of Laurie Anderson, voice becomes fragmented and recombined sound but perhaps comparisons are like describing the taste of something. Until you try it you don`t really get it. His video work here.
For sitting, sweating, feeling the underside of toes as they hit the ground.
People coming and going like the waves, many to Berlin it seems, or New York, Russia, Paris.
Meri Nikula leaves soon.
Saturday in a humid warehouse on the outskirts of northern Tokyo she gathered an array of performers for sound improvisations. LEAD Sister II - a man with self made instruments which bear a passing resembalance to characters from the robot pixar film and Tomomi Adachi - sound artist/poet accompanied a shaodow movements and light shows. We also performed a shadow puppet theatre, a re-working of a piece from 10 years ago.
Adachi san`s work is along the lines of Laurie Anderson, voice becomes fragmented and recombined sound but perhaps comparisons are like describing the taste of something. Until you try it you don`t really get it. His video work here.
Monday, 7 June 2010
Parks and Cardboard Tubes
The Aftermath of a busy project is my desire to sit under a tree, and not move. This was mildy interrupted by my friend Jo Tinsley`s suggestion that I attend the First Japanese Cardboard Tube Fighting League`s event. Yoyogi on a gently cloudy day and about 30 people, some in fabulous carboard bunny ears and Samurai outfits gathered to fight with large cardboard tube in hand. The rules were simple, no hitting of the body and the first tube to break is out. My first (and only) opponent a Kendo master, I had no chance and I accidentally hit him so hard on the arm it gave him a big, red rash. Sorry about that. Usually based in SA worth checking out.
Mizumoto Park. You have a lake, you have wooded full of firs and redwoods. You have a large grassy area and this park is HUGE. Nearest station is Kanamachi on the JR Joban line. Take a no 7 bus and follow the old ladies with sun hats. I actually saw a topless man, an unusual site in the land of modest summer wear.
Being a now city girl I find myself living with inherant contradictions. A recent desire to wear high heels a lot, and my love of meadows, green in general. I tried to combine this during my recent sojourn to the Uk for the Bath Japanese Festival and my brother`s wedding, but it proved a little impractical, I am not quite Carrie Bradshaw yet.
Mizumoto Park. You have a lake, you have wooded full of firs and redwoods. You have a large grassy area and this park is HUGE. Nearest station is Kanamachi on the JR Joban line. Take a no 7 bus and follow the old ladies with sun hats. I actually saw a topless man, an unusual site in the land of modest summer wear.
Being a now city girl I find myself living with inherant contradictions. A recent desire to wear high heels a lot, and my love of meadows, green in general. I tried to combine this during my recent sojourn to the Uk for the Bath Japanese Festival and my brother`s wedding, but it proved a little impractical, I am not quite Carrie Bradshaw yet.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Shantell Martin
VJ Designer and all round creative Shantell Martin is opening a gallery space in New York.
Called Garland and located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan
It`s selective about... design, and fashion, and will also serve as a space for kindred spirits to gather. Here we can amuse and inspire one another, share ideas, screen movies, and introduce natural and artisanal items, some of which you’d otherwise have to scour obscure corners of the desert to find.
We have events, too. Programming includes light meditation, sound immersion, creative aura field recordings, and unique yoga classes, as well as your regular ol’ art opening type things. And there’s more: Garland will also have its own in-house publication that’s sincere and informative, combining culture and news, featuring fantastic, well-edited writing with enormous personality.
Looks good.
Called Garland and located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan
It`s selective about... design, and fashion, and will also serve as a space for kindred spirits to gather. Here we can amuse and inspire one another, share ideas, screen movies, and introduce natural and artisanal items, some of which you’d otherwise have to scour obscure corners of the desert to find.
We have events, too. Programming includes light meditation, sound immersion, creative aura field recordings, and unique yoga classes, as well as your regular ol’ art opening type things. And there’s more: Garland will also have its own in-house publication that’s sincere and informative, combining culture and news, featuring fantastic, well-edited writing with enormous personality.
Looks good.
Subtle Mob
Subtle Mob
Love this Bristol Bases artist/musician who creates soundscapes which can be listened to via downloading an mp3 and hearing it at an appointed time and place.
Due to come to Japan this year.
Love this Bristol Bases artist/musician who creates soundscapes which can be listened to via downloading an mp3 and hearing it at an appointed time and place.
Due to come to Japan this year.
Bath Japanese Festival Update
We now how a twitter page up and running, and more and more people are getting involved, very excited but need to sleep ...
http://twitter.com/BathJFestival
http://twitter.com/BathJFestival
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