Author Archives:
The paradoxical value of knowing our ‘task’ in life
I love the paradoxical vision that is in sculptor Henry Moore’s answer to the question, “What’s the secret of life?”:
“The secret of life is to have a task, something you do your entire life, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is–it must [...]
The sublime and collective creativity
I think Lewis Hyde has it right in thinking about creativity and the commons from an article about his work in ‘On the Commons’:
Along with a history of the commons I plan to write a parallel analysis of how we have imagined the creative self. We have a long tradition that takes creative work to [...]
Balancing need to know with unknown possibilities
I have been talking with a couple clients recently about creating community brainstorming sessions to see what ideas could be discovered for projects the clients have been working on. I had suggested that there was little to lose and if one good idea came out of the discussion, it would prove very valuable. The cost [...]
Home for the Holidays
Tis that time of year when holidays and family are upon us. And I want to make a passionate recommendation for the film ‘Home for the Holidays‘. Here is a film that gently illuminates the bittersweet complexity of being human and of being part of families. This is one of the only films I love [...]
The value of first person and uniqueness
Explores the value of speaking in the first person and how it connects to the power and creativity of our authenticity.
Content drives forms in good planning
Looks at the relationship between content and forms in planning and content as the more productive driver.
The need for strong leadership in good collaboration
Great collaboration takes more than working together, it also needs strong leadership to really sing.
Mad Men and the value of subtlety and complexity
“The series ‘Mad Men’ offers surprising wisdom for our lives and work projects- and it’s not just about how to look good in the 60’s.
The challenges of uniqueness over conformity
Reflects on the need for more uniqueness and eccentricity, instead of more conformity, in our lives.
Design and the need for character over style
Questions the stylish sentiments of contemporary culture and looks at cultivating character as full of richer possibilities