By Brett Battles
It’s been a pretty interesting several days here at Murderati, what with Toni’s post about how controversy is handled, Naomi’s entry about change, Tess’ post about keeping or firing agents, and Rob’s bit yesterday about book trailers. Not only were the great posts themselves interesting, but the discussions that occurred in the comments sections were fantastic!
So I was faced with a problem. How in God’s name was I going to keep up the string of great topics. My answer? I decided I wouldn’t. It just seemed like too much…well…work. And, honestly, perhaps what we really need today is an interlude – a day when we can all just sit back and not strain our brains.
So I thought we could talk about creativity. Not necessarily written creativity, but creativity as it’s expressed by people who aren’t necessarily writers. And when I say talk about creativity, what I really mean is showing.
Okay with you? Hope so, because it sure as hell sounds like a good idea to me. Just to focus myself a little bit, I decided on the subtopic of creative interpretation. So let’s have at it.
This is very cool. A lot of you might remember the movie TRON from back in the early 80s. I actually have a personal story about the movie that involves a friend who to this day has not fully forgiven me for taking him to see it. But I don’t really care, I enjoyed it. And, apparently, so did these guys. In fact, they liked it so much they decided to recreate one of the chase scenes…only instead of computer graphics and special effects, they decided to use…wait for it…cardboard:
Pretty amazing. Talk about a creative use of everyday materials!
Our next creative endeavor is by artist Michel de Broin, who re-envisions an ’86 Buick by removing all the “superfluous devices”:
From those ultra cool folks who brought us the animated videos by the Gorillaz – designer Jamie Hewlett and musician Damon Albran – here’s a piece they did for BBC Sports. They’re vision of the Olympics:
And finally, a little music. Not an original piece by the artist, but like all the above, an interpretation.
Sometimes it’s nice to look at other methods people use to be creative. I don’t know about you, but I feed off of creativity whether it’s a story I’m reading, a painting I’m viewing, or a song I’m listening to. It can be almost anything. The creativity of others is inspiring and energizing.
Honestly, I could have posted hundreds of more visuals, but thought I’d give you a chance to jump in. Tells us about creative works that have inspired you, include links if you can but it’s not necessary.
And remember, today is a relaxed day at Murderati. No formal attire necessary.
The funniest thing I’ve seen on YouTube recently was this very simple Simon’s Cat cartoon – ‘Cat Man Do’, also called ‘Wake Up and Feed Me’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q
You’ve got to have the sound on, though.
Not quite on a level with little Hannah at the piano, but it demonstrates the level of my humour nicely, I think ;-]
That Hannah is a lovely talent. 🙂
Oh this is about as fair from formal attire as you can get…however if I just need a laugh and to loosen up some creativity, either of these clips do the job.
A little bit of step by step drawing instruction ala Trogdor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gz1DIIxmEE
And, or a little bit of Hammertime…because my mind still boggles at the creativity of the wardrobe department for this particular clip…it’s either way too little lycra or yards of fabric.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JomHWt7p6-c
You want creative interpretaion? Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg&feature=related
By the way Brett, I just took THE CLEANER off my TBR shelf two days ago and finished this morning. Great stuff. Now I have to go get THE DECEIVED.
Zoe — Those Simon’s Cat cartoons are funny.
Some cool and funny stuff there, gang! Keep it coming! And, R.J., thanks for the kind words! Hope you enjoy THE DECEIVED as much.
Here’s the gem I discovered yesterday: Knitting with Ramen Noodles. If my mother-in-law were still alive, I’d have an edible blanket by now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNl8MMAr0lM
Brett,It’s nice to give the brain cells a break.
I loved all three links so far — especially the dancing one. Those 6 minutes of video were worth every second.
Here are two links that might be of interest. It makes me happy to know that there is an edible book contest in the world . . .
Link #1 explains the UNT contesthttp://www.inhouse.unt.edu/index.cfm?commentID=2608
Link #2 lets you select what entry year you want to look at. I started with 2008
http://www.library.unt.edu/rarebooks/rare-books-exhibits/edible-books-festival-1/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5qakFIecBU&feature=related
Yes, that guy’s playing a ukelele.
Love the “evolution of dance,” but did I miss the Macarena?
And I think Simon’s Cat has been giving our Megan lessons.
Thanks for the break, Brett. I loved the little girl’s playing. Chopin is one of my heroes.
Brett – I hope you saw Janet Reid’s post about THE CLEANER.