In design, craft

In “An airport piano was filthy and out of tune. He fixed it during a layover.”, the story is told of a 21-year-old, Jackson, who helped bring Chiacgo O’hare’s baby grand piano back to life. The piano was ailing: with sticky keys, it was hard to play. Over the course of an eight hour layover, Jackson cleaned the piano and re-tuned it: a laborious...

For the last few months, I have wanted to make a salad inspired by Sweetgreen’s Harvest Bowl. The Harvest Bowl is based on a layer of kale upon which there are quadrants of protein-rich foods like roasted sweet potato and rice, and other toppings like almonds and apples. Together, the salad is both filling and delicious. Today, after reading Lake...

What would it look like to write a story with someone collaboratively, in real time, and with only a written document as our means of communication? This question was on my mind toward the end of last year. I was keen to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. Would it work? How would you co-ordinate who writes what parts of the story?...

During my co-writing session yesterday, I noted down the idea “Personal style – in writing, in design; how does it develop over time?” I was curious about what defines style, and, especially the connections between style in different artistic disciplines. As I learn about design, I find myself noting what I like and don’t like. “I like this...

One of the techniques I have been learning about in meditation is noting. During sessions in the course I am doing, I am asked to pay attention to when I start thinking. Then, to ask: is this thinking or is it feeling? Once I notice that my mind is wandering, I can say to myself that I am thinking or feeling. The next step is to go back to the...