Skating & Creating

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"Everyone is an artist until they stop playing. That’s all it is. Art is just play." - Ed Templeton

I was introduced to Ed Templeton's photography and art by an old friend who taught me a lot about how creative skateboarders can be. I love Ed's spirit and tenacity and the creative connection he has with his wife Deanna. This is why I was intrigued to see him featured in this trailer on the Huck Magazine website this week. A teacher, Kelli Watson, has created a documentary about the connection between skaters and art which is being launched later this month. It should be a good watch.

You only have to spend five minutes watching the skaters on the Southbank to understand their tenacity and singlemindedness. It makes complete sense to me that this partners perfectly with the creative mind.

Running

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Like many of us I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer working and often, drawing or writing. A lot of time being stationary. I'm conscious of this and know I need to counterbalance it with exercise. I've also been talking to friends lately about how running makes them feel. Both mentally and physically. About how it can help to deal with stress and clear your mind.

One morning about three weeks ago, I woke up at 6am. It was light and bright outside. So I got up, put on my sports kit and trainers and headed out the door. And I ran. Only for one minute but I ran. As the books advise, I alternated running for one minute with walking for two. I didn't push myself. I listened to music. I looked at the sun shining through the trees. I noticed how many other people were out running! And it felt good. Two days later, I set my alarm for 6am and I went out again. And dare I say it, it was fun.

And as I turned in the direction of home, there was a little note on the pavement. My two new favourite pieces of advice - run and paint : )

Podcast - Desert Island Discs, Stella McCartney

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Like most people, the Beatles are woven into the fabric of my past and have become part of the stories I tell. But what must it have been like to actually grow up with such a superstar Dad, surrounded by music and magnificent musicians?

I listened to Stella McCartney's episode of Desert Island Discs as I wondered home through the streets of London and it totally transported me, to the Mull of Kintyre and beyond. It was fascinating to hear an insight into the life of someone who is so creative in her own right but has drawn such inspiration from her parents. It turns out her childhood was surprisingly 'normal' but also wonderfully liberating as Paul and Linda McCartney created a home in the countryside where their children could have freedom to explore while they themselves had space to create their songs. Well worth a listen.

Stella McCartney, Desert Island Discs - BBC Radio 4

Stella McCartney, fashion designer, is interviewed by Kirsty Young for Desert Island Discs

As an aside, one of Stella's choices is a beautiful version of George Harrison's perfect song, Something, by a reggae artist called Phyllis Dillon. It reminded me of a time I worked at Abbey Road. They regularly white wash the wall at the front of the recording studios because it gets covered in graffiti so often. I found a clear square and simply wrote 'Something'.

The Herbal World Of Jekka McVicar

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I first became aware of Jekka McVicar while I was working at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. For many years, while I looked after Alan Titchmarsh, he would stop to chat to her and we would admire her stand or garden. Jekka started by growing herbs for friends and soon they became so sought after that she found herself growing more and more. To the point where her family had to move to a house with some land so that the business could flourish. How wonderful to make a living from growing something that brings such happiness. Jekka has grown herbs for many top chefs, adding that little something extra but essential to finish their creations. She now creates herb gardens for school children and hospices amongst others and she also teaches to make sure that her immense knowledge is shared.

I listened to this interview while walking along the river in the sunshine. It's a lovely escapist listen.

The Herbal World of Jekka McVicar, Food Programme - BBC Radio 4

Culinary herb pioneer Jekka McVicar shares her life through food with Sheila Dillon.

Vulnerability

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I've been watching Casey Neistat's vlogs since Holly Exley posted his Do What You Can't video on Twitter. I find Casey's work ethic and creative drive really inspiring. Through his channel I've also discovered the design work of his wife Candice and her jewellery company Billy! I found the video below really insightful. What's it like to be the wife of an internet superstar when you're not comfortable with the limelight? What's it like to dare to feel vulnerable?

Below is one of my photos from New York which I thought captured the idea of vulnerability. Click on it to watch Candice's interview with Behind The Brand.