Reading list, November 2023

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Renowned music producer Rick Rubin's minimalist philosophy in music production and mentorship, artist Olafur Eliasson's immersive installations, filmmaker Christopher Nolan's intricate storytelling, Victorian-era genre of sage writing, Yoda and Mr. Miyagi; designer Dieter Rams, Patagonia and TED Talks.

This month’s reading list delves into diverse manifestations of the Sage archetype in Veeram rasa, exploring artistic expressions, published ideas, and characters across various domains.

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Archetype → Sage

Rasa → Veeram

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November 2023

Artistic expressions channelling archetype in rasa

• Rick Rubin is known for his minimalist approach to music production. He often encourages artists to strip down their sound to its essential elements, allowing the raw, authentic qualities of the music to shine. He is known for his mentorship role with artists. His collaborative approach involves providing guidance and insight to help musicians discover their true artistic voices.

• Olafur Eliasson (b. 1967): Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is known for his immersive installations that often engage with nature, light, and perception. His work encourages viewers to contemplate their relationship with the environment, demonstrating a thoughtful and reflective approach.

• Christopher Nolan is known for his intricate and cerebral storytelling, his films often explore complex concepts of time, memory, and human nature. Works like "Inception" and "Interstellar" showcase a deep intellectual engagement with the narrative and cinematic form.

Published ideas of archetype in rasa

• Sage writing was a genre of creative nonfiction popular in the Victorian era. It was a development from ancient wisdom literature in which the writer chastises and instructs the reader about contemporary social issues, often utilising discourses of philosophy, history, politics, and economics in non-technical ways. Prominent examples of the genre include writings by Thomas Carlyle, Matthew Arnold, John Ruskin, and Henry David Thoreau. Some 20th-century writers, such as Joan Didion and New Journalists such as Norman Mailer and Tom Wolfe, can also serve as examples of contemporary sage writing.

• Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, first published in 2005. Levitt and Dubner apply economic principles to examine a wide range of unconventional topics, revealing unexpected connections and insights. The book challenges readers to question assumptions and think differently about the world around them.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life" by Mark Manson (2016): Manson challenges conventional self-help advice and explores the pursuit of a meaningful life. He offers candid insights into values, priorities, and the importance of embracing life's challenges.

Characters channelling archetype in rasa

• Yoda, the iconic character from Star Wars, is often seen as embodying the Sage archetype. He serves as a mentor and guide to the Jedi. Sages often transcend the ordinary world and possess a deeper understanding of the universe. Yoda, being a Jedi Master, has a profound connection to the Force, allowing him to transcend the limitations of the physical world. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity align with the heroic aspects of the Veeram rasa.

• Mr. Miyagi is a martial arts master and mentor in the Karate Kid film series. He imparts not only physical skills but also life lessons to his protégé, Daniel.

• Gandalf is a wizard and a mentor figure in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series. He guides and supports the protagonists in their quest, offering wisdom and magical assistance.

Channelling the archetype in rasa for business

• Dieter Rams, the German industrial designer famous for his work at Braun and the "Ten Principles of Good Design," crafted products marked by simplicity, functionality, and a user-centric focus. By prioritizing essential functions and eliminating unnecessary elements, Rams created user-friendly and visually appealing Braun products, contributing to their broad appeal. His emphasis on functionality ensured the longevity and reliability of Braun's offerings. Instead of chasing trends, Rams aimed to design timeless and enduring products, maintaining Braun's relevance and contributing to its sustained success. This commitment to consistency not only reinforced the brand identity but also fostered consumer trust and recognition.

• TED Talks embody the Sage archetype by providing a platform for individuals to share valuable insights and knowledge. The emphasis is on education, inspiration, and the exchange of ideas. The platform has a reputation for distilling complex ideas into accessible and engaging presentations, allowing for a clear and straightforward understanding of often intricate subjects. It serves as an ideal example of a business who’s aim is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and societal progress. The heroic element lies in the potential for these talks to inspire viewers to take action and contribute to positive societal transformation.

• Patagonia, renowned for its environmental commitment, initiated the Worn Wear campaign, urging customers to buy used gear and promoting a message of longevity and reduced environmental impact. The company's sustainability and activism involve wise manufacturing choices to minimize its ecological footprint. With transparency about its supply chain and environmental impact, Patagonia plays the role of a steward for the environment, demonstrating heroism through efforts to protect natural spaces and inspire positive change in the industry. Beyond product sales, the company educates consumers about environmental issues through campaigns, blog posts, and documentaries.

Tell us how these stories made you feel, and where they lead your thinking. We’d love to know.

Reading list, October 2023

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This reading list explores published ideas, artistic expressions, characters, and business channelling the Creator archetype in adbūtam rasa.

Tell us how these stories made you feel, and where they lead your thinking. We’d love to know.

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Archetype → Creator

Rasa → Adbūtham

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October 2023

Artistic expressions channelling archetype in rasa

• Seylon Stills’s ‘Laki's Birds’ was inspired by nature and the random sounds that come about to make a beautiful soundscape. "Laki's Birds" draws inspiration from nature, capturing the spontaneity of random sounds to create a harmonious soundscape. The musical compositions are a collaboration between nature and human, combining human-made music with bird calls, embodying the Creator archetype which absorbs the world’s experiences and reproduces it new. This music has been designed for individuals to play it across various devices simultaneously, echoing the serendipity of natural sounds blending together to form a symphony. Some of this work, recorded shortly after Laki Senanayake's passing, includes wood thrush calls, highlighted throughout the linked musical piece. Henry David Thoreau said about the wood thrush, "This is the only bird whose note affects me like music. It lifts and exhilarates me. It is inspiring. It changes all hours to an eternal morning." Seylon Stills transports the listener to Laki’s eternal morning at his jungle home Diyabubula.

• In his Los Angeles cactus garden, artist Klaus Rinke’s philosophy roots his living sculptures; cacti. He delves into the interconnectedness of time, water, and cacti, viewing these seemingly tranquil plants as embodiments of slow growth and mathematical precision. Rinke's contemplation extends to the intriguing anomalies within the cactus community, disrupting the anticipated mathematical perfection and prompting the question: Why does a little cactus aspire to grow uniquely? Here lies the resonance with the Creator archetype—Rinke sees in the relentless growth of these plants a reflection of the fundamental energy of creativity, the drive to make another day, the very essence of life that drives existence itself. Film presented by Nowness.

• The celebration of artist John Baldessari, as captured in the film narrated by Tom Waits, provides a vivid portrayal of Baldessari's artistic legacy. Waits' narration intertwines seamlessly with the visual journey, revealing the essence of Baldessari's wit and subtle sense of humor, both profoundly evident in his art and reflective of his unique take on life. The film, encapsulating Baldessari's creative spirit, unfolds showcasing his ability to infuse intellect and playfulness into his work. Baldessari emerges as the archetypal Creator. His art becomes a testament to the ceaseless innovation, originality, and the sheer joy of creation—a celebration of the fundamental creative energy that defines the archetype of the Creator. The link provided allows for a deeper immersion into Baldessari's world, capturing the very essence of his artistic brilliance. This film was presented by Bonjour Supermarché

Published ideas of archetype in rasa

• The psychedelic dub of African Head Charge is a great portrayal of the Creator archetype. Through their innovative fusion of dub, reggae, and psychedelic influences, African Head Charge creates a sonic landscape that goes beyond conventional boundaries. The layering of sounds, rhythms, and instrumentation is ethereal, intricate and unconventional. It presents a profound creative impulse, embodying the Creator archetype's spirit of pushing artistic frontiers. The band's ability to weave auditory experiences, often characterized by unexpected twists and experimental compositions, reflects the transformative power associated with the Creator archetype. In their music, African Head Charge not only embraces tradition but also reshapes it, giving rise to a distinctive and visionary musical realm that resonates with the archetypal energy of creation. In this breakdown of the groundbreaking psychedelic dub by African Head Charge, Andy Beta explains why their music was so unique, and remains so even after forty years.

• Nan Goldin's photographs exemplify the Creator archetype through her profound exploration of complex and often challenging themes. By delving into subjects like drug use, the impact of AIDS, and the reconstruction of personal identity and community, Goldin transforms her art into a powerful medium for social commentary and introspection. In the aftermath of the 1990s, a period when the glamourization of self-destruction was fading, Goldin's work becomes an authentic expression of the Creator archetype. She embraces the responsibility of reflecting the realities of her time, pushing artistic boundaries to create a visual narrative that goes beyond conventional aesthetics. Goldin's lens becomes a tool for challenging societal norms, fostering dialogue, and ultimately contributing to the evolution of personal and communal understanding. In this way, her work embodies the Creator archetype by courageously engaging with the complexities of human experience and provoking thought and emotion through her art. Among Friends, by Carole Naggar for Mother Jones magazine unpacks this.

• Photographer Ted Spagna, equally fascinated by the sciences of sleep and technology as by the act of creation, embodies the Creator archetype through his work. His sleep project signifies a departure from the conceptual aspects of science to a more humanistic approach, delving into the intimacy, vulnerability, and emotional spectrum intrinsic to the state of sleep. Captured during the 1970s and ’80s, Spagna's photographs transcend the ordinary portrayal of slumber, revealing not only sorrow and loneliness but also humor and sensuality. During a time when such candid time-lapses of individuals in their natural sleeping state were unprecedented, Spagna's pioneering work continues to captivate audiences, affirming his status as a creator who ventured beyond artistic norms to convey the profound human experience in its unguarded moments. This story about the photo book ‘Sleep’ by Ted Spagna by Lauren Espeseth, for Cool Hunting decodes this. 

Characters channelling archetype in rasa

• The movie "Almost Famous" (2000) encapsulates the Creator archetype with its poignant exploration of the tumultuous yet transformative world of music journalism in the 1970s. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the film draws heavily from Crowe's own experiences as a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone. The protagonist, played by Patrick Fugit, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he navigates the dynamic and often chaotic realm of rock and roll. The movie not only captures the vibrant energy of the music scene but also delves into the complexities of artistic creation, authenticity, and the bonds forged amid the chaos of creativity. Through its narrative and characters, "Almost Famous" reflects the spirit of the Creator archetype, celebrating the power of artistic expression, the pursuit of one's unique voice, and the transformative impact of creative endeavors on both the individual and the collective human experience. Almost Famous (y. 2000).

• Brahma, a central figure in Hinduism, exemplifies the Creator archetype in mythology. Revered as one of the principal deities, Brahma assumes the role of the cosmic architect, credited with the creation of the universe. In Hindu lore, Brahma utilizes his immense creative power to shape and organize the world, illustrating the archetype's essence of bringing forth new realities. Often depicted with four faces, symbolizing the omnipresence of his creative vision, Brahma embodies the profound force behind the genesis of existence. His role as the divine creator underscores the belief in an ever-evolving universe, and Brahma serves as an enduring symbol of the transformative and generative power intrinsic to the Creator archetype within Hindu cosmology. Brahma (Hindu Mythology).

• Willy Wonka epitomizes the Creator archetype through his eccentricity and inventive prowess as a chocolatier. This iconic character is not merely a confectioner but a visionary artist, showcasing an unparalleled and imaginative approach to the craft of candy-making. Wonka's chocolate factory becomes a whimsical realm where traditional confections are transformed into fantastical creations, reflecting the boundless possibilities of the creative process. His character embodies the spirit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is conventionally expected in the realm of sweets. Wonka's imaginative endeavors mirror the archetype's drive to bring forth novelty, celebrate innovation, and infuse the world with a touch of magic, making him a great representation of the Creator archetype in the realm of storytelling and fantasy. Willy Wonka (Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory").

Channelling the archetype in rasa for business

• Quasi Skateboards epitomizes the Creator archetype through its evolution from Mother Collective and its seamless transition to the identity of Quasi. The brand seamlessly adapted, reflecting a creative resilience that aligns with the archetype's spirit. Quasi becomes a space where skateboarding ventures into unconventional realms, turning the skateboard deck into a canvas for mind-bending graphics. The amalgamation of trippy dreams with cutting-edge skate-ready technology defines Quasi's approach; it’s artistic expression as much as technical innovation. The brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional skateboarding aesthetics makes it a bold embodiment of the Creator archetype within the skateboarding cult. See Quasi skateboards skate videos and merchandise. 

• Rimowa embodies the Creator archetype in its innovative campaign, featuring iconic personalities like Rihanna, Patti Smith, LeBron James, and Roger Federer. The brand goes beyond traditional advertising by aligning with creative icons, a strategic move that reflects a deep understanding of the transformative power of creativity. By associating with these influential figures, Rimowa not only emphasizes the creative and diverse nature of its products but also positions travel as an artistic expression. The collaboration with global superstars symbolizes Rimowa's commitment to breaking conventional boundaries in the luggage industry. In redefining travel and broadening horizons, Rimowa showcases itself as more than just a luggage brand—it becomes a conduit for creativity, self-expression, and a lifestyle that aligns seamlessly with the Creator archetype. “Never Still” campaign; RIMOWA. 

• In the Prada Fall/Winter 2023 collection, the co-creative director Raf Simons imparted a brief yet impactful speech, underscoring the manifestation of the Creator archetype within the fashion realm. Simons elucidated that the collection revolved around archetypal clothing, where the recognizable underwent a metamorphosis through innovative silhouette and cut, thus transforming the very language of form. The garments, according to Simons, were not merely articles of clothing but embodied the DNA of Prada, intricately woven with fragments of an identity that is unmistakably and fundamentally Prada. This deliberate fusion of recognizable elements with transformative design constitutes a significant gesture toward the brand's heritage and history, all while encapsulating the present meaning of Prada. In essence, the FW23 collection demonstrates the brand's resonance with the Creator archetype, reshaping fashion through a lens that honors tradition while embracing the avant-garde. View Prada FW23 collection.

Creativity is a wild bird

Illustration based on a photograph of young Laki Senanayake from Laki's Book of Owls, 2013

It was 2012, and the world still hadn’t collapsed, and Diyabubula had not yet become a resort. It was simply the house of the master creator, Laki Senanayake. No furniture, no walls—no standard way to live, no boundaries fearing the wild… It was simply Laki. Birds flew in to eat the treats Laki kept on his balcony lounge; the monkeys were only shooed away if they got too close to Laki's computer. The way nature flew in and out of Laki’s unwalled house, making it thick with experiences, reminded us how life flits in and out of the creator’s open mind, making it a fertile bed for creative harvest.

It was the first time he met us, but our presence didn’t even stir a molecule out of Laki’s true self. He sat on the balcony with us, bare-chested, in a pyjama sarong, chatting; just as he would with a wild bird using a whistle that perfectly matched its call. Laki had a way with whistling. He whistled to himself—old Sinhala songs and impromptu tunes—he whistled in response to birds, to call someone over; sometimes he seemed to whistle for the jungle, at the sky, for life, for no reason in particular… 

Wild tortoise came by to eat leftover pieces of vegetables from his kitchen; the freshwater fish in the pond were fed from minute scraps left behind; nothing was wasted, everything had its place in the mind of the creator.

‘What kind of music do you listen to?’ was one of the first things he asked us. Although we didn’t realize it at the time, for Laki, music was a road to meet someone in a personal sanctuary—where they were bare, free and themselves. Laki himself used music as a vehicle to transport himself to other worlds. 

After quietly watching a red sun fall into the black jungle in a spectacular descent, Laki politely said that it was time to listen to his ‘weird music’. It was a ritual time to return to that inner place where all artists feel compelled to retreat. One by one, lamps lit Laki’s jungle in fleeting glimpses of his sculptures, moving leaf and water. As hypnotically bizarre music echoed from speakers scattering the wild, theatrics fed from nature, sound and our imaginations unravelled. His music was a curious mix that reminded us of sound poetry and Dadaist meditations; it transformed everything—living and nonliving— into animated extensions of the jungle. Bathed in that furiously wild music and cinematically placed lights, his metal sculptures seemed to flick, bob and twitch from the corners of our eyes. Even Laki’s pond fish came out to gracefully circle the surface in time with the music or our fancy—we can never be sure. For hours no one spoke.

We realized that we just got a rare entry into the secret place where Laki’s genius was let loose to run free. We’re not sure when he returned from that strange place at all that night. He simply seemed to fade into it, leaving the world behind.

Long after we left Laki in his jungle, the lesson he gave us remains. This lesson on what it means to live a creative life—like all lessons given by great masters—was not taught in words or actions. It was something that penetrated us from his being. From Laki, we learnt that creativity is a wild bird. You may analyze its habitat, build charts about its behaviour, and write books about its biology; but to know the wild bird, you must simply visit the jungle. You have to return to the wilderness again and again; and, to have it come perch on your shoulder, you must become as wild and as unlearned as the jungle. Laki taught us that creativity is the most natural thing that there is. It’s the way of the world that recycles life and death; it’s the way of the jungle that’s far stranger than fiction. Yes, creativity is a wild bird. It permanently altered our very perceptions about what it means to inhabit this world as creators.

This is why when we think of what it means to live a creative life,  we like to remember Laki on his balcony, whistling with a bird. He knew that creativity was not a secret, but simply naked nature—wild, practical, genius. 

Rest wild Laki; thanks for pointing to us where the wild birds live.

Listen to this playlist that captures the emotions and moods that Laki inspired in us.