SINUVIS + Epiphany
Simple, Nuance Visuals.
A new project/identity I’m working on. SINUVIS.net will be my portfolio site, VDMN will be an experimental site, where I post random stuff. I’ll probably make VDMN into a full on blog, and SINUVIS.net into a proper website, or the other way around… When I get around to buying the domain name.
I’ve been working on some illustration/vector pieces lately, inspired by pastel colors and an overdose of bleak thoughts on futility.
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Today, as I was sitting in Starbucks reading Wallpaper* magazine, I saw two men walk outside the store. They were beggars, one an old man tugging on a rod, guiding a younger man who was playing an erhu,a classical Chinese instrument. Minutes later, a man in bright orange came by the cafe. Thing was, he didn’t have use of his legs as they were deformed, and he was walking about on his hands, carrying an empty steel plate, begging for just some money to get by on.
This is your average street scene on Guangzhou. And so I was sitting there, in the comfort of the cafe, reading a design magazine which had all the latest and best-designed couches, watches, clothes and buildings. But NONE OF THAT COULD HELP THOSE WHO WERE STRUGGLING AGAINST POVERTY EVERYDAY. It was completely useless. Our, designer’s, obsession of the perfect typeface, the best patterns, the ultimate print, the most compatible colors; all of that seemed useless in the wake of such poverty. Of course, I still adore design, typefaces, fashion, architecture and illustrations, but what we have to do is think: What can WE do to help? Donating money is not the best course of action to take by any means. Who knows how much is sneaked into the filthy pockets of the politicians or charity heads; while the trickle of donations left are given away without any plans for sustainability.
In a country where the economy is developing at such a high rate, where Lexus’s and BMW’s roll on the same streets as tractors and trucks, where skyscrapers are abound and still plenty more are being built. Social stratification between those mired in poverty and those practically drooling gold out of their mouths has reached the stage where the down-trodden are not given enough attention.
There needs to be a way for people to understand and thus help those that are stuck in such situations. I am in no way supporting able-bodied beggars or drunkards or drug addicts who beg not because they cannot do anything else but because they are just lazy. (Not referring to all beggars, just a few). What I am trying to convey is the concept that those who really cannot work, who are physically or mentally impaired in some manner, be given the necessary care and attention so that they can live proper lives and do not need to rely on begging as a means of living.
More ideas will be sure to come. I will attempt to supplement these descriptions with photographs, to emphasize the extent of poverty that can be found in this place.
Peace be with you
So I Hear - Free Mini Album
Track list:
1. Tuna (Intro)
2. DeMalAn
3. Dandelion Dungeon
4. Seething Toiletbowls
5. Water (Interlude)
6. Osh
7. Pizza Trains
For a total of 10:30, a very mini-album for your enjoyment : )
My first release, please take a listen and tell me what you think.
DL: http://www.vdmn.net/ftp/ep/p8s_sih.zip
16.03.08
s3 Art Pack 6: Odyssey has been released.
Along with v3, so go check it out! Some nice works, mine are eh this time round, but watch out for the next one!
http://www.slashthree.com
http://www.slashthree.com
http://www.slashthree.com
http://www.slashthree.com
Here are some of my works:
27.01.08: My Thoughts
This is my first true post on the Space Collective. First of all, I want to state how much of an inspiration this place is, to see essays, theories, videos and photos that are great works by themselves but also spark more work to be created. Second, of which the bulk of this entry is to be dedicated to, are some of my opinions and ideas regarding various issues that I’ve seen either in the Space Collective or in my everyday readings and life.
I will elaborate on each of these snippets of ideas in longer, more detailed and evidence-supported entries in the future, this here acts as an introduction from me to the Space Collective and also as a reminder for myself as to what I need to continue thinking about and what I was thinking at a certain point of time.
<b>Trans-humanism: </b>
Since we have started to mold the environments we live in, we are no longer as subject to the temperaments of nature as we once were. This is both a good thing and a bad thing, but besides the point.
Fact is, we are no longer progressing because nature is pushing us to, but because we can and want to. Sure, there are some factors which still affect us, but a good number of the population are now more affected by man-made environments and actions than nature.
For this reason, humans will be progressing far beyond anything that could happen in nature. Genes can be altered in the embryonic stages to modify the capabilities of that person (to a certain extent), machinery will soon be compatible to humans, much like prosthetic limbs, and humans will continue to improve in this manner.
With such “artificial” and “unnatural” improvements of human beings, there will inevitably be conflict between those who decide to stay and those who decide to improve. Kurt Vonnegut’s story, “Unready to Wear” discusses what might happen to a society when humans are given a choice to be fundamentally changed.
<b>Staying in Touch with Nature</b>
Organic Design. Taking nature as an inspiration for architecture, design and lifestyle in order to stay in touch with our biological origins.
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We need to respect nature, or at least what is left of it. Companies, organizations and even individuals have to be held responsible for their actions which might harm the environment and nature. Some cities are now free of trees, soon entire countries will be, unless something is done.
Living our lives so as to make the least impact on the environment is another way to stay in touch with our origins. It all boils down to respect. Like a person, respect can bridge gaps and can also allow for new relationships.
To stay in touch with nature, we need to treasure it, to respect it and to protect it.
<b>Language and Consciousness</b>
My previous entry was an article I had found regarding the role of self-talk in consciousness.
I’ve been reading up on this topic, since I have an interest in linguistics and the mind as a whole. I do not claim to be an expert on this subject, I am merely stating my views.
Language, to me, is a great invention. It is so much more than the growling of dogs, the cawing of crows or the roaring of tigers. Language is the tool by which human beings can express their consciousness to others; the consciousness being thoughts, opinions, predictions and everything that goes on in the mind. It is what allows people to think and reflect. Trying to think without words is like forcing yourself to go to sleep; it cannot be done consciously. At least, in my experience, whenever I am consciously in thought, words are what pours through my mind. While imagining objects or situations, images are used, but for most part, conscious thinking is based around language.
Language assists the development of a consciousness. If humans were never to invent language, I would think that we would not be as developed as we are now, in terms of understanding ourselves and contemplating our existence.
<b>The Future</b>
The future is in communication. In fact, the future has been going on for years, in the form of the Internet.
Connectivity and collaboration will the basis for developments in the future.
<b> End</b>
This is it for this entry. It isn’t perfect, my ideas may not be right, and the facts might not be there, but this is a collection of my views on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to disagree or to elaborate on anything I’ve written.
<b>In addition, if anyone has any reading recommendations or anything to point me in the right direction for research, I would be grateful!</b>
Look for more detailed entries in the near future.
25.1.08
I’ve modified a new theme for this site, you can check the original and the designer at the link on the sidebar!
I think it looks nice, although a little chaotic, but that’s how I roll.
I’ve got me a holiday in about a week, and I’m moving in a few days, so it’s busy busy.
I’m not sure if I mentioned this but I left my camera back in Singapore and haven’t brought it back, hence the lack of new photographs. Also, school is kinda being annoying, so digital work also has to wait. I will probably start a piece tonight or tomorrow, after I’ve got my homework done.
Additionally, I’ve joined the SpaceCollective and am starting to write some essays to post there. My focus will probably be on linguistics and its relation to thought and the development of a “perfect” housing estate of sorts (inspired by Collapse written by Jared Diamond)
I will post these up here as well as on the SpaceCollective, so look out for them.
In other news, a development blog has been set up, a nice little something for myself to keep track of how I am developing and some notes and ideas that I might have. As I am typing this, a theme is being edited for that purpose.
Cheers!
19.01.08
Well, less than 3 weeks after releasing VDMN.net I’ve decided to take it down again. The Alpha launch is over and thanks to some great people, I’ve gotten constructive feedback on how to improve the site. I’m going to be working on the overall design and also making the code valid for all browsers instead of only Firefox. Expect a MAJOR overhaul of everything related to VDMN and me. This blog will definitely be getting an overhaul, seeing as it isn’t great right now.
01.01.08B
VDMN SHOWCASE IS NOW UP.
It is in it’s alpha stage, any comments please let me know, there might be a few problems with the pages and maybe a few under construction, but it’s here, on the 1st of Jan 08.
01.01.08
Happy New Year !
Alright then, I finally decided to sit down and finish editing the “Ambiru” theme by Phu for this blog. I think it turned out quite nice, but that’s just me.
So, a little update on what I’m up to. It’s halfway into the winter break now, got about a week left before I have to head back to school. Right now, I’m working on the VDMN portfolio for myself. Almost done, just need to touch it up, add some pieces of work and upload it.
It should be up by tonight *fingers crossed* in its alpha stage, so look out for that !
I’m learning new programs and new mediums at the moment, taking this holiday to improve myself. I can feel that 2008 is going to be THE year, with some hard work and luck, so really working towards that. Thank you to all those who have supported me in 2007 and I hope not to disappoint in 2008 !
Happy New Year to all again, have a great 2008 and have fun living !
Reawakening
Release over at s3.
The best release yet, so go check them out. I’ve got some new photos for this pack, so here they are.
Follow the link for more.
Read more…