Academic research led to intrigue when I was introduced to this film whilst researching artisans and sustainable practices, for a MA in innovation in practice at Goldsmiths University in London.
It is a film about mastery, by Italian-American film maker Tao Ruspoli. Unfortunately it has never been released, but there are six trailers if you explore further, that are beautiful and will leave you dying to see more… .
Searching for mastery has led me on a fascinating journey of discovering unknown unknowns. It was this short film that really inspired me to start my search in earnest and I soon became aware that there was a brave new world of inspiring thought on revolutionary practices emerging, redefining how we engage with objects and our environment. The ‘slow movement’ is one such development based on the philosophy that doing things thoughtfully and expertly is necessary to re balance the consumer culture. Although not a blood member yet, this gentle and considered philosophy stirred my interest instantly .
‘Slow’ for those who don’t know, is the opposite of fast and is the new buzz word of the new decade and according to The world institute of slowness, ‘’We are not rats and life is not a race!’’ (‘’curiouser and curiouser!’’ cried Alice)
The the thrill of finding talented individuals and innovative organisations dedicated to their passion, on the edges of culture and society, led me to think about what it is that inspires, that gives meaning and joy? Is it the thrill of possibility? Of becoming better and better until mastery and excellence is achieved?
The 1920’s philosopher, Martin Heidegger is famously quoted for saying “The possible ranks higher than the actual.’’
Striving for excellence is a concept I’ve been brought up to respect. It is something my father, Dr. F.I.D. Konotey-Ahulu, who became a world renown geneticist in-spite of growing up in a small village in West Africa, has fiercely and lovingly advocated most of my life and it’s the element of striving that he celebrates in even the smallest successes.
The Goldsmiths project has unveiled a network of artisan’s, musician’s, sustainable and ethical designers, and ecological organisations who are reaching out beyond the limits of possibility in their work and practices.
We are developing a platform to promote artists and makers locally and in remote parts of the globe who are fusing contemporary design with traditional methods to create innovative objects. We realise we will never know of every great maker out there, so if you are one or know of someone who is, please let us know and help keep some to these ancient practices from disappearing.