Conscious dreaming

The realm of Surrealism

“An artist is always alone - if he is an artist.
No, what the artist needs is loneliness.” - Henry Miller

Have you ever woken up and wished you were somewhere else?

The quiet journey of a lost soul

A mini trip around the world =)

Languages always fascinated me, to hear many in such a short time is so wonderful!

Heatwave

Night of the flying jellyfish

Wondering..

Lots of thoughts but not really going anywhere

A lesson from Porco Rosso

Total commitment = total freedom: A lesson from Porco Rosso

I used to get this back-to-front; i.e., I thought that a lack of commitment resulted in total freedom. I no longer think that, and believe that total freedom  stems from total commitment (to the people I love, my business, and things I enjoy). So it was a delight to see the truth of this maxim unfold before me as I watched Miyazaki's Porco Rosso last night with my daughter.

Porco Rosso opens with a scene that reveals the idyllic hideaway of the film's titular hero. It's a blue lagoon ringed by cliffs, accessible by only a jagged vertical slice in the rocks through which the Red Pig, an Italian World War I fighter ace turned air-pirate bounty hunter, can land his red seaplane. His life appears to be incomparably free; reclining on a deck chair to the strains of an Italian aria he cuts a romantic figure (despite being half pig) who lives a carefree life many might envy.

As the story progresses, though, it becomes apparent that Porco Rosso's lack of commitment has denied him love, and led to a life that although romantically heroic is ultimately empty (the consequence of his cynicism and resignation).

In complete contrast, the 17-year-old Fio who rebuilds his shattered plane, is the embodiment of total commitment leading to freedom. She is passionate about aircraft, Porco Rosso and life. And this gives her total freedom; she is free to be a girl living her dreams and passions. Her zest for life makes her one of the most wonderful film heroines I've seen for a while.

I saw Porco Rosso around 20 years ago, and it's been my favourite Miyazaki film ever since. Last night I saw another side to it, and I'm grateful it was with my daughter.  

Read more

Just found this post on G+, it really woke me up.

Total commitment ~ total freedom

"I used to get this back-to-front; i.e., I thought that a lack of commitment resulted in total freedom. I no longer think that, and believe that total freedom stems from total commitment (to the people I love, my business, and things I enjoy). So it was a delight to see the truth of this maxim unfold before me as I watched Miyazaki's Porco Rosso last night with my daughter.

Porco Rosso opens with a scene that reveals the idyllic hideaway of the film's titular hero. It's a blue lagoon ringed by cliffs, accessible by only a jagged vertical slice in the rocks through which the Red Pig, an Italian World War I fighter ace turned air-pirate bounty hunter, can land his red seaplane. His life appears to be incomparably free; reclining on a deck chair to the strains of an Italian aria he cuts a romantic figure (despite being half pig) who lives a carefree life many might envy.

As the story progresses, though, it becomes apparent that Porco Rosso's lack of commitment has denied him love, and led to a life that although romantically heroic is ultimately empty (the consequence of his cynicism and resignation).

In complete contrast, the 17-year-old Fio who rebuilds his shattered plane, is the embodiment of total commitment leading to freedom. She is passionate about aircraft, Porco Rosso and life. And this gives her total freedom; she is free to be a girl living her dreams and passions. Her zest for life makes her one of the most wonderful film heroines I've seen for a while.

I saw Porco Rosso around 20 years ago, and it's been my favourite Miyazaki film ever since. Last night I saw another side to it, and I'm grateful it was with my daughter."

- Stephen Frost

"He has given up on almost everything but there are things that he ll never be able to let go.."

When you really think about it, there is no meaning in doing anything just for yourself, is there?

Pen sketches

Getting back up

Memory of the sea

Chelephant