Drawing from Da Nang beach

During the morning walks along Da Nang beach I find peak creativity moments. Actually nothing extraordinary happens. Just the opposite: very daily things. And those normal scenes are full of magnificent details.

Also it’s a powerful moment to bring ideas to mind. They come so fast, like a river of inspiration. I often see other (Western) people walking with headphones and sunglasses, somehow jailed inside instead of absorbing the rich feelings received by the senses from the outside, but that’s another story.

Coffee shops in Da Nang

I did a list of the coffee shops I’ve visiting these weeks. A lot, usually one or two per day.

Da Nang is a great place for writing in cafes. However there is a culture of smoke while taking coffee. Terraces are not usable for that, which is sad. Also many open cafes (no walls) suffer from the same issue. Some of them were great, excellent decoration, atmosphere, tables, etc., but smoke comes in continuously so I had to lower the rating of some of them to 0.5.

I try to not be very picky while writing in cafes, otherwise I will never be confortable. But I really can’t stand aircon or smoke.

HK is magnetic

Hong Kong is so rich in details and keeps many layers of information I’d like to unveil with time. Fascinating place. 

I didn’t plan to stay for many days. In my dreams I would like to spend months there, writing high above in a quiet studio in one of those skyscrapers, but in the higher floors, not in a second floor or so (How inelegant that would be!). But that's is a task for my future self.

In The Mood For Love and Hong Kong

This detail from In The Mood For Love (2000) represents the essence of HK as I imagine it. The realty is slightly different but somehow it keeps the feeling.

So many layers to learn about Hong Kong.

Primate coding

Primates use high tech in many ways. Sometimes enjoying devices music because it makes them tickling in their ears.

Homemade rubber stamps

Today I made a few new rubber stamps.

 I love how imperfectly aesthetic they are. Usually I need 2 o 3 tries to have something acceptable. Charm +10 points! Useful, unique and feel alive.

The diamond one is an older piece. I’m amazed at the patience (and eyesight!) my past self had when he made it.

The gouge I used is quite big and not too sharp. I’ve discovered the tip of a mechanical pencil does lines great, and then polishing it a little bit with a knife.

Little mystery in the first try is exciting and the whole process is super fun.