Everybody Knows by Sigrid (Originally by Leonard Cohen): Musical Inspiration
Originally written by singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen (lyrics) and Sharon Robinson (music), Everybody Knows is a moving, poetic song that touches on prevalent world problems at the time it was written in 1988, but is just as relevant today.
Amp Up Creativity: Embrace Boredom
Our brain is awesome but has its limits. If we’re constantly distracted, entertained, busy, or otherwise engaged in constant noise (digital or analog), we aren’t giving ourselves the best shot at finding that next great idea.
Tous les Mêmes by Stromae: Musical Inspiration
Stromae’s amazing beats, deep messages, and talent for wordplay are on full display in this song. That combined with the visually arresting video pair nicely with this week’s artwork by Arcmonoro Niles
VTS Recap: The Love Letter by Johannes Vermeer
There is a lot to look at in this complex, beautiful masterpiece from "The Master of Light," Vermeer. It's fascinating that, without knowing the title of this piece, or the symbolism popular in the Netherlands in the 17th century, people still understood the intention of this painting... plus many other unexpected ideas.
Ne Me Quitte Pas by Jacques Brel: Musical Inspiration
Brel’s voice is incredible in this song that he wrote in 1959. You can hear the pain in his heart, and it gives me the feels every time. The video is also amazing… he’s just completely in it.
VTS Recap: Reflection With Two Children (Self-Portrait) by Lucian Freud
Lucian Freud captures himself and others in a way described by Freud himself as “visual aggression,” whereby he intensifies, rather than idealizes, the reality of everyday human beings.
For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield: Musical Inspiration
This song is just as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1966. A lot has changed since then, but unfortunately, so much hasn’t and we still have a long way to go until all people are heard, seen, valued, and feel safe.
Upgrade, Boost, & Lengthen Your Life With Creativity
While you may only think of artists or musicians as being creative, we all have the ability to improve our creative skills. Creativity will help you solve problems, no matter what those problems are, and has been proven to be highly beneficial to your brain, mood, and body.
VTS Recap: Family of Saltimbanques by Pablo Picasso
Picasso is uber-famous, but most have only seen his cubist works. This Rose Period piece is worth some deep looking with its layered commentary on family, isolation, belonging, class, and more.
Perception vs. Reality: The Bias of Decision-Making
Every decision we make is based more on our perception, biases, assumption, and judgments than on actual “reality.” While we can’t ever completely overcome this, we can work to be more aware of our perceptions and consider others’ as well.
VTS Recap: Fossil Bed by Emmi Whitehorse
Whitehorse invites us to stop, look, and think about the world around us and the land beneath us with her work that embodies the Navajo philosophy of hózhó, the interconnectedness of harmony, beauty, wellness, and order.
How VTS Can Improve Communication Through Dialogue (vs. Debate or Discussion)
To improve communication and relationship-building, it’s important to sharpen your dialogue skills. VTS is one way to do that.
It’s All Great by Homeboy Sandman: Musical Inspiration
This week, we listened to this song on repeat while researching art and creating content. Love the message and the intimacy and emotion of Homeboy Sandman's voice.
Why VTS Feels Like Meditation: The Art of Stopping & Deep Looking
Many people feel relaxed and recharged after VTS discussions like they just did group meditation… here’s why that may be.
VTS Recap: Claiming Land by Rupy C. Tut
With a deft hand & keen eye, Rupy C. Tut expertly adds a modern twist to traditional Indian painting techniques & motifs to tell a modern human story we can all relate to.
VTS Recap: Isabella Stewart Gardner by John Singer Sargent
One of John Singer Sargent’s best portraits of a fascinating 19th-century “collector of art and men,” museum founder, headliner, and provocateur.