PechaKucha... April 2010

A couple weeks ago I went to PechaKucha to hear a friend speak. It was the first I had heard of this event, now happening in over 230 cities around the world. 

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of conversation ("chit chat"), it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It's a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

At the April PechaKucha event, there were some very interesting speakers, from graphic designers, fashion designers, architects, artists, and others that have created very interesting and successful companies. They shared their stories, their projects, their passions... and their obstacles. With each person, there came a point where they needed to go back to the drawing board, change direction, reassess what they were doing and why... and where they wanted to go with it. The other common theme about this group of individuals is that they didn't give up. They eventually overcame the hurdles, they took on bigger challenges, they created something new and different because of their drive and passion. They let go of the fear.

Martha Sturdy talked about a project of gigantic proportions, creating a horse-riding trail on her property in Pemberton... amazing.

Jay Balmer started his talk with his early days when snowboarding came about and his role in creating the world's first boardercross course...

Architect Gair Williamson shared his latest project, the Keefer, which didn't have one right angle in the house...

Bing Thom talked about an incredible project in Washington creating a design never before seen in architectural history and the challenges that posed...

Artist Pamela Masik shared her latest project, The Forgotten, a collection of 69 Portraits of the Missing Women from downtown Eastside. The collection has been picked up by MOA and will be shown February 2011.

Stephanie Corker Irwin  talked about her passions and the turns her life has taken. Her exuberant energy was inspiring, and one quote in particular got me thinking...

 

So it comes down to this... what makes you come alive?

And an even better question... why aren't you doing it?