Congratulations to all of us New Yorkers, who unlike people of the Midwest, are always surprised by the winter; we survived the weekend with blizzard and mountains of snow. As winter seems to be in full bloom, and January could be the most mentally exhausting month of the year, I think we all need to welcome February with rejuvenating ideas, mind stimulating cultural choices, music motivating us to wake up and start the day early and all our senses comfortably surviving the chill of capricious lady weather. I hope my suggestions from the world of art, music, books and television will make your winter days brighter and evenings more exciting.
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| Txe Gonzalez - Bosques de mi Mente (Forests of My Mind) |
Does art speak for itself? It certainly does in the case of the paintings of the Madrid-based artist, Txe Gonzalez (Check out his Instagram: @txetxu_gonzalez_art). Winter months keep as confined within the four walls of our apartments and offices, which are usually monotonously white or monochromatically dull. The vivid colors of the Spanish painter's universes bring to mind strange cravings for our own adult version of the worlds of Narnia. Looking at those abstracts during the cold winter months may substitute for our inner longing for lush landscapes of Spring and Summer. If your emotional temperature is at its unusual February low, what doctor prescribes could be a remedy that may brighten not only your interiors but the darkest parts of your winter-exhausted mind.
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| Battles by Angus Dawson & Princely Advice for a Happy Life by Alexi Lubomirski |
There are not that many talented fashion photographers, with Polish noble blood in them and legally owned title to give "princely" advice for the next generation of young gentlemen but Alexi Lubomirski is definitely one of them. When his sons were born, he decided to pass on them the actual meaning of manners and chivalry in the modern world I would recommend it to princes and princesses of all ages as a gentle reminder that what is really priceless in this very material universe we are part of, are the core values, manners, and kindness of heart. It is a short read but so worth your time.
When it comes to music inspirations, West Australian producer, Angus Dawson's new single "Battles" has proved to be impossible addictive to me, as I listened to it so many times I almost lost count. It's a hypnotizing mixture of nostalgia, sadness, uplifting beat, a very winter-friendly electronica. I discovered him completely by chance, but those kind of discoveries are usually the best. If you suffer from winter music crisis, make sure to check out the fantastic playlist that he recommended on his Twitter account, Sounds of Perth, it's time to discover Australian independent music scene in its full spectrum.
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| Rectify (2013-) The Sundance TV |
I would honestly not survive the last weekend's blizzard of the year if it was not for Rectify, Season 1-3. Yes, I binged-watched 22 episodes in 2 days pretending I was doing everything else while actually I could not take my eyes off from damaged and tormented 37-year-old Daniel who returns home after 19 years in jail. Thank you, Sundance TV for creating the masterpiece series for those who are very picky TV watchers. The season 4 is in the making, and I am beyond content because it is a sign of a new, very intellectually demanding television not appreciated by the masses but much beloved by the audience of such shows as The Killing, Bloodline or Top of the Lake.
It is not a show for the easily pleased or those who love action above the extra words and endless glances of main characters but definitely it is a champion choice for real lovers of cinema craft and mastery of actor skills. The dysfunctional family in the American South torn apart by its ninety-nine problems does not sound like an innovating topic but you could be surprised what happens when you have siblings like Amantha (Abigail Spencer - excellent and electrifying in this role) and Daniel (Aden Young) in the center of engrossing personal drama, in which every character in one second could transform from a hero to a villain. Nothing is black and white in those series, but everything is dark with a hint of small hope on the horizon. Don't wait for another storm but watch it right away!!!
I would like to wish you all: amazing, warm and inspiring February and please share what the best survival and inspirational source for you during the winter months is!
"Live, Travel, Adventure, Bless and Don't be Sorry." Jack Kerouac
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