Monday, October 12, 2009
Anne Frank Huis
8:27pm (@home)
Had the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House, or Huis, yesterday. I feel there is not much to write about as I think the experience there can be inferred without ever actually being there. However, I will say that the way the "house" was displayed (in accordance with Otto Frank's wishes) was powerful. The rooms of the house are stark...empty with only a few key artifacts in cases that deliver stories from each of the rooms. The lighting in each room was kept similar to the way in which it was for the eight that hid there. Quotations dotted the walls - mostly experts from the Diary. A few video interviews were interspersed as well and, at the end, a memorial to the eight, with concentration camp logs of their names marked over with pen. Only one survived, Otto, and he ends the tour of the house with an interview he gave years after the ordeal.
It actually came up in the class today as we addressed the question of who we are as art directors and how we communicate ourselves to the masses. Otto reflected on Anne saying, "For me, it was a revelation. There, was revealed a completely different Anne to the child that I had lost. I had no idea of the depths of her thoughts and feelings.” He goes on to say that in this way, he believes most parents do not know anything about their children. It is an interesting thought... as parents can never penetrate their childrens' minds. They never really know exactly what he or she is truly thinking. A diary, someone's personal chronicle, is perhaps the closest one can come to someone's innermost thoughts. Although they spent two years in crammed quarters and isolation, hiding as a family from the Nazis, Otto's read of Anne's diary was "a revelation."
The actual diaries are displayed at the end which outline her dream of becoming a writer. Dozens of editions of her diary are also displayed, all in different languages, realizing that dream.
Downstairs on the way out of the museum, there is a separate theater that displays different viewpoints on the idea of democracy and the boundaries of freedom. "Free 2 Choose", it was called, and it basically presents short films with two opposing viewpoints in which the audience can vote at the end. Thought it a cool, appropriate interactive element to the experience...
Oh, and in case you didn't know, their hiding place was never discovered by the Nazis, it was compromised. Someone tipped them off. And that person is surely in hell.
"It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more." Anne Frank
Had the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House, or Huis, yesterday. I feel there is not much to write about as I think the experience there can be inferred without ever actually being there. However, I will say that the way the "house" was displayed (in accordance with Otto Frank's wishes) was powerful. The rooms of the house are stark...empty with only a few key artifacts in cases that deliver stories from each of the rooms. The lighting in each room was kept similar to the way in which it was for the eight that hid there. Quotations dotted the walls - mostly experts from the Diary. A few video interviews were interspersed as well and, at the end, a memorial to the eight, with concentration camp logs of their names marked over with pen. Only one survived, Otto, and he ends the tour of the house with an interview he gave years after the ordeal.
It actually came up in the class today as we addressed the question of who we are as art directors and how we communicate ourselves to the masses. Otto reflected on Anne saying, "For me, it was a revelation. There, was revealed a completely different Anne to the child that I had lost. I had no idea of the depths of her thoughts and feelings.” He goes on to say that in this way, he believes most parents do not know anything about their children. It is an interesting thought... as parents can never penetrate their childrens' minds. They never really know exactly what he or she is truly thinking. A diary, someone's personal chronicle, is perhaps the closest one can come to someone's innermost thoughts. Although they spent two years in crammed quarters and isolation, hiding as a family from the Nazis, Otto's read of Anne's diary was "a revelation."
The actual diaries are displayed at the end which outline her dream of becoming a writer. Dozens of editions of her diary are also displayed, all in different languages, realizing that dream.
Downstairs on the way out of the museum, there is a separate theater that displays different viewpoints on the idea of democracy and the boundaries of freedom. "Free 2 Choose", it was called, and it basically presents short films with two opposing viewpoints in which the audience can vote at the end. Thought it a cool, appropriate interactive element to the experience...
Oh, and in case you didn't know, their hiding place was never discovered by the Nazis, it was compromised. Someone tipped them off. And that person is surely in hell.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
New City, New Run
10.09.09
7:03pm (@home)
Ok, so it only took me a week to get back to running. Not TOO bad, I don't think. Headed out for a run today after work. Had my eyes set on Vondelpark as it is so close to where I live. [[Funny to think that at my going away in Miami, a friend said, 'Drew, make sure you go to Vondelpark, its amazing.' Didn't mean anything to me back then. haha]] Ran from my place down to the Vondelpark, through and around it. As it was right around the time people were getting out of work on a Friday, the park was filled with bicyclers, families, and people smoking pot. And it's amazing to see what Dutch people do on their bikes: I've seen everything from talking on their cell phone to reading the paper to smoking a pipe (or all three at once). Many also carry their young with them on the bikes - sometimes one in front and one in back, or sometimes in a huge plow that attaches to the front of the bike. Yes, the shovelplow children. I will try to capture a picture at some point. Either way, looks like fun chillin in those huge wooden plows being driven around the city.
Took the long loop around - cold, brisk run - and back. Was surprised to see it was nearly a 4-miler. Perfect small daily run. Shower time.
7:03pm (@home)
Ok, so it only took me a week to get back to running. Not TOO bad, I don't think. Headed out for a run today after work. Had my eyes set on Vondelpark as it is so close to where I live. [[Funny to think that at my going away in Miami, a friend said, 'Drew, make sure you go to Vondelpark, its amazing.' Didn't mean anything to me back then. haha]] Ran from my place down to the Vondelpark, through and around it. As it was right around the time people were getting out of work on a Friday, the park was filled with bicyclers, families, and people smoking pot. And it's amazing to see what Dutch people do on their bikes: I've seen everything from talking on their cell phone to reading the paper to smoking a pipe (or all three at once). Many also carry their young with them on the bikes - sometimes one in front and one in back, or sometimes in a huge plow that attaches to the front of the bike. Yes, the shovelplow children. I will try to capture a picture at some point. Either way, looks like fun chillin in those huge wooden plows being driven around the city.
Took the long loop around - cold, brisk run - and back. Was surprised to see it was nearly a 4-miler. Perfect small daily run. Shower time.
Take a Look Around Why Doncha'?
10.09.09
6:59pm (@home)
Here are just a few pics from around the agency...
6:59pm (@home)
Here are just a few pics from around the agency...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Rain in Amsterdam Falls Mainly on the [Leides]Plein
10.07.09
11:41pm (@home)
Everyone told me upon moving to Amsterdam I would need two things: a bong and a raincoat. Needless to say, I have neither, but definitely need one of them and especially over these past few days. A raincoat, that is. It's been raining this week without much respite, fluctuating from a spitting mist to a heavy rain. A far cry from the blinding sunshine of Miami Beach, I'll tell you that much, but a welcome change. And believe it or not, it doesn't really distract from the charm and the warmth of the city itself. I don't think Amsterdam would be Amsterdam without this weather. It's a very wet place in general - the rain...the canals...the beer.
Pindakaas has been good - working on our own projects during the day (thus far) and then class at night. Alvaro Sotomayor, a ECD at Wieden+Kennedy, will be the teacher of our Tuesday night class. Great guy, had quick introductions, threw us a few morsels of feedback each, handed us our first brief (which I'm sure I will write about later), then took us to a new "American" bar a few blocks away. American bar meaning that they serve only American beer. It was funny to see Anchor Steam and Flying Dog on tap at a Dutch bar in the middle of Amsterdam. Was nice to kick back with the crew and discuss with everyone where we had been in the world... Much to learn from my international peers but I'd imagine our full work days together at Pindakaas will allow that naturally.
Came home late last night to the end of the David Gray concert at the Melkweg directly across the street. P and I were hoping we'd hear a few riffs of "Babylon" or something of the sort, but with no such luck. You can always tell when there is a concert or a happening at the Melkweg when you find hundreds of bicycles abandoned on the sidewalk/street. The noise level off the street follows suit with the concerts as well: from a few distant voices in the Leidesplein to a chatty crowd of smokers at a break in the show to an overpowering cacophony of concertgoers, swooning over the performer following the event. And, as has been the past few nights, my sleep follows that pattern as well. :) [[reminds me of living in my 58th street apt with flora in new york - the noise from the large crowds of concertgoers here miiiiight just equal that of the queensboro bridge traffic]] Either way, im cool with it and it actually lessens any feelings of loneliness i might have here...
Another long day at the agency today then class afterward. Two teachers from RIOT agency - Nathan, an Executive Creative Director there, and Todd, a Creative Director. Two down to earth guys that seem to have a good grasp on the digital landscape in the industry. We will be working on one main brief for their class over the quarter (which is great, much more time to develop and polish). More on that brief later as well.
Set a goal for myself to win a pencil (D&AD) this year. It's possible. With hard work, it is possible.
Barefoot to bed and into my cocoon.
11:41pm (@home)
Everyone told me upon moving to Amsterdam I would need two things: a bong and a raincoat. Needless to say, I have neither, but definitely need one of them and especially over these past few days. A raincoat, that is. It's been raining this week without much respite, fluctuating from a spitting mist to a heavy rain. A far cry from the blinding sunshine of Miami Beach, I'll tell you that much, but a welcome change. And believe it or not, it doesn't really distract from the charm and the warmth of the city itself. I don't think Amsterdam would be Amsterdam without this weather. It's a very wet place in general - the rain...the canals...the beer.
Pindakaas has been good - working on our own projects during the day (thus far) and then class at night. Alvaro Sotomayor, a ECD at Wieden+Kennedy, will be the teacher of our Tuesday night class. Great guy, had quick introductions, threw us a few morsels of feedback each, handed us our first brief (which I'm sure I will write about later), then took us to a new "American" bar a few blocks away. American bar meaning that they serve only American beer. It was funny to see Anchor Steam and Flying Dog on tap at a Dutch bar in the middle of Amsterdam. Was nice to kick back with the crew and discuss with everyone where we had been in the world... Much to learn from my international peers but I'd imagine our full work days together at Pindakaas will allow that naturally.
Came home late last night to the end of the David Gray concert at the Melkweg directly across the street. P and I were hoping we'd hear a few riffs of "Babylon" or something of the sort, but with no such luck. You can always tell when there is a concert or a happening at the Melkweg when you find hundreds of bicycles abandoned on the sidewalk/street. The noise level off the street follows suit with the concerts as well: from a few distant voices in the Leidesplein to a chatty crowd of smokers at a break in the show to an overpowering cacophony of concertgoers, swooning over the performer following the event. And, as has been the past few nights, my sleep follows that pattern as well. :) [[reminds me of living in my 58th street apt with flora in new york - the noise from the large crowds of concertgoers here miiiiight just equal that of the queensboro bridge traffic]] Either way, im cool with it and it actually lessens any feelings of loneliness i might have here...
Another long day at the agency today then class afterward. Two teachers from RIOT agency - Nathan, an Executive Creative Director there, and Todd, a Creative Director. Two down to earth guys that seem to have a good grasp on the digital landscape in the industry. We will be working on one main brief for their class over the quarter (which is great, much more time to develop and polish). More on that brief later as well.
Set a goal for myself to win a pencil (D&AD) this year. It's possible. With hard work, it is possible.
Barefoot to bed and into my cocoon.
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