Career
February 20, 2018

Japanese ‘Ikigai’ Philosophy Could Be the Secret Formula to a Long and Happy Life

Many of us spend our entire lives trying to achieve happiness and the perfect life balance to leave us fulfilled. So what is the key to living a full, fruitful life? In Japan, a concept called ikigai is central to finding one’s satisfaction and meaning in life. In fact, ikigai translates to “reason for being.” Interestingly, ikigai is certainly not tied just to financial status.

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Drawing
February 20, 2018

Artist Keeps Daily Visual Diary of Botanical Illustrations to Document Found Plant Life

London-based artist Somang Lee explores the beauty of nature with daily botanical illustrations and observational drawings. Using colored pencils, watercolors, and paper cutouts, Lee began keeping an artist journal in 2016 to document the various plant life she finds while on walks. The ongoing project has become the artist’s personal “investigation into the natural world.

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Design
February 17, 2018

Designer Collaborates With Aboriginal Weavers to Produce Eco-Friendly Lamp Shades

In response to the plastic waste issue in the Colombian Amazon, Spanish designer Alvaro Catalán de Ocón began the PET Lamp Project in 2011—a design venture with the aim to reuse PET plastic bottles. Over the last five years, the eco-conscious designer has worked with traditional craft communities from all over the world—including Colombia, Chile, Japan, and Ethiopia—to turn plastic waste into a growing collection of beautiful, handmade PET Lamps.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.