"The wealth of nations and the well-being of individuals now depend on having artists in the room" said Daniel H. Pink in his best sellering book - The Whole New Mind. "In a world enriched by abundance but disrupted by the automation and outsourcing of white-collar work, everyone, regardless of profession, must cultivate an artistic sensibility. We may not be Daly or Degas. But today we must all be designers".

From someone who's from the old continent that makes sense. You're facing the hard reality here. Don't be too focused on what you're doing, but a little more on how and why you're doing it. That makes the difference. What Daniel H. Pink suggests is to feel more comfortable with what you're doing and be more attentive to your inner-voice. That's the only way to get the best of it.  In such a way, we all become some kind of artist contributing in making things better, looking better, more appreciable and meaningful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Let's say that we are here in Africa, Zambia, Livingstone. Is there any abundance and automation here in Livingstone? Do we have that much choice on the same products that they actually become worthless or more expensive to produce than sell? Do we have the hand-made work ruined by productivity? Is Livingstone suffering from the outsourcing of white-collar work? The answer is NO! We're not on the same page here.

Livingstone didn't wait to get there to emphasize Design everywhere. That's impressive. There is a real spirit here. Every place you go you can enjoy the conceptual touch. Please, look around you, you'll notice it. There is a real combination of utility and significance (to borrow John Heskett's terms, a scholar of the subject). With what every single chair, table, frame, furniture, window, gate, garden corner has been meant to be used, goes an aesthetic appeal. That enhences the purpose of it. It is beautiful.

If you have the chance to walk by the main road, you'll come accross a guy painting on a wall right on a sidewalk. You'll ask yourself, What is he doing? And you'll realize that he's putting up an advert for a local business. He's actually performing. And everything is well calligraphed, proportioned and beautiful. Please tell me, where else do you see that happening?

To be honest with you, I was not expecting such diversity, such accuracy and such creativity from such everyday things. It's surprising and it's not like a one-time feeling, it is every time I go to some place new. This is compelling. That makes you more curious. You inspect every single thing 'cause you look for details that will make the place even more special. And trust me, you'll find some everywhere.

Welcome to Livingstone! There is a real artistic identity here, so please, Be Here, Be Inspired!

For more information about Livingstone as the Gateway to Africa's Wonders, please go to http://www.livingstonetourism.com