I love this post so much. It reminds me of a quote by a punk music promoter who created flyers for bands he wished existed, then pasted the flyers everywhere: “With an x-acto knife and a little glue, you can change the world.” And the skateboard decks serving as seating are like a literal torch passing among generations. Where once the boards served as the vehicle, they are now a stationary respite post.
Hey Rob, I have enjoyed your work since you wrote the "Consumed" column for the NYT. Unless that was a different Rob Walker and you are occupying his liminal space.
As someone who has spent decades as a creative director, strategist, and columnist myself - for Inc. magazine - I have long told my clients and students that the neural loop between observation and initiation is one of the most powerful forces in the world. (Einstein said the most powerful force in the world was compound interest, but that might have been a reflection of inter-war hyperinflation.)
Noticing is impeded by both our heads-down phone posture and immersion in our preoccupations, the "in media res-ness" of our daily lives.
Hey Rob, I love this idea of "liminal space available" - I have a substack where I share three word "mercies" - little blurts or phrase that generate lift. May I feature this?
This is so clever and funny! I have long disliked the term liminal space, for the reasons you mention. Maybe I should also start putting up signs but these just say "at the intersection of" on street corners.
Morning from the UK - I've been working on a little photographic project for the last few years called "It must be a sign" - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2H0mRrIMFB/?hl=en&img_index=2 - It's still ongoing, but I think its fits into that idea of noticing the hidden-in-plain-sight. Thanks for all your excellent work this year.
I love this post so much. It reminds me of a quote by a punk music promoter who created flyers for bands he wished existed, then pasted the flyers everywhere: “With an x-acto knife and a little glue, you can change the world.” And the skateboard decks serving as seating are like a literal torch passing among generations. Where once the boards served as the vehicle, they are now a stationary respite post.
That's a great quote -- and that is definitely the spirit ;) Thanks so much, Carol!
Hey Rob, I have enjoyed your work since you wrote the "Consumed" column for the NYT. Unless that was a different Rob Walker and you are occupying his liminal space.
As someone who has spent decades as a creative director, strategist, and columnist myself - for Inc. magazine - I have long told my clients and students that the neural loop between observation and initiation is one of the most powerful forces in the world. (Einstein said the most powerful force in the world was compound interest, but that might have been a reflection of inter-war hyperinflation.)
Noticing is impeded by both our heads-down phone posture and immersion in our preoccupations, the "in media res-ness" of our daily lives.
Yes, I am/was Consumed guy! And this is very well said. Thanks!
Hey Rob, I love this idea of "liminal space available" - I have a substack where I share three word "mercies" - little blurts or phrase that generate lift. May I feature this?
Of course!
This is so clever and funny! I have long disliked the term liminal space, for the reasons you mention. Maybe I should also start putting up signs but these just say "at the intersection of" on street corners.
Morning from the UK - I've been working on a little photographic project for the last few years called "It must be a sign" - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2H0mRrIMFB/?hl=en&img_index=2 - It's still ongoing, but I think its fits into that idea of noticing the hidden-in-plain-sight. Thanks for all your excellent work this year.
Oh very cool, thank you!
Liminal Space Available
Love it 🥰 Did anyone call? What happened when they called??
There's only one way to find out what happens when you call lol !