The Taj Mahal

Three years ago I had the pleasure to visit this tranquil and beautiful place. Trust me, the stunningly white marble and intricate patterns are simply breathtaking when witnessing it in real life. The Taj is completely symmetrical in its design. The attention to detail, hailed as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a combination of Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. It really is such a peaceful place, I would definitely advise to visit at sunset, the view is stunning. As the Taj was created from a culture so different from my own every single part of it provides inspiration opening my eyes to design techniques, especially on the interior walls, which I had never seen before. 

Hydropolis underwater hotel

In terms of architecture Dubai are constantly challenging themselves to create innovative designs. I have to say this tops all that I have seen so far. It is an underwater hotel which when complete will be submerged 66 feet underwater  charging $5550 a night, not cheap. This is will definitely be a sight to behold when it is complete by the end of 2009. The images aren't particularly clear so commenting on the aesthetics is difficult, however the concept is astounding.

William Morris

William Morris's work has intrigued me since I first studied him in my first year of sixth form at school. His work is incredibly detailed and intricate, most famous for his work in the arts and crafts movement, the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. Morris's chief contribution was as a designer of repeating patterns for wallpapers and textiles, many based on observations from nature. Perhaps looking to the natural world from time to time would  improve us and designers, rather than constantly focussing on the modern world. 

I (heart) It.com

If searching for inspiration on a project or just want to see what work people are producing around the world then this website is great. You can simply type a key word of what you are looking for, bit it anything from typography to photography and hundreds of results will be collected and you can browse at your leisure. 

www.weheartit.com

Natwest bank card

Natwest have come up with a great idea to improve their chances of students banking with them. Here is how it works, you can design your own style of bank card and then simply pay five pounds for it to be made. Also, you can upload your own designs for other people to choose, if your design is chosen you will receive and additional five pounds for each card sold.

https://adaptcard.natwest.com/viewlibary.aspx?

Royal Armouries Museum

I visited this museum in first year when working on the Wilfred Owen project. It is situated in the centre of Leeds at Clarence Dock. The displays inside show case historical items dating between the 17th and 20th century. I found the World War Two exhibits fascinating demonstrating what life would be like in the Blitz, which many of our Grandparents lived through. I do not feel that the visit effected me creatively, however it definitely provided me with a broader perspective on Britain's two world wars.

Anne Frank Museum

I visited this museum five years ago and it had a profound effect on me. The Holocaust is one the most revered events in history. Anne Frank and her diary entries are world famous and visiting this museum allowed me to learn a great deal more about her plight in Amsterdam during Hitler's invasion. 

Join-Me

I learnt about this website after reading Yes Man by Danny Wallace. This website inspires generosity and love for your common man or woman. The idea of the website is to send polaroid pic of yourself with your details to join. Once you have joined it is your duty to do a random act of kindness every friday for a stranger. Be it calling a call centre and telling them that they are doing a great job or simply handing a stranger a bunch of flowers. It is truly refreshing to see generosity in a society where individuals mostly keep themselves to themselves. 

On the Road: Jack Kerouac

This book is all about freedom. It was seen as ground-breaking at the time and is still highly regarded today which has to be respected as it was published in 1957. From reading this book a new movement was spawned, the "Beat Generation". The Beat Generation was inspired by jazz, poetry and drug experiences. This book inspires you to take and chance, be spontaneous and see where life takes you, I guess in a slightly similar way to the previously mention book, Yes Man.

William Blake: The Complete Illuminated Books.

After discovering Tracey Emin I read a book about her which drew similarities between her and William Blake. So I also decided to read a book about him. He was a breath of fresh air, breaking the mould of artistic society at the time. From reading his poetry and appreciating his paintings I admire not only his romantic use of language and his artist skill. It is his imagination and creativity which had a profound effect on me.

Tracey Emin

Recently on BBC two there was a documentary/ interview with Tracey Emin conducted by Piers Morgan ( I think it is still on BBC i-player if you want to see it for yourself). I missed the start, however I was hooked straight away when I saw how passionate she was. When she mentioned her thought process for her piece "Everyone I have ever slept with" it immediately resonated with me.

Her work is poeticised truth with disinhibited honesty depicting her spiritual and physical anguish. I thoroughly respect her limitless creativity that stems from her personal experiences that she exhibits to the outside world. Her work has been perceived as controversial and egotistical.

However, I believe it has tremendous purpose, if she has no justification for a piece, it will not be created. Her work is her voice, it is the audience’s parogative to decide whether they like it or not. I want to use her lack of respect for boundaries and create work which I can personally justify being in existence, in Emin’s words, “I want society to hear what I am saying, for me being an artist isn’t just about making nice things or people patting you on the the back; it’s some kind of communication, a message”.