Alex
Posted: July 14th, 2010 | Author: julie | Filed under: Financial District | Tags: Financial District | 2 Comments »
Montgomery Station
Financial District
Monday afternoon
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There’s something quite fascinating about people watching—sitting in a public place and observing all the interesting people that pass by. It’s considered one of the world’s most popular inactivity because it costs practically nothing and it can turn a boring afternoon into something extraordinary.
I used to go to this bar in the Tendernob every Friday night, and I loved it because there never was dull moment. I was wildly attracted to the colorful characters and musing that kept the nights interesting and the crowds entertained. There were always the regulars: the old man with the long, white braided beard who’d sit by himself in a newsboy hat and stiletto heels; the short, robust man who strangely looked like his French Bulldog that he’d sit next to in opposite bar stools; the elderly, romantic couple that slow danced to every song that played on the jukebox. And then there were the others: the “ladies” from the ‘Loin, the “suits” from the FiDi, the college kids from USF, and the memorable woman who chased her lover down the street with a rolling pin.
It’s been said that one important characteristic of a good creative is that we become more observant of the world around us. After all, we’re always looking for something meaningful to be inspired about, and people watching is just one of many things that opens up a world of new material and good ideas. But it goes beyond just people watching. There’s inspiration in everything and everywhere. It’s in the intricate architecture and the monumental landmarks. It’s in the messages on the walls and the patterns in the buildings. It’s in the distinct vibes from each neighborhood and the unique people that bring this city to life. It’s everything in its entirety that makes San Francisco what it is and provides endless stimulation for the eyes and endless inspiration for the creative.
My observations of San Francisco led to the start of Inspired City. Inspired City is an online magazine that celebrates the work and talent of artists, innovators, thinkers, and creators in San Francisco. It’s also an online space for us to share our work, discover new talent, find inspiration and connect with others. To me, there’s a richness about this city that goes beyond just the glitz and glam. I think we tend to get caught up with what we’re familiar with and what we know, and rarely take a deep look and really “see things.” In my seven years living in San Francisco, I’ve run into some of the most interesting people, places and things. It’s these fleeting moments, mix of emotions and experiences that inspire me to do what I love to do–create. I’m inspired by the desire to explore and learn, and the ups and downs of everyday life in all its color, chaos, and candor. I’m also inspired by my accumulated experiences in the city. It’s a collection of my college hay days, my creative hub in the advertising world, nights in Twin Peaks, afternoons in Dolores Park, and my every day sightings in the city. And that’s what Inspired City is all about. It’s more than just an information network or a source of daily inspiration. It’s even more than just a showcase of all the crazy and passionate people who are inspired by creativity. But it’s a tool to see the things that aren’t as obvious to us in ways we could never, ever conjure up on our own. It’s seeing the city in a new way each time we experience it. And it’s an appreciation for the city and the people who see the world with their eyes wide open–because anything can be inspiring if we open our eyes wide enough to see it. Inspired City is still a work in progress, but this is just a taste of what’s to come.
I’m not going to lie, but there are days that I’m not always feeling inspired by the people that I watch and the places I go, but I make sure to go out and find inspiration anyway. Because sometimes the days that I feel least inspired are the days I discover some the most fascinating things. People always say, ‘the city is your playground,’ and it’s absolutely true. There’s a wealth of information in the city, and a beauty in everything we see and interact with. Because really, in the end, everything just is. Life itself is just an endless collection of moments and impressions, but it’s what we choose to do with it that makes it that much more amazing. So from the words of a young creative, go out there, people watch, take a camera and shoot something, look beyond what you normally see. Because who knows–you just might stumble upon greatness.
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You can see the slideshow of Alex’s photo shoot here.
You can find Alex at the following links:
http://almostperfectalex.com
http://almostperfectalex.tumblr.com
http://twitter.com/almostperfect_a
