Susi — thanks for the brilliant extra lessons!

I just realised I should have called this post The Heart’s Filthy Lessons.

As a photographer and artist, this lesson that resonates a lot:

[Bowie's] stated intention [for moving to Berlin] was to “find some people you don’t understand and a place you don’t want to be and just put yourself into it”.

I try to do that with every photograph I make and every project I take on. It may not always work, but when it does it’s pure magic.

1. With Eno – develop oblique strategies
http://www.rtqe.net/ObliqueStrategies/
Give yourself lateral thinking tasks like less is more.

2. Don’t be afraid to be cutting edge – even when you’re past your youth.
Outside and Earthling (the drum n bass LP) were really not bad – and better than the unmemorable awful safety net MOR albums that followed.

3. Stimulation (e.g. drugs) is good – but it can go too far. There were three album in 80s Bowie didn’t remember recording like ‘Never Let Me Down’ and Tin Machine which I wish he hadn’t bothered with. Don’t let outside influence buffer you from the truth – always accept criticism.

4. Be cross platform.
Own your own rights. Develop your own domain like the bowienet, where fans can buy ’shares’ in future bowie product. Become a great actor. Become an average painter. Be Renaissance – gain inspiration from new sources.

I’ve found talking to people way outside of my culture ring–foreigners, denominations, religions–injects me with incredible insights, ideas and plans.