What I'm watching: Uplifting creative documentaries to inspire.
Why is it that searching for things to watch these days can actually be fairly traumatic? When all you want is a bit of uplifting escapism or creative inspiration it seems like you have to trawl through pages of offensive, horrific and yes even traumatic content to try and find that rare gem that is not nightmare inducing. Now don't get me wrong I'm not anti people watching what they want (within reason) but the balance seems to be way off. There should be a way for people, who like me, don't want to be bombarded with horrific imagery when all we're looking to watch is a bit of lovely landscape, some mind blowing creativity or uplifting escapism. When life is stressful enough (especially at the moment) finding something to watch should not strike fear into us, I mean have you seen some of the covers of the content out there, as a visual person they bed in fairly quickly, I don't need that in my brain and I'm sure you don't either!
So with this in mind I thought I'd put together a few recommendations of things my family and I have enjoyed that will save you searching in all that unpleasantness, may my many hours of research there make for an easier time for you all!
I'm starting with some creative and arty documentaries that should both uplift and inspire so here we go-
Henry Glassie: Field Work by Pat Collins - An incredible exploration of what it means to create art, showcasing inspiring makers across the globe as observed by American folklorist Henry Glassie. The first 40 minutes may put some of you off if you're not a fan of the silently watching people work approach but really stick with it as Henry Glassie has some wonderful things to say that really inspired me and had me jotting down in a book like I was back at art college (see illustrated quote above).
Gallant Indies by Phillipe Béziat - Opera meets urban dance an unexpected but magical pairing, when people get to break out of their sometimes rigid creative establishments and collaborate stunning and moving things can happen. The energy from the dancers and the singers leaps out of the screen and I found it profoundly inspiring to watch. You can rent it in a few places I think but here are the UK Apple and Amazon ones for quick watching.
