Over the last couple of weeks, Nissan has run/sponsored a series of ‘design inspiration’ events at the Old Truman Brewery in East London, to celebrate the UK launch of the new Nissan Cube. A tenuously linked sponsor possibly, but a very interesting space all the same, which had drawn quite an impressive smorgasbord of inspirational speakers. A few of us Digitee’s went along to see what all the fuss was all about.
As if the canapés, free-flowing wine and interesting installations weren’t enough to keep us occupied, Nissan had invited accomplished creative professionals to curate each of the evenings with speakers that have inspired them throughout their careers.
The first event was hosted by founding partner of Anomaly Paul Graham, who kicked off the evening by inviting the Managing Editor of Trolley Books Hannah Watson, to talk about the recently published Gentlemen of Bacongo. A fascinating and colourful collection which made the fashion world sit up and take note, talk about people who ‘own’ their look!
Matt Jones of BERG presented his work exploring nearness and proximity based interaction, while Jason Bruges showed us some of his recent installations including ‘Litumus‘, a giant sculpture off the A14 that responds to various environmental stimuli. Both Jones and Bruges were formerly trained architects, a discipline which shows in their thorough practice and respect for both form and function with the added joy of, well, joy! Truly playful thinkers and makers, who cannot help but inspire people to get excited and make things.
The evening came to a head with esteemed film producer Gareth Wiley speaking about his journey from working in finance in the City to ending up in the film industry. Wiley bemused the audience with tales of why he turned down Woody Allen, (surely a Hollywood sin!) and how it ended up being his best decision as they went on to work together on several projects including Match Point.
If there was a common theme to be taken away it’s that irrespective of what career you start off in, it doesn’t have to restrict you or be your only career. Transferable skills are a boon, but you’ve got to be open to new opportunities and sometimes you need the sheer guts to make the leap. An inspirational night indeed, which left us thinking outside the box, thanks Nissan Cube!
