mushi mushi!

I hope this finds you well. Here we are with the 6^th issue of Qind! Here is to hoping you enjoy the jig-saw of linked themes that run through it.

First off, visually it is all about animation. We stretched to sketch the issue with drawings, graphic art or animation wherever possible, using live photography sparingly to bring to you the world of the creative mind translated by hand.

Culturally, animation and Japan are almost synonymous thus there is a light touch on a few things quite Japanese: There are Geisha motives drizzled here and there, a focus on Tokyo in the ‘travel’ section, ancient leisure activities of the land of the rising sun, the feature on the manga-inspired artwork of Hiroki Otsuka and the ultra hip-cool music of Miyavi to shake you up.

Also with Japan comes consumerism and its critics in the changing values of our world. We hear Hiroki’s voice on the subject through his collaboration with Jeremy Wade. In ‘Qind world’ we feature ‘The Cove’, a film on the killing of dolphins and the political animation shows the true workings of ‘Cap & Trade’ the much publicised global solution to Climate Change.

On self-intimacy, through cartoons, two in ‘lighter Qind’ and one in ‘organic growth’, we take an almost light look at profound conflict that rises when a creator fills his creation with such intricate detail and life that it in turn becomes a sentient being demanding self determination.

In space of intimate with others, ‘two men’ and ‘john & karen’ link the importance of shaded truths then ‘john & karen’ and ‘yogoto yo yume‘ link the rituals of forgiveness, fundamental to human intimacy, the asking for and the giving of it.

On the subject of creativity that takes on a life of its own, we touch the moleskin artistry of José González’ music and throw in the still art of David Kawena everywhere. The latter of course is a HUGE fan of Disney and has much to say about its animation. His Disney fan-art is so brilliant and stands shoulder to shoulder in sophistication with the originals. He was also linked to the independent film ‘lady ice’ which we have the honour of seeing its debut as our featured film along-side ‘princess & the frog’.

There are many more links through the issue, but we leave it to you to find them or make them.

where is Qind?

In our slow determined journey to take over the world, Qind has now been seen in 93 countries. That is three additional countries since the last editor’s letter. As you will see, Europe is ours for but one country. And there are but 6 countries left in South America. We will conquer them with kindness soon.

We are about to launch a sister blog which will have content updated on a more regular basis to whet your appetite whilst we work on the next issue. As you know, our greatest strength is our images and we intend to start feeding you more of them to brighten your week. Watch-out for our tweets as well.

Nou-sama, ashita no yoru wa nani suru no?

Mai ban yatteru koto sa, Pinku-kun, chikyu seifuku da!

Hai! Hai! 

enjoy.

smooches