Heliotropic List #3
Rilke, Kora and Bauhaus.
Hello friends,
Hope you’ve all had a great week. List #3 features some good news for the climate, new music releases and a short but inspiring story about the women of the Bauhaus movement.
Work tunes - I went to the most beautiful wedding last weekend in an old countryside barn in Launceston, Tasmania. They played Kora songs at the pre-ceremony and I’ve been listening to it all week since. Kora is serene sounding 21-stringed instrument used widely in West Africa. It looks cross between a bass, a harp and a pumpkin (it’s actually traditionally made from a gourd). This song and this one were my favourite from the day, both so serene. I’ve been listening all week.
Read some v. positive environmental news on Dezeen this week - company Heirloom has opened its first carbon capture plant, which will absorb 1,000 tonnes of carbon each year for permanent storage by embedding it into concrete.
New music favs of the week (from my ‘Liked’ section on Spotify) - Chaos in the CBD just released a new EP which I’ve been loving, particularly this one. You’ve probably heard this newby from Peggy and Lenny which I’ve also been loving. This one from Ego Ella May released two days ago is giving Badu vibes, but I still prefer her one from 2022.
A poem - by the late 20th century Austrian poet, philosopher and mystic Reiner Maria Rilke.
Tried out this Thai style steamed fish by Marion’s Kitchen last week - I’ve never steamed fish before but this was fool proof and it turned out so yummy.
A story I love - Something I learned this year that’s stuck with me was the story of Bauhaus Weaver Annie Albers. Despite the Bauhaus movement (1919-1933) declaring the sexes equal, which was progressive for the time, women still weren’t allowed to paint. Annie originally wanted to be a painter like her husband Joseph, but had no choice but to put her painterly visions into her weaving instead. This led her (and her female peers) to pioneer fibre arts a fine art form, something formerly lumped into the ‘arts or crafts’ category. I find this story so inspiringly defiant and a great reminder to look for the opportunities within the limitations we face in life, even if they’re unjust or unfair. It also made me ponder that maybe winning the game in some cases is about finding a different one to play.
Poddy’s - BBC music/culture podcast Sidetracked with Annie and Nick. Such a good one when you just want to laugh your way to work or wherever you’re off to.
Hope you enjoyed this week’s list. Drop me a like or comment the number of your favourite from this week’s Heliotropic List.
P.s. There’s so much here on Substack if you haven’t poked around yet. I recently discovered Patty Smith is on here and Elizabeth Gilbert!!!