SOLD: Beautiful Happyzine

The word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to promoting an authentic community event. The Old Library in Whangarei was full recently for the 4th edition of  Pecha-Kucha Night (=chit-chat in Japanese).

The concept is simple: 20 images X 20 seconds.  Not really knowing what to expect (I had missed but heard a lot about the first three) I made my way through the crowd and managed to find a spot (not a seat, there were none left!) where I could see most of the screen. Starting with series of images taken from the Big Picture, a website that “depicts the extreme in Humanity and the world around us” (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/) the first speaker lead the way in front of a supportive and joyful crowd (maybe the wine that was served in the entrance helped a little!).

There followed a vehement politician basing his campaign on our poorly architecturally designed public spaces, a passionate Maori wood carver, an absolutely hilarious deaf squash player (have you already thought on how hard it would be to play a game of squash not hearing the ball? You could get hurt, hence the six shots to show where!), a poet-illustrator and an American Reverend parodying the myth of Adam and Eve to present his bible-study blog.

We travelled to India and were introduced to the concept of Acupuncture Architecture (http://www.urbanouveau.com/?/projects/acupuncture-architecture/), plunged into the Whangateau Harbour together with a dedicated marine biologist. We felt for the people of Timor Leste -Est Timor-, who fought for democracy after being occupied by the Portuguese and  Indonesia for 450 years.

As it was getting late we were asked to cover our children’s ears so we could listen to some adult Short-Stories (“Animal-Behavior” by Michelle Elvy). It all ended with what was supposedly a first in the country: two completely out-there local actors commenting upon 20 -great- shots they had never seen before!

(photos by Alivia Carrington-Hall….I just loved her work!)

My coup-de-coeur was the Jaki George-Tunicliff’s, “A Matter of Perspective” which was a presentation on her family and work life and a reflection of the ripple effect that any of our positive action can have on our family and community.

We thought and laughed, dreamed and travelled together that night.

Peka Chuka is an inspiring event that reinforced my feeling of belonging to a creative and diverse community. I left the room with some powerful images mixed-up with inspirational quotes in my head…as well as one question. What will I choose to talk about when I’m presenting!?