Glug Melbourne tackles ‘Creativity in times of conflict’ at its recent industry event
Industry networking group Glug successfully wrapped up its first ever Melbourne event last month, hosted at The Bowery Locksmith, where insightful discussion was facilitated on the impact of conflict on creativity.
Glug is a global series of events for the international design and creative community. Based around a series of talks and informal networking, an eclectic mix of people gather from all creative walks of life; from digital design, illustration, media and advertising, through to fashion, film, art and music.
Glug Melbourne explored the theme ‘Creativity in Times of Conflict’, featuring three creative speakers who discussed how, sometimes, the most tense or difficult situations can lead to the most incredible creative output.
Sponsored by BWM Dentsu and Pixel, the companies got involved to help promote debate and critical thinking in the creative community at a time of ‘echo chambers’, ‘fake news’ and rising global tension.
The evening was kicked off by Kevin Tran, creative director, artist, streetwear-label founder and second-generation Vietnamese, who spoke about how his parents’ post-Vietnam war mindset has fueled his creative drive over the course of his career.
Says Tran: “After escaping the trauma of war, my parents chose a timid life in suburban Sydney. Their experiences of conflict shaped a world-view where safety and stability were paramount. This heightened conservatism has led to cultural and generational tension between my parents and me; a friction point that has become a positive catalyst for my creative expression.”
Fresh from completing their first pilot for ABC and Screen Australia, Jessie Oldfield and Adam Murfet, directors and founders of film production company CKOL Studio, discussed how they depend on friction in their personal relationship for creative output.
Says Oldfield: “At first we found conflict to be a necessary evil as part of the creative process, but we soon realised that this tension is actually what creates the very best ideas.”
Says Murfet: “Exactly – compromise leads to neither person being happy. Conflict can lead to something else entirely new.”
Glug also explored how creativity can come from societal conflict.
Heather Morrison discussed how people with disability often find their needs forgotten in product development. It was exactly this situation that led her and her brother (who has Cerebral Palsy) to develop a range of sex toys for people with disabilities, working in partnership with RMIT.
Says Morrison: “My brother is a sex-positive activist for the disabled community, and he drew my attention to this unmet need. I couldn’t believe that nothing existed in the marketplace, leaving so many people with disabilities unable to self-pleasure. Everyone has the right get off!”
In true Glug style, the evening concluded with drinks and informal networking. For more detail on upcoming Glug events, visit the website: https://www.glugevents.com/.
