Vinson Lim

The Meaning of Art (Vinson Lim, photographer, videographer, designer, entrepreneur interview)

Posted on by Tim Kuefler

Human beings have a knack for finding meaning in just about anything. It’s supposedly in our collective nature to assign those meanings so that we can make the world around us just a little more clearer and lovely.

We don’t do this to grow into some ultimate truth, but because there is just far too much information to take in at any given moment. And consequently understanding each other isn’t any easier as we age. Loving people, reducing a need for gratification, overcoming fears (and a host of other insecurities), and accepting ourselves are all important lifestyle choices in the quest for meaning.

But what if you are a creative person?

Vinson Lim generally takes the position that being an artist shouldn’t elevate you above other humans beings, it really should only work as an expression of self… and at the core of his answers is the theme of acceptance in life. By letting go of hate, and truly being present at all times, that’s when we are able to create interesting work.

Whether it’s through a practice of meditation, as addressed in the interview preview, or by simply spending time with our families, Vinse accepts that his art will always be evolving based on how he is living his life.

And he is especially aware of this having just entered into fatherhood for the first time. But unlike so many other creative people, his art doesn’t inform his life choices, but rather his life choices determine how he demonstrates his creativity.

Vinse might be acting as a photographer today, but he is willing to switch hats on the fly to access his videography skills, graphic design education or even to play some music for friends and family.

I’m not going to give away his viewpoints on the meaning of life, art, and everything in-between. But I can say with utmost confidence, that this interview will make you think, and we’re both hoping that just might make you feel too.

I think you’ll learn something from Mr. Lim

theories Summarized

I always find it cathartic to have a heavier discussion on the meaning of it all, dear readers. I hope that this interview resonated the same way for you.

But even if it didn’t, please let us know what you thought of the interview! What was your favourite question? Do you agree with what Vinson Lim said? Do you disagree? He is a very talented photographer, so if  you’re interested, feel free to check out his Facebook page, Instagram, and website for yourself! The meaning of life might still be one of the greatest questions of all time, but dammit if Vinse isn’t fascinating to listen to.

And special thanks to Vinse for being vibrant, vulnerable and virtuous. Without his thoughts on the meaning of it all, I might not have come to the realization that being positive and standing in my truth isn’t enough, it’s important to reach out to the lost and the lonely too. A pretty good theory.

Tim!

Meditate On This (Vinson Lim interview preview)

Posted on by Tim Kuefler

There is a lot to be said about the importance of discipline, meditation and reflecting on your creative projects upon completion… Whether you shoot video, take photos, design logos or any of the other convention commercial arts, timelines and making the work count is a necessary evil of the job. People pay for expertise, and so you have to look at your art as a business in order to satisfy client needs, but what about the importance of inspiration?

Vinson Lim has come to accept that you need a healthy dose of both in order to achieve greatness as an artist. Truly talented individuals can live in the moment all they way, and produce high volumes of work too, but it’s even more important to take care of your health, and develop intelligent practices to maintain the workflow for years to come.

And so I asked Vinse the question – how often do you find yourself in a state of meditation when you work?

I wanted to see if he actively reflects on life or if there is simply rituals in place that fuel the fire and keep things going even when the spark of youth has left us. This is just a taste of our broader discussion on spiritual alignment, but I promise you’ll get a lot out of hearing what Vinse has done over more then a decade of shooting fashion photography, commercial product photos, living the weekend warrior life of wedding photography, and make artistic work too.

It’s an amazing introduction to the topic of spiritual alignment, and while this might be considered a heavy topic, Vinse has a great ability to present his thoughts in a meaningful way. But enough from me, it’s time for you to watch the video and see for yourself.

theories Summarized

Fun fact, I’ve known Vinse for quite a few years now, but it has been a while since we’ve been in touch. I’m truly impressed with how much he has matured in half a decade, taking on husband duties and now a father as well. But I’d rather not go into those details just yet, better to save them for the official interview, which I will be releasing next week!

That said, if you’ve enjoyed this introductory question and answer on the importance of meditation, please like and share the video, and of course leave some comments if anything really stood out or if you’ve got a good example of balancing inspiration and ritual in your own artistic practice.

More theories on the way, especially with this Our Lady Peace review coming out tomorrow! Check back soon!

Tim!

Here Goes The Bloom (timotheories May 2017)

Posted on by Tim Kuefler

 

Keeping it brief today friends, it’s May the fourth after all. I’d rather let things go down the way they’re supposed to.

And yes, that is a cheesy graphic, but I honestly could not find much better for the joke in the way of license free content. So deal with it. And if you’re that unimpressed, there’s always the return of the fifth.

*Disclaimer* As always, every week I purchase an album and movie one week ahead of the actual review release and while I have the best intentions, I don’t always get what I want… so if you follow me on instagram (@timotheories) you can actually see what’s coming.

timotheories summarized – May

Stimulating Sundays – (05/07) Cross Talk. Ep 25, (05/14) Cross Talk Ep. 26, (05/21) Amanda Wall preview interview, (05/28) Amanda Wall interview
Melodic Mondays – (05/01) Arca, (05/08) Gorillaz, (05/15) Willie Nelson, (05/22) Wilsen, (05/29) Joan Shelley
Theatrical Tuesdays – (05/02) La La Land, (05/09) Ocean Waves, (05/16) Lion (05/23) Hidden Figures (05/30) Logan
Wisdom Wednesdays – (05/03) …, (05/10) Moving Along, (05/17) Arnold Schwarzenegger pt. 2, (05/24) Safety (05/31) Work-life Balance
Timely Thursday – (05/04) timotheories May, (05/11) Mothers Day, (05/18) Victoria Day, (05/25) Edmonton Valley Zoo

It probably seems like I’m never going to share another interview again, does it dear readers?

The last time I put one up was in January, and it’s now May. According to my original plan of one interview a month minimum, I’ve really shit the bed this year. But it’s not all for naught… I do have 6 interviews in the works, 5 of them already have passed the screening test, and one of them is on it’s way… plus I’ve got some feelers out there for additional interviews. So please stay patient!

I’m recording Amanda’s interview this weekend, so that’s happening in May. Plus, Alex Racine is waiting in the wings, and I have Vinse, Brendon, and Colin raring to go as well. But more on them later. And I’m particularly excited about Brendon, as his interview leads us into more campfire stories, for sure.

On top of that, I have five episodes of Watch Culture recorded and ready to release… so watch for those. I might have to share them on Fridays or Saturdays? The first intro video will be fun too, I promise.

Next, we have 2 more Cross Talk episodes in the can that speak to the genre defying themes topic we’ve gotten such good feedback on previously – Good VS Evil and Overcoming Differences. I’m so excited about them, I kind of just want to release them both ASAP.

And Just ‘n Time Games is also waiting in the wings… when are those coming you ask? May be May, maybe?

Good album reviews and films too! I have lots of theories on Logan, for instance. And It also appears that we have reached the end of the road on the Postconsumers inspired posts, so I may just have to come up with some new Wisdom Wednesday topics.

May the fourth be with you, creative cuties.

Tim!