Artists in San Francisco for Japan Relief

 

by Walt Carvalho

The tragic events over the last few weeks have reminded us of how fragile the living experience can be. I know for myself, the pain and suffering the people of Japan have endured and continue to endure is incomprehensible.

As we witness the ongoing events that unravel every day as this brave Japanese society rebuilds and mourns the loss of family and friends, we also see the desire for so many around the world to help those in need.

A remarkable effort has come to my attention. This monumental effort is being organized and executed by many young people with the hope of providing aid and relief for Japanese victims by the sales of art created by at least eighty-four artists displaying art over two venues in San Francisco, CA. Media sponsors Society Theory and Warholian.com will be covering the event.

The events are as follows:

Date/Time: Sat, April 2nd

                  7pm – 12am

Venues: Gallery Heist + Kokoro Studio

Locations: Gallery Heist: 679 Geary St, SF

                Kokoro Studio: 682 Geary St. SF

Japanese and American artists will be joining in an effort to generate funds for Japan relief. RISE JAPAN will be an art exhibit shown by San Francisco art galleries: Gallery Heist and Kokoro Studio in response to the massive tragedy Japan faced as a result of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami disaster Japan has endured. All artwork will sell for $100 or below. All proceeds will be donated to Give2Asia.com: Artists Help Japan – Earthquakes&Tsunami 2011.

For more information, visit http://give2asia.org/artistshelp

theCarvalhoGroup.com

twitter/waltcarvalho | twitter/carvalhogroup | facebook/the carvalho group

Hawaii Braces After Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

by Walt Carvalho

Japan suffered a huge disaster; Friday afternoon their time, as an 8.9 earthquake combined with a massive tsunami caused considerable damage involving much of the country. Twitter alerted users as news broke of the disaster. Tweets were being posted with notifications and video links. Facebook opened discussions regarding images coming out of Japan. Facebook posts also provided major concerns for family and friends living in Japan at the time of the horrible disaster.

Japan unfortunately, lost digital coverage in areas where they suffered great devastation. Losing digital communication could prove disastrous in recovering victims in remote areas since the tsunami carried homes, cars, boats and probably people far from initial contact with the massive waves measuring up to thirty feet.

Japan could be looking at aftershocks lasting for weeks. There has been over sixty-five aftershocks within the first day almost all of them measuring over 5.0.

Airports throughout Japan, including Tokyo, were shut down due to damage.

The world has been watching in shock as information coming out of Japan is producing so many different videos and images of the horror experienced by so many.

The effects of the earthquake and tsunami are now involving other areas in the Pacific. Hawaii is bracing for potential damage and destruction as the energy has traveled across the ocean with Hawaii being in its path.

We hope for the safety of all involved in this major disaster. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Photo: Special thanks to flickr/creative commons

Beyond Digital Borders

By Walt Carvalho

There isn’t a day that goes by where something new doesn’t grab my attention because of its genius or creative innovation. I’ll usually find it in a tweet, linking me to a cool site, which someone has just launched. It may come from a facebook post, where a group of people has gotten together to accomplish something special. It could be the result of a blog post, as a writer shares an idea that moves people to make his dream a reality. One thing for sure - there are some amazing things taking place in our world today.

Greatness is decided at a crossroad. One path, appearing easy, will take you to mediocrity. The other is a new road built by growth, innovation and creativity. Passionate people are usually behind many of the marvelous digital advances we see today. They continue to design and build with vision as digital communities grow.

We are now, as a society, building the groundwork. Our new technology and the digital marketing knowledge we are acquiring will enable us to compete in an online worldwide marketplace. Governments who fear the power of social networking, causing them to shut down Internet resources, will find their illusions of control over their citizens as a means that will cause failure in their economic success in the near future. Businesses everywhere are becoming social.

Social Business is being supported by Social Consumers. This consumer base is growing larger by the day. They are driven not only by social media sites but also by other digital media which allows them access to information about products and services within their networking circles. They now have social and digital access everywhere and anywhere a web connect can be found.

It’s a common human trait to protect what is. There’s the comfort of the status quo. There’s the security of having a vision, which looks to the past. On the other hand, there are the passionate innovators and the many passionate users of the digital products and services they develop. One group is huddled staring at each other while the other group is becoming the future.

Get Creative. Get Social.

Photo: Thanks to - flickr/creativecommons/mindluge

Today’s Embraced Mobile Access

by Walt Carvalho

Mobile device use is on the rise. Leading the surge is the very competitive smart phone market. There are two reasons for the surge in usage. First, there is now easier access to the Internet. Second, there is a vast array of mobile apps flooding the mobile scene. Something, which is very interesting with this transitional period we are living through, is the fact that not only is there the rapid growth of the marketplace but interestingly, how easily and quickly the public is embracing the change.

It is predicted that by the year 2014, there will be greater Internet access using mobile devices, such as smart phones and iPads, than there will be using desktop and notebook computers combined. There is no coincidence that Apple announced such high quarterly earnings this week. Spiked sales in iPads this past holiday season was a big reason for Apple’s success this last quarter, as it has also enjoyed over the entire year.

There is no feature more responsible for this popularity of mobile devices than the mobile app. Easy mobile app availability has resulted in a bond, which the public is now embracing with mobile. People have come to realize that within the palm of their hand is a handy array of digital tools that have the ability to do common tasks, which improves their lives and saves them time. People are able to easily access the Internet while performing functions on their phones as they move through life. This capability alone, of being able to get things done while on the move has become a very enticing lure to many new people coming on board.

True, mobile devices and mobile apps have been around for a while. What we see now however is this combination is now becoming a normalcy. It’s becoming common. It’s becoming the way things are naturally done on a daily basis for all ages. People now take what they know and what they can instantly access online with them wherever they go.

Get Creative. Get Social.

Photo: Christian Steen Flickr/CreativeCommons

The New Year

by Walt Carvalho

As the cold air of Lake Erie bring freezing winds to the eastern states, snow and ice continues to bring the brunt of winter as well as the end of a remarkable year.

Monumental snowfall and chilling temperatures greet the Midwest, while the West sees it’s winter rain as the Sierras find it’s cover of snow.

Winter brings so many different feelings and views this year. 2010 has brought with it, so many different experiences. As we reflect on the past year we are reminded of so many stories of loss. 2010 was a year of change for so many. Whether the difficulties came from previous investments lost or maybe the reduced size of their workplace, people have decided to make the change happen. The change has happened within them.

The people focused on the spring season ahead seem to realize their need to become something fresh and new. Instead of focusing on temporary loss, they are focused on new knowledge and inspiration to create a new person with new vision and promise.

The great success stories of 2011 and beyond are not just reserved for those who have found safety and comfort in these last years, but if history repeats itself it will come from people who have met extreme challenges head on and overcame them. That is the grizzle that makes extraordinary happen.

So, as we all look through the snow laden branches of pine to catch a glimpse of the warm sun ahead, let’s look within ourselves at the promise which lays ahead.

Wishing everyone a truly Happy and Successful New Year!

Get Creative. Get Social.

Photo: SuperFantastic – flickr/creative commons