Cafés have become a third space for many that are have little space of their own to host friends or might feel inadequate in hosting gatherings in their own home. It’s a neutral space that can become a “private”place. It’s also become a retreat or as you describe an oasis to indulge in affordable luxuries such as a specialty coffee or a decadent pastry.
As well, by just plugging in some earphones and connecting to public wifi, some can be all setup for their private affairs of work or pleasure in a very public setting.
I sometimes frequent Breka 24 hour bakery café early in the morning before the city wakes up to read a chapter or two of a book before heading into my Taichi practice at a nearby park.
We need more mixed use spaces where small businesses like The Mighty Oak disrupts the quiet residential neighbourhood with the small of fresh-brewed coffee and just out-of-the-oven croissants!
I absolutely agree, Barry. More mixed-use spaces would be wonderful. I think I am going to spend some more time at the Mighty Oak to notice the people who drop in. Let's get a coffee somewhere, I'm an early riser too!
Nishant! I adored adored adored your Substack Grow share-out. Excited to follow along with your art and observations. The voice behind your work is really, really lovely. Thanks for the extra insights in the illustration breakout room too. Will see how my first paid-only post goes 👀
In Japan we have jazz cafes and "classic" cafes where jazz and classical music fans listen to their favorite tunes while sipping coffee or tea. They just sit there and listen. Or read, though the light in some places is so dim you can hardly decipher the words on the page. Also, in a lot of these places, chatting is strictly verboten. Unfortunately these cafes are fast disappearing.
Love this! Cafes have been my go-to for a good fifteen years when it comes to meetings, catching up etc.... There is something about growing in community with another person or two while surrounded by the ambiance and sense of community (even if everyone else is a stranger). I think, too, about how many times I go to cafes by myself to get creative work done and how creativity always requires motion (as opposed to sitting around waiting for inspiration). If you want to write something great, then start writing. Draw, then draw. Etc...Does the motion of a cafe space (and all the people moving about etc) have a way of prompting forth creativity? Thanks again for this!
In my experience, small elements of chaos feed the creative process. The background ambience of a cafe works perfectly. And cafes have served this purpose for a very long time indeed!
Related, I read a fascinating book - At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell.
oh wow....just checked the reviews out on this book. What a cafe! And what a timely idea for our time. Also very intrigued by the deeply human approach she takes. Thanks!
Public spaces that support our private lives are shimmering pools among the stones. Just imagine all the intimate things that happen to us in such spaces. As we write, chat with friends, learn new things, create our work and re-centre ourselves, we also break up, share our grief, propose unions, express our hearts and plan our futures.
In cafés, museums, parks and vistas, we stop and string another pearl on the strands of our lives. Life without such places is unimaginable.
And in seconds, with words, pen and ink, you transported us to that quiet haven. Now that is, indeed, sneaky art. 😉
Cafés have become a third space for many that are have little space of their own to host friends or might feel inadequate in hosting gatherings in their own home. It’s a neutral space that can become a “private”place. It’s also become a retreat or as you describe an oasis to indulge in affordable luxuries such as a specialty coffee or a decadent pastry.
As well, by just plugging in some earphones and connecting to public wifi, some can be all setup for their private affairs of work or pleasure in a very public setting.
I sometimes frequent Breka 24 hour bakery café early in the morning before the city wakes up to read a chapter or two of a book before heading into my Taichi practice at a nearby park.
We need more mixed use spaces where small businesses like The Mighty Oak disrupts the quiet residential neighbourhood with the small of fresh-brewed coffee and just out-of-the-oven croissants!
I absolutely agree, Barry. More mixed-use spaces would be wonderful. I think I am going to spend some more time at the Mighty Oak to notice the people who drop in. Let's get a coffee somewhere, I'm an early riser too!
Let’s set a place and time. I’ll message you via IG.
Nishant! I adored adored adored your Substack Grow share-out. Excited to follow along with your art and observations. The voice behind your work is really, really lovely. Thanks for the extra insights in the illustration breakout room too. Will see how my first paid-only post goes 👀
So good to speak with you, Tatiana! And I'm glad to find your work too. 😊
In Japan we have jazz cafes and "classic" cafes where jazz and classical music fans listen to their favorite tunes while sipping coffee or tea. They just sit there and listen. Or read, though the light in some places is so dim you can hardly decipher the words on the page. Also, in a lot of these places, chatting is strictly verboten. Unfortunately these cafes are fast disappearing.
I would absolutely love to visit a themed cafe like that. It's a nice way to be peacefully alone in a crowd.
Love this! Cafes have been my go-to for a good fifteen years when it comes to meetings, catching up etc.... There is something about growing in community with another person or two while surrounded by the ambiance and sense of community (even if everyone else is a stranger). I think, too, about how many times I go to cafes by myself to get creative work done and how creativity always requires motion (as opposed to sitting around waiting for inspiration). If you want to write something great, then start writing. Draw, then draw. Etc...Does the motion of a cafe space (and all the people moving about etc) have a way of prompting forth creativity? Thanks again for this!
In my experience, small elements of chaos feed the creative process. The background ambience of a cafe works perfectly. And cafes have served this purpose for a very long time indeed!
Related, I read a fascinating book - At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell.
oh wow....just checked the reviews out on this book. What a cafe! And what a timely idea for our time. Also very intrigued by the deeply human approach she takes. Thanks!
Public spaces that support our private lives are shimmering pools among the stones. Just imagine all the intimate things that happen to us in such spaces. As we write, chat with friends, learn new things, create our work and re-centre ourselves, we also break up, share our grief, propose unions, express our hearts and plan our futures.
In cafés, museums, parks and vistas, we stop and string another pearl on the strands of our lives. Life without such places is unimaginable.
And in seconds, with words, pen and ink, you transported us to that quiet haven. Now that is, indeed, sneaky art. 😉
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. You have captured the essence of what I aim to do with my art. And I am glad to share it with you. 🙏🏼