By William Van Zyl (Published in November 2023) In this article, I provide a rich resource for artists, designers, teachers and design students. I include a short clothing and fashion design overview over the past 700 years of Māori in New Zealand. I start with traditional clothing and then progress to AI-inspired clothing—a modern and… Continue reading AI-Inspired Māori Fashion.
Category: Writing
Writing skills, ideas, concepts and more. Articles and eBooks.
Forever Buck Knife.
By William Van Zyl (Published 27 November 2023) You will be surprised to read what is written on the little pamphlet in the box of a new Buck Pocket Knife. There is something very unique about it. I will also show you a picture of my hunter’s knife from 40 years ago and my stunning… Continue reading Forever Buck Knife.
Vegvisir – Viking Compass and Kristi Kors: A Tale of Rescue.
By William Van Zyl (Published in October 2023). Have you ever been in a life-or-death situation? Have you ever been at a crossroad in your life? Are despondency and mental health issues plaguing you? Are you sick, have you received a devastating health report? Do you have to make a sacrifice? The Vikings had a… Continue reading Vegvisir – Viking Compass and Kristi Kors: A Tale of Rescue.
Navigating Stormy Seas: The Runic Compass (Vegvisir) as a Guiding Light.
By William Van Zyl (Published in October 2023) ‘Call me Agnarok’. Let me tell you about that fateful day in the Winter of 1016. A primal tempest, a symphony of chaos, bellowed its fury upon the Viking longship, an ageing behemoth defiantly marked by the snarling dragon carved upon its bow. In their unrestrained wrath,… Continue reading Navigating Stormy Seas: The Runic Compass (Vegvisir) as a Guiding Light.
The Art of Zines: A Creative Exploration.
By William Van Zyl Published on 5 October 2023. Short intro video: Creating a small blank zine booklet in under 30 seconds – from one size A4 page (magaZINE). Link the video: https://youtu.be/ab4O9SWNl9g?feature=shared Introduction In the vibrant world of artistic expression, zines emerge as unique and personal avenues for self-publishing. Originating from the punk subculture… Continue reading The Art of Zines: A Creative Exploration.
Goliath’s Sword.
By William Van Zyl (published on 4 September 2023). Goliath fell to the ground like a heavy rock. The muffled cracking sound of his calvaria shocked everyone. The air was hot and dusty. The ominous sky – filled with jeering and shouting – kept the birds of prey at a distance. Blood slowly appeared between… Continue reading Goliath’s Sword.
How to Become Hugely Successful.
By William Van Zyl (Published on 3 September 2023) Becoming successful is a complex and often individualised journey; there is no one-size-fits-all formula for achieving it. You will need people, you will need well-developed skills, an opportunity, you will have to make some bold decisions, you will have to consider taking some risks, good timing,… Continue reading How to Become Hugely Successful.
Māori Architecture and the Use of Colour.
By William Van Zyl (Edited – 22 December 2023) In this compact eBook, I look at colour and Māori architectural design. The resource is also useful to designers and artists – providing a rich background of Māori colours. Everyone interested in Global Architecture – and art and design – will find this book helpful. The… Continue reading Māori Architecture and the Use of Colour.
Māori Design Principles versus Western Design Principles – comparing and contrasting.
By William Van Zyl (published 20 August 2023). For Designers, artists, architects, and Design and Visual Communication (DVC) students. This article provides an overview of an indigenous culture’s design approach: New Zealand Māori. I contrast and compare this cultural and spiritual approach with a typical Western World Design approach. It sheds light on the Māori… Continue reading Māori Design Principles versus Western Design Principles – comparing and contrasting.
Placenta and the Māori Worldview.
By William Van Zyl (Published 21 Aug 2023). I provide a short overview and exploration of Māori and other cultures’ placenta practices worldwide. This short article/book provides a rich canvas for artists, designers, architects and Design and Visual Communication students (DVC). The article/eBook is also handy for the new curriculum 2024 New Zealand – NCEA… Continue reading Placenta and the Māori Worldview.
Crocodile Skin reads Braille in the Dark.
By William van Zyl Published on 11 August 2023 The BBC’s documentary on The Secrets of Skin – specifically the skin of animals – is simply stunning. See the link at the end. What stood out for me was the crocodile’s jaws, which are lined with sensory pits and other multisensory organs. These amazingly well-designed… Continue reading Crocodile Skin reads Braille in the Dark.
A Pellet in my Mallet
By William Van Zyl Published in June 2023 ‘Whizz – plink – swoosh – whirr!’ That sound? Imagine target shooting with an air rifle. A pellet strikes one of the small metal levers hanging from a wire frame. Because the lever is lightweight, it spins round and round when the projectile hits the lever. Then,… Continue reading A Pellet in my Mallet
Could AI (ChatGPT) mark and comment on my writing work? Could the ‘Machine’ provide critical feedback?
By William Van Zyl Published 5 June 2023 Should you approach AI (ChatGPT) seeking an evaluation of your written work and requesting feedback, what would this reading machine offer in response? Curiosity piqued, would you like to discover what lies in store? I will not waste any time; here is my question and the response… Continue reading Could AI (ChatGPT) mark and comment on my writing work? Could the ‘Machine’ provide critical feedback?
Actual AI tools for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and Educators.
By William Van Zyl. Published 4 June 2023. I have been investigating AI’s potential for teachers, parents and homeschooling parents. I have summarised my finding for you in a convenient list form. I have also included a visual summary of 30 tools. Yes, I have said 30 different tools which could make the life of… Continue reading Actual AI tools for teachers, parents, homeschoolers and Educators.
Swallowing a Bicycle Wheel, Fishline, and Ballast.
By William Van Zyl Published on 20 May 2023 At 6:05 am, the two workmen in their high-vis vests were on duty in the street that runs past the Banco Rio in Buenos Aires. The lid of the maintenance hole situated in the road – on the side, out of the main traffic flow –… Continue reading Swallowing a Bicycle Wheel, Fishline, and Ballast.
The Weight of Words
By William Van Zyl Published in May 2023 Credit image: Contemporary Art by Sefira Lightstone – Golden Calf. In a tent in the hot desert somewhere in the middle east, a young girl – adorned with gold and silver jewellery around her neck, wrists, ankles and hair – turned and looked into a polished bronze… Continue reading The Weight of Words
Crushing: An Unexpected Route to Greatness.
Published on June 20, 2019. By William Van Zyl Want to hear about the life story of someone who started at the very bottom and ended up at the top. Here is an exciting story of someone who followed a different path. Or, maybe not so unfamiliar. Ever thought about the invitation to become a… Continue reading Crushing: An Unexpected Route to Greatness.
LESSONS ON GREATNESS: THE LIFE OF LUCIANO PAVAROTTI.
By William Van Zyl Published in 2019. Contents Introduction. 5 Lesson #1: Keep the family together – always try to reconcile – never give up. 7 The Jailhouse Principle: 8 Lesson #2: Love people, trust people. 9 Lesson #3: Show compassion, help people – be selfless. 10 Lesson #4: Be humble and honest; enjoy the… Continue reading LESSONS ON GREATNESS: THE LIFE OF LUCIANO PAVAROTTI.
True stories with unfathomable depth, rich cultural variations, and extensive contexts will develop creativity in young children.
By William Van Zyl Published in April 2023 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uh8kj-13eb31d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7 ‘The stories from the Bible are too violent for my young children,’ said the caring mum. ‘I prefer different stories which do not include violence,’ said another mum. ‘The stories from the Bible are probably the best stories you can ever tell… Continue reading True stories with unfathomable depth, rich cultural variations, and extensive contexts will develop creativity in young children.
When stories lose their lustre, and children’s creativity and innovation plummet.
By William Van Zyl Published in March 2023 Listen to the podcast: https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8eq4i-13eb655-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7 “I am tired of all these Bible stories. Reading the devotionals and doing these prayers all the time is too much for me!?” said the young Alexander. “You will sit down and read the Bible Story; you will listen and pray before… Continue reading When stories lose their lustre, and children’s creativity and innovation plummet.