local artists - geekfest jeddah gamma

... took place yesterday. 

The idea was great! Like-minded, yet original types, that are passionate about various things, came together, could network and possibly collaborate on future projects. And, not feel so alone!

I was able to connect with quite a few crocheters. One wants to yarn-bomb. One has lots of ideas for the plastic crochet project. So many want to get involved! It's exciting! The organisers or "UNorganizers" where friendly and helpful and made us feel right at home. 

There were geektalks about Arabic sci-fi, gamer girls in Riyadh, community-building and design. The last one was presented by one of the TechnoCases, Graphyte, a local Graphic Design company. The geektalks were interesting but I found that last one, the most interactive, interesting, funny and one that I could relate to most. They even had a comic-making activity. I felt that one of the speakers really hit the nail on the head about creativity, when he mentioned that not being in the habit of creating, hinders creativity. But everyone can be creative! One of the designers also mentioned a couple of books that anyone interested in design should check out:

• Thinkertoys - by a regular contributor of this great site!
• Change By Design - by a great speaker on TED [More on this later in sha Allah!]

Another TechnoCase, Samsung had smart TVs around the venue (one of which was used for an Angry Birds competition!) and they have a Samsung TV app development contest on too! 

TechnoCase 3, Virgin provided GeekFest with some of their products and hosted another meet -up today (Friday 12th October).

All in all, it was a great event and I think there was something in it for all geek-types in Jeddah, venturing out to connect with others. Although there was artwork displayed, I unfortunately didn't notice it, as the venue itself houses so many vintage pieces on display. Speaking of which, I loved the feel of The Store. Although it's a clothes shop, I'd love to pay another visit, just to relax in the cafe! 

* Yes, I'm still blogging!

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my creative space - geeky excitement and hooking for a cause

After the major hooking session last week (panic crochet or what?), things have been a bit light. A friend had asked for some hairbands. I think the added pony tail bands should give the right amount of elasticity. In sha Allah!

And I've been playing with more plastic. For now, let me show you one project idea: 

 Recycling plastic coated hangers AND plastic bags for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 

We're hoping to come up with crochet designs using plastic bags (which we have so much of here!) that impoverished women can be to taught to make and then sell. A Jeddah organisation called Ateeq will help with marketing and another organisation called Rawaj is providing a venue for workshops. Would you like to help out? Email me or leave me a comment, if you think you would!

And today's the day!!! Geekfest Gamma here we come! Of course, I'll tell you all about it! 

For now, check out more creative spaces here! And blogtoberfest here!

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local artists (and geeks) - geekfest gamma!

Geekfest Jeddah is just days away! A gathering of geeks! Here in Jeddah! My kids have asked me a number of times, "What's a geek?" and I've always said something along the lines of "someone who's passionate about something, so passionate about it, they want to talk about it ... all the time ... in detail ... it's cool ..." by this time, they're probably thinking "You're being geeky about Geekfest"! 

Poster by Graphytes

Now, I never really thought of myself as a "geek" but I know that if I find someone who loves what I love, I can go on and on about it. Obviously, I blog about most of these things. But one of my passions that I don't go in to too much detail about here, is Graphic Design. I think it's because I tend to look at it as a "job" ... even though it's not my job ... really. But I would love to meet other designers and artists in general! So I'm quite excited about that part of it. 

This will be Geekfest Gamma, held at 5 pm to 10 pm on Thursday 11th October at The Store, Jeddah, so of course there has to have been an Alpha and Beta, which I couldn't get to. But hey, in sha Allah, I will be there this time! If you're in Jeddah and also have geeky tendencies, check out the facebook page! It's by invitation only! You can follow on twitter or instagram too! Have a look and you'll se why I'm excited! 

There will be ArtStuff, GeekTalks, GameFest, something to eat and drink of course and TechnoCases (companies that will be participating). At the Gamma, the TechnoCases are Samsung, Virgin Megastore and Graphytes, a local design company that seem to have a great workshop lined up! Can't wait!

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