An unusual talk by GFDA at Loft Interiors in Naxxar
Well, I shall have to explain what GFDA stands for, for a start. It is not an acronym I am familiar with but there are always discoveries to be made by those interested enough. It stands for Good Fucking Design Advice I was soon to learn. It seems to me the f.... word gains popularity as every day goes by. I can't get myself to say it, even to some to whom I would very happily say: 'yes, F....off once and for all'...and add a few more expletives but I only give vent to these disgraceful urges in the intimacy of my bathroom.
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Well, I went to Loft Interiors to find out about GDFA. There was going to be a talk by the 'infamous' design duo from the U.S., Brian Burige and Jason Bacher. I was enticed because I love the ambience of Loft and had been to its opening some three years ago. Since then Josette Schembri Vella, its director had also launched a café and this was an excellent occasion to go and see it.
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Josette lived in Canada for a number of years and trained in Interior design there. From what I have seen of her work, quite by accident, she has an impeccable eye.
Her boutique or studio, because I cannot get myself to call it a mere shop, is a veritable treasure trove. Once you step inside you get the urge to go back home, auction your furniture and start all over again. But it is an urge I have to discard for a number of reasons.
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So, Loft was filled to capacity the evening of the talk and the speakers certainly did not disappoint. On the contrary. They gave us a power-point presentation as they took it in turns to speak. They were witty, spoke clearly and informally and backed their anecdotes with visuals. There was no chance of getting bored.
They told us how they turned their trail of disasters in business into positives and business lessons. This duo have been through 'the mill', and now, following their experience and with their positive attitude they have spearheaded their million-dollar design and motivational company worldwide. Indeed they have travelled round the world.
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There is a flourishing design community in Malta and many of them, like Josette, have been trained formally. They were present at that talk, together with many others, like me, who attended because it sounded interesting and different.
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Members of the audience were encouraged to 'let-go' of bad habits and fears and rise to the challenge; to learn to take risks and to be themselves as we are all unique. To quote Oscar Wilde: 'Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.'
The Ohio-based Brian and Jason wrapped some hilariously embarrassing stories in some very sound advice.
Over the last seven years this duo have sold t-shirts, mugs, prints and other items, all adorning their typical tongue-in-cheek mantras. Their creations are popular and do not take long to sell out.
They believe that the true value of creative work is borne from uncertainty, that innovative ideas come from the scrapes and cuts earned in exploring unchartered territory and that risk is the shortest path to growth.
They have grit. They encouraged members of the audience to take risks that matter and break a few rules along the way. "GFDA is living proof that leadership comes by having an opinion and brass balls," they said.
This was not the right evening to sample the Café and its goodies as once the talk was over, the audience spilled outside for drinks, canapés and other delicacies prepared by the Café.
Josette told me that the Café also has wifi for those who get withdrawal symptoms if wifi is not near enough.
I have to drop in and sample their coffee and admire their collection of beautiful things before it gets too hot. The weather I mean, not the coffee.
Lovely evening.
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