Habitus Magazine | Issue 25

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In 1928, the Russian scholar, Vladimir Propp published Morphology of the Folk Tale, a study of how folk stories are structured.
It is one of the most important books ever written because it reveals how stories are – to use modern terminology – hard-wired into the human brain. They won’t admit it, but every Hollywood scriptwriter ultimately depends on Propp for their craft.

You don’t have to dig down very far into the sub-text to notice that Habitus is very much about story-telling. Sometimes, the story is directly personal, as when we profile creative people from around the Region. At other times it is more indirect as we look at how people’s homes tell their story – and provide the means for further story-telling as families grow and evolve in their homes. We have quite a bit of both in this issue, but I am particularly pleased with our Portraits because each of the individuals has taken their own unique trajectory. In fact, each has a constantly evolving story almost to the point of discovering what they want to be as they go.

Vachira Tongrow in Bangkok represents a fascinating, almost underground, movement in the Region. In this global age of apparent universal conformity, there are more and more creative people exploring the applicability of traditional cultures to contemporary living, whether it be architecture, product design or the clothes we wear. In this respect, keep an eye open for Habitus #26 when we profile Kenneth Cobonpue, designer extraordinaire from the Philippines.

Brian Parkes in Adelaide has gradually discovered his role as a facilitator, while Shane Thompson in Brisbane has married a way of life with his re-birth as an architect. Meanwhile, in Germany, the legendary Faber-Castell, maker of those wonderful colour pencils, is a family company which is committed to permanent renewal and a clear set of values. Each of these people contribute to a local culture as well as to a regional culture and enrich our way of life.

I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Habitus.

PAUL MCGILLICK | EDITOR