The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Ripe on Time

Seven Senses • 1718 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Education
  1. It's okay to bloom at your own pace, just like flowers. Some people find their talents early, but many discover them later in life too.
  2. Having a nurturing environment helps talents emerge, but sometimes life events push us to explore our creativity when we least expect it.
  3. It's never too late to follow your dreams or discover new passions. Many successful people achieved their greatest milestones later in life, showing that persistence is key.

The nervous system

Austin Kleon • 5195 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Parenting
  1. Starting a 31-day challenge now can help you get ahead instead of waiting for the new year. Making commitments regularly can lead to personal growth.
  2. Children are companions in life, not just projects. It's important to share experiences and life with them rather than just focusing on goals.
  3. It's frustrating to wait for new episodes of your favorite shows. Waiting can feel especially hard when you're looking forward to something exciting.

Solstice vibes

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Music Television Family Art Holidays
  1. Reading is about choosing to read one book over many others. It's okay to not read every book out there.
  2. Music can be a great escape when feeling tired of other interests. Sometimes, music books can reignite that passion for reading.
  3. TV shows can be a fun distraction. It's nice to find joy in watching something simple and entertaining, especially during the holidays.

Like a ghost went through me

Austin Kleon • 6774 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education
  1. John Green learned he has aphantasia, which means he can't create mental images. This shows how different our brains can be.
  2. Wes Anderson recreated Roald Dahl's writing shed, highlighting the importance of creative spaces for writers. It's neat to see how environments can inspire artistic work.
  3. Joseph Grigley's art exhibit features notes he collected during conversations. It reminds us of the challenges of communication, especially for those with hearing loss.

christmas memepool

bad cattitude • 222 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Social media Art Humor
  1. Christmas can be seen differently by different people, with some feeling it conflicts with science. It's important to recognize varying views.
  2. Many people often focus on the negatives during the holiday season, which can dampen the festive spirit. Staying positive and spreading joy is crucial.
  3. Despite challenges, the essence of Christmas remains strong. It’s about genuine connections and caring for one another, keeping the festive spirit alive.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

NO!vember

Austin Kleon • 5955 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Music Comics
  1. Saying 'no' can help you focus on what really matters. If you're unsure about going out, ask yourself if you'd want to do it tomorrow.
  2. Spending time alone can help you discover your true self. It's important to sit quietly and reflect on who you really want to be.
  3. Reading is essential for artists. Great works can inspire you, so make time to read often and explore different stories.

VFYW: A Surprising Place For Surfers

The Weekly Dish • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Travel Photography Community Events
  1. Surfers can be found in surprising places that aren't by the ocean. It's a reminder that passions can exist far from their usual locations.
  2. Many contributions from a community can highlight unique perspectives, especially through photography and insights during contests.
  3. Public art can be found in unexpected places, like airports, enhancing the travel experience and connecting communities.

25 Articles

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 2755 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Nature Music Art Places
  1. The newsletter provides a wide range of topics, from politics and history to art, music, and nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of politics with everyday life.
  2. The author values accessibility to their work, keeping the newsletter free and open to all readers, with appreciation for paid subscribers who support the writing.
  3. The post lists all articles from the newsletter categorized by topic, offering readers the opportunity to explore a variety of content based on their interests.

The Mourning Moon

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4932 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Politics Art Travel Social Issues
  1. The Mourning Moon serves as a warning of impending dark days and the need to grieve losses and prepare for challenges.
  2. Cahokia, once a thriving city in ancient times along the Mississippi River, is now abandoned, with only earth mounds remaining as haunting reminders of its past.
  3. The heartbreaking reality of modern war and the power of grief, especially in the face of atrocities like the mass killing of children in Gaza, are difficult truths that are hard to reconcile but important to acknowledge.

The Erosion of Taste in the Age of Mass Production

Superfluid • 92 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Taste Creativity Media Art Technology
  1. Taste can't be simplified into a formula or process. It's something unique that comes from genuine understanding and experience, not just copying others.
  2. There's a danger in mass production and optimization. It leads to mediocrity and a lack of real creativity, which can hurt genuine innovation.
  3. True Taste involves seeing connections between different ideas and fields. It's about creativity and thinking deeply, not just following trends or patterns.

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Entertainment Media Society
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

LED candles are everything that's wrong with society

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Art Philosophy Technology Lifestyle
  1. LED candles are convenient but lack the magic and unpredictability of real fire. Nothing beats the warmth and charm that comes from a real flame.
  2. Society tends to favor efficiency over quality, but that makes life feel dull and lifeless. Embracing challenges and imperfections brings more richness to our experiences.
  3. Screens dominate our daily lives, and we often forget to engage with the real world. It's important to seek out genuine connections and experiences instead of just tuning into pixels.

WHAT?!? A non-disposable disposable camera???

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Photography Gadgets Travel Art Lifestyle
  1. There are new cameras called non-disposable disposable cameras. They let you take film photos without throwing the camera away after use.
  2. Using these cameras makes you appreciate the moments you capture. It feels special to wait for the photos to develop.
  3. The Harman EZ35 is a good beginner's camera that's cheap and easy to use. It allows for casual photography without feeling overwhelming.

Then and Now: Stop Motion

Animation Obsessive • 2152 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Art History Film Media
  1. Stop motion animation has been around for over a hundred years. It involves taking photos of objects in small movements to create the illusion of motion.
  2. The '50s and '60s were a golden age for stop motion, and we're seeing another rise in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s.
  3. People appreciate the handcrafted look of stop motion compared to digital animation. It has unique qualities like texture and imperfections that make it special.

New! The Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 1258 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Fashion Social Issues Food
  1. There's a feeling that popular music has changed for the worse, becoming more aggressive and lacking melody. It used to connect more positively with listeners.
  2. Many people feel nostalgic for past times when quality and competence seemed better in society, from everyday goods to music and interactions.
  3. Some want to preserve their childhood memories as they are, without looking them up online or experiencing them again. They fear losing the magic of those memories.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Travel Technology
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

When You're Done with that Condom, Just Throw it Anywhere

Both Are True • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Identity Youth Society Tradition
  1. Condoms are often discarded carelessly in places like parking lots. This shows a lack of respect for the environment and the community.
  2. Kids can have misunderstandings about adult behaviors and items, which can create confusion and fear. It's important to explain things clearly to children.
  3. Feeling isolated or rejected during childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on someone. These moments can shape how a person views themselves in social situations.

Immediatism

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Society Philosophy Alienation
  1. Immediatism focuses on creating genuine connections and experiences with others, rather than getting lost in the busyness of modern life. Meeting face-to-face with a group can already be considered a revolutionary act.
  2. Art and creativity should be less about selling or commodifying, and more about shared experiences and direct engagement. Real art can happen in private, away from market pressures.
  3. The struggle against societal norms and alienation involves recognizing that true fulfillment comes from relationships and creativity, rather than work and consumption. We should prioritize making a life, not just a living.

I Am The Friend Who Will Tell You To Get Paid.

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 2712 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Money Self-promotion Art Publishing Gender bias
  1. The myth that true artists don't sell their work leads many women and marginalized writers to fear being seen as sell-outs, resulting in lower sales.
  2. Scarcity mindset conditions creatives to accept low pay and resist self-promotion, inhibiting them from knowing and declaring their worth.
  3. Shaming creatives for valuing self-promotion implies it's wrong to recognize and assert your own value.

What we lose when AI creates art

Subtle Digressions • 559 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Humanity Technology
  1. AI art lacks the emotional depth of human-created art. Art reflects human experiences, feelings, and suffering that AI does not possess.
  2. There's a difference between art and content. True art comes from deep human connections and experiences, while content is often just a product of efficiency.
  3. Using AI in art risks commodifying creativity. If we let machines create art, we lose the value and meaning that come from the human struggle and process of creation.

Moving Beyond the Bumble Brag

Seven Senses • 699 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Self-promotion Art Music Identity Personal Growth Creativity
  1. It's important to share your achievements and talents. Hiding them can stop others from benefiting from your skills.
  2. Self-promotion should be seen as a way of showing respect for yourself and your work. It’s not about being boastful.
  3. Being too modest doesn't help anyone. Everyone deserves to shine and be recognized for their hard work.

The snail trail

Austin Kleon • 2817 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy History Lifestyle
  1. Snails teach us the importance of taking our time and moving at our own pace. They remind us that it's okay to slow down and be idle sometimes.
  2. Snails leave a trail behind them, which symbolizes the journey we've taken in life and art. This can inspire artists to reflect on their past experiences.
  3. Observing small creatures like snails can help us find purpose and meaning in our lives. They show us that even the seemingly insignificant can have a big impact.

Do good and disappear

Soaring Twenties • 131 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lifestyle Photography Personal Reflection
  1. It's important to take a break sometimes and reflect on where you're headed. Stopping can help you reset and make better decisions.
  2. Doing good deeds without seeking attention is valuable. You can help others and then quietly move on with your life.
  3. Finding a peaceful, good place to go is worth the search. It's okay if you don't find it right away, as that is part of the journey.

Bangers and Mash

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Politics Art Philosophy
  1. The authors of The Hinternet are using pseudonyms for professional reasons and to create a unique writing style. Despite this, they promise clearer writing in the future.
  2. The publication plans to produce more popular essays, referred to as 'bangers', to meet economic needs and subscriber interests, even if the topics seem controversial.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage more deeply by submitting essays on featured works, highlighting the community involvement in shaping the publication.

More ideas from the garden

Austin Kleon • 2857 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Creative work Gardening
  1. Sometimes, taking a little from others can lead to beautiful growth, just like how clippings can sprout into new plants.
  2. It's hard to tell at first if a new idea is good or bad, like wondering if a weed will become a flower - you have to wait and see.
  3. Great things can come from messy situations; even a tiny seed can become a beautiful tree if given the right conditions.

The Shaman and the Web

Default Wisdom • 136 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Art Media Spirituality Lifestyle
  1. The connection between ancient practices and the modern world is significant. It shows how traditional wisdom can still be relevant today.
  2. Technology is changing how we communicate and connect with each other. It can enhance or challenge our understanding of community.
  3. Understanding the role of storytelling and shared experiences is important. They can bridge gaps and create deeper connections among people.

Q & Answers

Freddie deBoer • 5352 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Ethics Identity Politics Art Mental health
  1. Engaging with opposing viewpoints can help refine ideas and perspectives.
  2. Art must uphold quality standards to effectively convey political messages.
  3. Personal apologies for past mistakes should not be incessantly repeated; it's essential to learn, make amends, and move forward.

Publish your enthusiasm

Austin Kleon • 5755 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Creativity
  1. Sharing your excitement can be really powerful. When you show your enthusiasm, it inspires others too.
  2. Reading a good book can transport you to another world. Dive into your favorite stories for a little escape and joy.
  3. Engaging in creative activities like drawing or painting is rewarding. They combine thinking and pleasure, making it enjoyable and satisfying.

How They Made 'Where the Wild Things Are'

Animation Obsessive • 1524 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Literature Art
  1. Gene Deitch was a skilled artist known for adapting children's picture books into animated films, particularly the beloved 'Where the Wild Things Are.'
  2. Deitch saw adapting Maurice Sendak's picture book as a monumental challenge, comparing it to climbing 'Mount Everest' in the literary world.
  3. The process of transforming books into films requires a unique approach and understanding of the source material to resonate with audiences.

Kraków

Cosmographia • 1597 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Art Verse Cartography Literature Photography
  1. The founding legend of Kraków involves a cobbler's apprentice named Krak who cleverly defeated a dragon that terrorized the land.
  2. Kraków has been an inspiration to many artists, poets, and writers, with its beauty and history influencing pieces of literature, art, and photography.
  3. Poland's history is marked by partitions and invasions, leading to a period of Great Emigration, and subsequent efforts by Poles to fight for freedom and independence.

Soothing the injured spirit of the Temple

Wrong Side of History • 299 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Architecture Heritage Travel
  1. The Elgin Marbles are a point of controversy, with many people in Greece wanting them returned. Recent talks suggest they could be loaned to Greece, potentially making this arrangement permanent.
  2. Public opinion in Britain is largely in favor of returning the Marbles, although not everyone feels strongly about it. The British Museum has a history of preserving important artifacts, which some believe justifies keeping the Marbles.
  3. Historically, Britain has been seen as a protector of global heritage through its museums. Many antiquities could have been lost without British efforts to preserve them, as demonstrated by the destruction of cultural sites in conflict zones.

Weekender 01

Vague Blue • 599 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Fashion Art
  1. Shitposting may not be the best engagement strategy for writers as it may not lead to meaningful connections.
  2. Watching Bridgerton is like enjoying smooth brain content, but its familiarity can make it less engaging.
  3. Exploring classic works like Edith Wharton's Age of Innocence can provide insight into historical societies and social dynamics.

The Wisdom of Brown M&M's and Leaky Fire Hydrants

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Society Entertainment Art
  1. Van Halen's use of brown M&M's as a test exposed the importance of thorough event staff attention to safety details.
  2. Testing systems, like airport security, with red teams reveals vulnerabilities and promotes resilience.
  3. The concept of leaky fire hydrants highlights the need for addressing individual problems within systems to spark wider reform.

A path with a view

Austin Kleon • 3836 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Food Music Lifestyle
  1. Taking a trip to Disneyland can be fun, especially with cool rides and tasty snacks. It's a great place to enjoy beautiful landscaping, which might inspire visits to other gardens.
  2. Riding a bike, especially around interesting paths like the LA River Bike Path, can lead to spontaneous adventures and fun picnics at the beach. Enjoying nature while biking can be a refreshing experience.
  3. There are many new music releases that can be exciting to explore. Discovering unique albums can bring new joy, especially from artists that resonate well with your taste.