eling's review against another edition
4.0
While I sort of felt like I was cheating by not actually completing the "explorations" in this book (or even writing in it, because I got it out of the library), I really liked the idea of getting out and paying attention to/collecting the everyday in your life. Definitely the type of book that I'd like to eventually get & work through, but for now I'm content to be inspired in a more general way. Fun stuff to give you a little creative kickstart and/or perspective refresher.
literarystrawberry's review against another edition
Not really sure what to rate this, as I didn't actually do any of the things in the book (and probably won't), and several pages were missing from the library copy so I didn't technically read the whole thing, but I like the idea and overall feel of it. Artsy. idk
mrsthrift's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of those books that is great for creative people or people who want to develop creative habits/perspectives. It is a collection of exercises gathered mostly from external (well-cited) sources that will give you a method of moving through your life like an explorer. By following all the exercises in here, you could create a portable museum of your life, certainly, and there is advice on how to even have showings or exhibitions of your museum. I can see this ultimately being more useful as a strategy guide. I thought that the bibliography was one of the most useful parts of the book. Keri Smith draws inspiration from considerably variable and interesting places, and it was nice to see what she had wandered through to bring together this portable museum exercise.
elusivesue's review against another edition
3.0
Bought the book from the Ready Made magazine article, since it looked really interesting. Going to use the exercises (some as they are, some a bit more loosely fashioned) to help myself see and experience the world around me more fully, esp. appreciating the cityscape more.
angiolettoliz's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful and wholesome!! Picked up randomly at my uni library while doing research and was so obsessed I finished it within the hour or so. Many notes were taken which are invaluable to my own photographic/ art practise. I loved so many of the ideas and illustrations. A very fun and easy read that really does make you feel like a giddy child, ready for an adventure. I feel so creatively inspired
twistinthetale's review against another edition
3.0
Changing and heightening perspectives - this book provides some tools and prompts to help readers engage in different ways with the world around them. This book urges the reader to take notice of the details, the patterns, awaken all the senses, see things in new ways. The author provides an array of creative, simple, yet effective ways to reimagine and appreciate the world. There are many inspiring quotes spread throughout the book -'Look with all your eyes, look' - Jules Verne. The book would be of great benefit to art teachers providing worksheets and templates.
sawyerbell's review against another edition
3.0
Helpful for jolting your brain out of a rut and into new ways of seeing and thinking
teamstarburger's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.25
A good reference / idea book for creatives.
chelseydavidson's review against another edition
3.0
A quirky book that aims to open you up to the world around you, How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum was at times interesting and compelling, forcing exploration, and at other times so ridiculously cumbersome that some of these prompts seem more work than they're worth. Still, it aimed to engage you in your surroundings and I find myself a little more mindful of the breeze in the trees, using all five senses, and taking in those facets so often overlooked. Don't expect too much, but for a bit of fun, sure, I'd recommend it.