Nare Mokgotho: A Few Of My Favourite Things

I typically find that making space for your mind to wander can lead to unexpected connections – and that it’s a far more scenic route to one’s final ideas. 

Procrastination, taking it easy and faffing can seem antithetical traits in a business as breakneck as ours, but in my experience, these errant (in)activities get a bad rap. 

They can be nourishing processes that spark creativity.

Here are some of my favourite things to do when I’m searching for inspiration or prepping for a shoot.

The Bike

I’ve always loved walking – there are few things a good walk can’t help solve. 

However, I’ve recently purchased a gravel bike, which offers a different meditative quality. 

Instead of the quiet, inward rumination of a walk, hitting the road on a bike completely declutters the brain and requires laser focus on the task at hand.

The Books

Since my early days in art school, I’ve always found that actively or absently leafing through art books – even if they have nothing at all to do with my current projects – is energising and sometimes inspiring. 

Of all the art books I own, the writing and photography of South African master Santu Mofokeng continues to have a profound impact on my process, and I return to these books often. 

I try to do this instead of doomscrolling.

The Chess

When I find myself trying out fonts instead of writing, it’s generally a sign to step away for a few minutes. 

I play an ungodly amount of online chess, but I’m inexplicably still pretty rubbish.

All the easy metaphors for strategic thinking and incisiveness are right there in front of us, but more than anything, it’s a great way for me to reset my thinking and come at something from a different angle.

The Bakes

I love making things – whether it’s visual art or making people laugh. 

A newly discovered love is making bread and baking cakes. 

It’s a refreshing change of pace where I can follow some direction instead of giving it.