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i-genius interview: we caught up with Sara Haq on the eve of the launch of The Overland Project

posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 12:30 AM

Editor: How did the idea to travel 'slow' from London to Phuket come about?

SH: It all started at the World Entrepreneurship Summit - (WES08) in January 2008. I was commissioned by the organisers to photograph what was a most extraordinary event at which I met film maker/ entrepreneur Mark Chaplin. We started a conversation about Thailand and he told me about i-Genius and their planned World summit there in March. It sounded amazing - and I was interested to know more, as I had planned to be in Thailand working as an artist and developing my creative learning projects there for a year. Mark and I arranged to meet and talk about his project. Two days later I found myself aggreeing to be part of his plan to get to Thailand overland as part of a mobile 'Think Tank' on social change. I wanted to add the word creativity to that - as for a long time I've been interested in how artists can be entrepreneurs that can effect very positive social change.... and so our adventures started!

Editor: What was the best part of your journey?

SH: ermm- there were so many best parts! But being on the Trans-Mongolian express from Moscow to Beijing for 6 days and nights with a carriage full of about 60 chinese men in pyjamas had to be a highlight! It was awesome, and that was so much to do with the wonderful characters we met and spent time with along the way.

Editor: Did anything shock you or are you 'unshockable'?

SH: I'm 'unshockable' more or less!

Editor: You traveled with fellow i-genius member Mark Chaplin. How did you get on?

SH: Pretty well - considering we'd only known each other a month before leaving London!

Editor: Your journey concluded at the i-genius World Summit in Phuket where you presented your trip. What did you think of the Summit?

SH: Despite being utterly exhausted from what was a non-stop working journey all the way overland from London to Phuket, I still managed to thoroughly enjoy myself. What an extraordinary bunch of people to be brought together in an equally extraordinary place. I formed many great friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.

Editor: What is next for Sara Haq?

SH: Well, first is a few days much needed recovery time after getting the exhibition together... ! The Overland Project will be will be touring internationally - so I'm working on that as well as concentrating on fundraising for Monkey Tree Projects: a publishing and training company I'm setting up. It uses multi-sensory approaches to learning to facilitate more creative, open and effective intercultural communication... that's the one liner for the time being... watch this space.

Editor: Thank you!
SH: You're very welcome!

Comments

Tommy Hutchinson

Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:04 AM

Thank you Sara, it was wonderful to view your work at the Alexia Goethe Gallery. Your photography stimulates dreamy imagination. Very inspiring!