A New Awakening

“A New Awakening” By: Louie Tucci

Sometimes you get the chance to watch history being written while at the same time, living in the moment and off the cuff. If you’re lucky, the entire experience appears like an old silent film waiting to be infused with the soundtrack of your life. This is what it feels like to take part in the industry’s most electric meeting of the minds. The Trojan Horse Was A Unicorn may have a strange name and take place far from the usual haunts typically associated with computer graphics conferences, but in all reality, it couldn’t happen any other way!

Tucked far from the noisy streets of Europe and surrounded by water, a point much debated by artists and attendees across the entire 4 day event, THU awakens the island of Troia at a time most would consider “off season”. Rest assured, with a collection of globally recognized artists, visionaries and over the top, talented attendees making the journey, there’s no “off” button in sight.

Only a short drive from Lisbon to the water’s edge and visitors wait patiently for the ferry to the island of Troia. The entire process feels like a complete rebirth for the first time attendee or guest speaker. The departure from the mainland by way of this “birth canal of cool” helps promote a physical sense of separatism from whatever life one lived before. This is by all stretches of the imagination, a baptism by fire into the world of art! Even before the event begins, attendees and speakers become aware that by their physical and geographical location, the outside world is just that, outside and almost forgotten. As if the water wasn’t enough, the mountainous vistas serve to reinforce this feeling of artistic sanctuary by providing a natural buffer to the outside sounds and distractions of the everyday. Clear sky’s abound and provide a path for instant connections to fellow “tribe” members. Electricity already mounting!

The Tribe is a term coined at the opening ceremonies by the legendary Scott Ross. Ross’s appraisal is not unwarranted. This is an incredible family affair. Whether new to the mix or an old friend from a previous professional endeavor, the THU is the place to light the flame of inspiration or fuel its growth even further. Attendees sit with professionals from a wide range of industries across a week long artistic and educational tour de force. The event features classroom workshops, mentoring sessions, key note presentations and fireside talks with industry legends!

The Trojan Horse Was A Unicorn wrapped on Sunday September 21, 2014 to unanimous shouts of ole, ole, ole, ole as a procession of artists marched to the water’s edge to warm the cool sands in a race to beat the sun. There, they danced and gave worship to the ancient spirit of creativity that brought them together.

Thanks to Andre Lourenco and the entire THU Team for assembling the world’s finest! Until next time!

Sending a warm breeze and a strum from this here guitar.