Ingrid Fetell Lee: Developing Her Own Field
In some ways it feels like Ingrid Fetell Lee came out of nowhere to be the expert on joy, but she worked many years before her book was published, adding layer upon layer of thoughtful insights around the topic. Today she’s adored as a designer, writer, and speaker, but her most creative work might be developing her own field of study, articulating the way our environment and daily choices influence our lives in a way no one else has before. She routinely blends spirituality, science, creativity, politics, activism, design, personal habits, and more to propose fresh ideas that can inspire all of us. Much of her research points to the ways curiosity, play, and self-expression, which are fundamental to creativity, are essential to finding joy. She weaves personal details into her work in a way that makes the data more relatable and helps us appreciate our own lives more. Ingrid is quick to delight in life’s small pleasures, but she also embodies the kind of genuine warmth and wisdom that only arises when someone has survived serious challenges. Through her work, she has given weight to a topic that is often dismissed as frivolous (and feminine), giving us all permission to make joy a priority and create our own happiness.
You’re Invited
Ingrid’s work encourages us to see aesthetics as a tool that can help us connect and uplift us. Think of a challenge you’re struggling with. Maybe it’s a conflict in your family or a problem in the community. Then take a moment to daydream about what kind of space you might design for your next interaction with the people you’re trying to find a resolution with. Is it a cozy cafe with bohemian art on the walls? A beautiful garden with shade and tall flowers? A college library where you can whisper ideas and reference shared values? A plaza that encourages walking and talking? Share your vision in the comments below.
Sources, Samples, and Further Reading
https://bookshop.org/p/books/joyful-the-surprising-power-of-ordinary-things-to-create-extraordinary-happiness-ingrid-fetell-lee/15276699?ean=9780316399272
https://aestheticsofjoy.com/3-things-ive-learned-about-joy-from-a-baby/
https://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2019/08/becoming-interview-ingrid-fetell-lee.html/