We caught up with TEDxMaui 2012 speaker Charles Hambleton, and found out a little more about him to share with our Maui audience before the big day. Charles’ interests are diverse and span a wide range of interests, and here he shares a little of what gets him inspired, lessons he’s learned, and his “ideas worth sharing”. Enjoy.
What drives you to do the work you do?
I work in many fields but all related: Film, Music, energy efficiency and water purification technologies (oh yea, treasure hunting). I want to learn as much as I can about our world and share what I have learned to help make the world a better place. There is also the adventure quotient – I don’t intend to die of boredom.
Share one personal experience or relevant anecdote that informs your TEDx talk?
After using high tech thermal imaging cameras in movies (The Cove & The Big Fix) and for energy experiments (not necessarily for the camera’s intended use) over the last five years I feel the need to share the beauty of the images – images “seen” outside the visible light spectrum.
How are you or your topic connected to Maui or Hawaii?
I have cousins in Hawaii and windsurfed at Hookipa. I think my deepest connection is through a shared love and respect for dolphins, whales, all marine life and our oceans. I am a sailor, a diver and a terrible surfer. I lived in the West Indies for twenty years and have deep connection with the ocean.
What are some of your favorite statistics or data points?
The Human eye only sees the smallest part of the electromagnetic spectrum (Visible light) – there is great beauty in the infrared spectrum and “Art” is not one of the listed uses for thermal imaging cameras. Bees and Birds can “see” in the Ultraviolet – with these cameras, I can “see” in the infrared and want to transform these images, through my interpretation, to paint and canvas.
I have painted plenty of boats and houses but never (well, not since grade school art class), painted “Art”. This is a personal challenge and dream of mine – and an exercise in “slowing down” from a manic schedule to make time to create and share beauty.
What advice would you give to your younger self–or what advice would your younger self, give to the older you?
Other then get a better haircut and invest in Apple, I would say act upon your dreams, difficult times always pass, you can learn something from everyone, and never forget to have fun. To the “Older” me: Stay out of trouble and get great lawyers.
When I would ask my very wise father for advice on important matters, he would pause and then say: “Son, I’m sure you will make the right decision”. He was correct – there is no “right decision”.
What do the TED Talks mean to you? Do you have a favorite talk that speaks to you?
TED Talks are wonderful access to amazing ideas, concepts, and actions that most people would not normally be exposed to. I’m constantly amazed by the diversity and creativity of humanity – there are some really smart people out there.
My favorite? That is really tough … I did particularly enjoy “Terry Moore: How to tie your shoes”.
Watch it below:
To learn more about TEDxMaui 2012 speaker Charles Hambleton, check out his full bio.
To pick up tickets to TEDxMaui 2012, a limited-seating event, learn how purchase them here.