Saturday, May 16, 2015

Incoming

Cultural conflict is a constant, viewed best from distant perspectives.


To assess such conflicts in strictly political terms is an error, there being larger issues than the social, economic, and ideological with which to contend. Culture originates in ideas and ideals, beliefs and approaches to human existence more poetic than mundane. The arts in all their forms emerge out of imagination to make myriad futures, and every individual experiences their influence for good or ill.

When expression evokes foresight, possibilities are illuminated, elevating the concrete world of events.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Such a Thing

The idea of tradition means progress.


Certainly one understands why the urge to erase the past to move ahead is prevalent, but the failure to understand the meaning of tradition reduces culture to a moribund status quo.

Ideas do not disappear. They expand, evolving through individual application and effort. This is why the artist accepts the past, but almost never accepts things as they are.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Sound, Being and Place

Ideas and beliefs alter direct perception.



To the extent that culture and experience determine what is perceived, listening, for example, is limited to subjective preconceptions.

To hear the approach of the future, understand and act upon this knowledge.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Imagination and Environment

Behind and within sounds lie force and intent.


The artist as composer considers a choice: bring this force to bear in places it has never been, or place it where expectations have long been focused.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Omens to the Ear

Find tone in a footfall, rattling of silverware, disembodied voices.


Listen, and hear the unfolding of reality with such perceptual clarity.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

The Why of Solitude

Observe, and obsession with connectivity through technology is ubiquitous.


It appears as fixations upon such things as status and attitude, at once narrow and self-absorbed.  It should go without saying that technological developments present greater opportunities for creative endeavors than these, but in terms of human nature, it was ever thus.

Of far greater moment are contemplative insights, the gestures of expression, and life's mysteries.