Saturday, February 27, 2016

Dynamic Projection

Rather than be deceived by appearances, the critical mind observes with patience.


Some artists apply technique and medium to conceal, others, to reveal what can neither be seen nor heard directly, but nonetheless grasped intuitively.


Friday, February 26, 2016

Distant Note

In Lovecraft's story, strange music emanates from a room on Rue d’Auseil.


My perspective is that what is generally accepted to be "music" exists within the dull confinement of expectations and conventions that may be consciously put aside. Beyond these, consciousness begins to perceive sonic tones, patterns, and their combinations in novel, interesting, ways, these being more or less suggestive of the uncanny sounds the author describes. Yet the total effect I am most interested in is one of elevated perception in an aesthetic sense, something different, but not alien to, the sensibilities of Lovecraft and other artists of that particular modern period.


Thursday, February 25, 2016

Balanced Focus

There are always clashes of perspective.


These take various forms, among them complaint, argument, insult, injury, and so forth. The arts are no exception, and these forces are continually at play.

Essentially, the sole alternative is silence, so the artist acts, takes the responsibility, and accepts the results.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Clear

If nothing else, eliminate cultural detritus.


Media obsessions, "conversations" and "issues" comprise a single burden; it is an unnecessary one.


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Vision, Gesture

The virtue of art resides in the finished aesthetic creation.


This does not mean intent and action are to be discounted, but understood as critical elements that are subsumed in the final work and its total effect.


Monday, February 22, 2016

Phantom Loss

Discard freedom of expression and it will be permanently lost.


Were I to speak only from experience as an educator, I would aver that the world is awash in a sea of ignorance and stupidity.  It is never so simple, and foolish to take so narrow a view.  Yet it is of some moment to acknowledge the disintegration of cultures over the course of the historical record that have failed to transmit ideas and ideals to upcoming generations.  Those who never experience freedom, regardless of what manner or form it takes, whether in individual, artistic, or political terms, will be incapable of comprehending its loss, a loss immeasurable.


Sunday, February 21, 2016

Leap

See the world.


Move beyond the limits of irresponsibility.  Be the one to discover what has not been seen, heard, and expressed.  This is self-reliance, existential clarity, and the virtue of contemplative being.