Many thanks for articulating my reality so well and in such an inspirational way! I retired from a 40 year career in HR last year and now drive (yes I am a Driver) for a limo service in Boston that caters to wealthy clients. I encounter the ‘silent treatment’ often and since I am an ‘empath’ and arm chair poet/amateur jazz musician, it hits me in a strange way .. not unlike yourself, I feel de-humanized … de-valued. But yes, what a grand lesson!! Thank you my friend! BillG
Very kind comment. Feel free to share your poetry and music with me in whatever way you feel. I am currently directing a film and music is an important aspect. If you’d allow me to consider your music, I will!
Sorry Judson, that's a whole lotta words, and i've wasted a whole lotta my time reading it. And your point is? "Candle in the Rib Cage"?, nice idea but then....nothing. Just words. A ton of thinking. A lot of, what? Hollow thoughts and empty phrases ? No, no, no....way too many words. Sorry.
I live in bohemian splendor. for sure. didnt seem to be any other way to sustain the work and avoid "being caught" by money, at the same time. Writer pulls me along to where wants to go, sometimes screaming -- where are you going....
being a bohemian gave room to do that. what is a philistine anymore? while also being a craftsman... who learned to love the process..
Re: “Art, therefore, is not conservative. It is liberal by nature. It is liberal because its essence is newness. [...] Its essence is to break from tradition, always moving forward. One must be able to destroy their predecessors in paint, language, rhythm, syntax, etc.”
While I agree with many of your statements, I'd point out that that latter part is true in a certain place and time, NOT in the absolute. Incidentally, this is a very common trope among illiberal activists who thinks of themselves as progressives... the likes of whom are celebrated by peers for throwing cans of Warhol at Van Gogh. (Ooooooo, edgy.)
Progress and Novelty for its Own Sake is also an extremely lucrative franchise, and we're dealing with a horrible case of sequel-itis here. Nihilistic iconoclasm will NOT save humanity from itself, sorry. Fortunately, that isn't a prerequisite for being a great artist.
“Making something true and timeless” requires that an artist not let themselves be boxed in by someone else's agenda, political or otherwise. This may be especially true when the right-think du jour would have people revolution-ing without a credible cause (as useful idiots in service to interests they're not even aware of, e.g.) on a permanent basis.
Art has nothing to do with progress for its own sake, necessarily, nor does it take tradition as gospel.
“….. But I still must take up for it. It may be crap, but once one gets started burning books, etc., all speech is at stake.”
I read till the end which I hope it is not.
I’m working in Paris trying to create a sculpture that will support your lines, freedom of speech and creativity and hoping it’s piss proof. Never know.
Saddened your chauffeur-ing revealed a successful female not sharing nor pulling up other women but appeared to be the bearer of the poisoned apple scenario. A perfect description of a quote by Madeleine Albright. “There is a special place in hell…”
crap is a word that Folds in, whenever I run into it, I start a run -- crap lap map --- let it bleed into rhythm, and of course (is a horse) rhyme. I live in a special place in hell... DO I think that. yes. yeah I do. but consider it a grace... I think of visitations from hell as a killer grace? well yes along the poetic yard arm. Poison apples...
“Start with one bone at a time” You might be the answer to teaching in the Universities if not already. . Wonderful. “Bone Head”. “Gafawing” at the beauty of that. More please! You are not fooled by poison apples.
I didn't mean to oversell the A.I. bit! However, I DO have an essay coming out this Thursday that is centering A.I. completely. It will be in my opinion column from Wrong Speak publishing.
Many thanks for articulating my reality so well and in such an inspirational way! I retired from a 40 year career in HR last year and now drive (yes I am a Driver) for a limo service in Boston that caters to wealthy clients. I encounter the ‘silent treatment’ often and since I am an ‘empath’ and arm chair poet/amateur jazz musician, it hits me in a strange way .. not unlike yourself, I feel de-humanized … de-valued. But yes, what a grand lesson!! Thank you my friend! BillG
Very kind comment. Feel free to share your poetry and music with me in whatever way you feel. I am currently directing a film and music is an important aspect. If you’d allow me to consider your music, I will!
Very thought provoking essay. I agree with much of it!
Well said! You are indeed my audience, and I’d be your “driver” anytime! Thank you for the clarity and heart.
Sorry Judson, that's a whole lotta words, and i've wasted a whole lotta my time reading it. And your point is? "Candle in the Rib Cage"?, nice idea but then....nothing. Just words. A ton of thinking. A lot of, what? Hollow thoughts and empty phrases ? No, no, no....way too many words. Sorry.
D'accord, et merci!
If ever laconic revision were requisite...
Great essay, thank you for the kind quotation, I’m glad those words landed with someone.
Glad to hear someone taking on the politicization of everything. This is a disturbing and destructive trend that is too seldom addressed!
I live in bohemian splendor. for sure. didnt seem to be any other way to sustain the work and avoid "being caught" by money, at the same time. Writer pulls me along to where wants to go, sometimes screaming -- where are you going....
being a bohemian gave room to do that. what is a philistine anymore? while also being a craftsman... who learned to love the process..
Dear Judson,
A very earnest letter but unfortunately a very limited description of art and artists.
dunablue
💗
Shrug
Re: “Art, therefore, is not conservative. It is liberal by nature. It is liberal because its essence is newness. [...] Its essence is to break from tradition, always moving forward. One must be able to destroy their predecessors in paint, language, rhythm, syntax, etc.”
While I agree with many of your statements, I'd point out that that latter part is true in a certain place and time, NOT in the absolute. Incidentally, this is a very common trope among illiberal activists who thinks of themselves as progressives... the likes of whom are celebrated by peers for throwing cans of Warhol at Van Gogh. (Ooooooo, edgy.)
Progress and Novelty for its Own Sake is also an extremely lucrative franchise, and we're dealing with a horrible case of sequel-itis here. Nihilistic iconoclasm will NOT save humanity from itself, sorry. Fortunately, that isn't a prerequisite for being a great artist.
“Making something true and timeless” requires that an artist not let themselves be boxed in by someone else's agenda, political or otherwise. This may be especially true when the right-think du jour would have people revolution-ing without a credible cause (as useful idiots in service to interests they're not even aware of, e.g.) on a permanent basis.
Art has nothing to do with progress for its own sake, necessarily, nor does it take tradition as gospel.
Thank you for sharing, very inspiring for myself as a self reflection.
Absolutely, all encompassingly, wonderful. Thank you for the brain and heart and soul reminder and shake up.
Bravo! My candle glows brighter upon reading this. ❤️
“….. But I still must take up for it. It may be crap, but once one gets started burning books, etc., all speech is at stake.”
I read till the end which I hope it is not.
I’m working in Paris trying to create a sculpture that will support your lines, freedom of speech and creativity and hoping it’s piss proof. Never know.
Saddened your chauffeur-ing revealed a successful female not sharing nor pulling up other women but appeared to be the bearer of the poisoned apple scenario. A perfect description of a quote by Madeleine Albright. “There is a special place in hell…”
I miss George Carlin. I re-listen often.
More please.
crap is a word that Folds in, whenever I run into it, I start a run -- crap lap map --- let it bleed into rhythm, and of course (is a horse) rhyme. I live in a special place in hell... DO I think that. yes. yeah I do. but consider it a grace... I think of visitations from hell as a killer grace? well yes along the poetic yard arm. Poison apples...
“Start with one bone at a time” You might be the answer to teaching in the Universities if not already. . Wonderful. “Bone Head”. “Gafawing” at the beauty of that. More please! You are not fooled by poison apples.
Judson… bone head for Dusty. She has an eye for beauty . Her bone drawings make me wish I had drawn more in the way back. Sensitive they are.
I thought the letter was going to be mostly about AI. I wasn't disappointed by the subject, though. A fantastic read, and food for thought, certainly.
I didn't mean to oversell the A.I. bit! However, I DO have an essay coming out this Thursday that is centering A.I. completely. It will be in my opinion column from Wrong Speak publishing.
Glad you were not disappointed. Happy to hear it!