Alex Gray

Currently preparing for finals much of my life currently is spend drawling. With this in mind the presentation yesterday came at a perfect time. Many times endless hours hunched over my drafting board only leads to a sore back and a stiff neck. Yet learning about Alex Grey and his beliefs that drawling can both be a spiritual process it encourages me to look at my work different. Drafting today I made an effort to look at my time spent as a personal form of meditation, concentrating often on my breathing as I was working. Finding it more then once a nice way to relax myself and continue with my work. Hopefully this practice will allow not only my work to improve but my enjoyment of the time I spend doing it to increase.

Visiting the Arnold Arboretum earlier this week many of the bushes, flowers and tree's where in full bloom. Moving through the park I couldn't help but remember the beauty of nature and the changing seasons they are constantly describing in Frankenstein. It is always relaxing to escape the city and find the simple pleasures that are to often over looked with school and the many other responsibilities in life.

A musical building

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/arts/music/30byrn.html?ex=1212811200&en=4718d68f1d1e6bf2&ei=5070&emc=eta1


In class on Thursday we listening to a range of musical styles. While reading the news I stumbled across an interesting art instillation that brings together music, technology and architecture. The link above is to an article about an artist named David Byrne in New York who is using all the parts of an existing building as an instrument. Using an old organ he controls hammers and air pumps that wired to the pipes, columns and beams in the building bring it alive with sound.

Salah and others

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWewbZg5ZAA&feature=related

Continuing to look at the work of Salah I came across this video of him battling with a partner, competing with an interesting due of two much younger girls. The video does a good job of bringing together many of the dance themes we talked about in class of narrative, body control, partner interaction, and even the idea of flexibility of youth. Its incredible to see such a range of individuals so in control of their minds and bodies. It is encouragement and motivation to see just what my body is capable of in my personal pursuits.

Start of summer

Starting classes is never easy, never mind as the weather starts to get nice. Summer for me has always meant one thing, the beach and the hope for some good waves. With this changing for the first time the city and the class room feel more like a prison cell then anything else. Yet as we begin to talk of the world we live in and the ideas of utopia, I find myself examining my responsibility for my utopia and in turn my current happiness. Many seem to expect their utopia to come and find them, sitting waiting for life to change around them. Reflecting on my times of joy and happiness I find myself remembering a perfect wave on a beautiful morning. Knowing this and the effort it takes for those seconds of pure joy, I remember that finding our own utopia is a pursuit. One that simply needs to be redirected as I currently spend my time in the city.