Yes, yes, yes! You are so on point here. There is much truth in the repetition of cut/paste content in social media. But, there is also the reality of the first time we heard “Bridge over Troubled Water” or “Unchained Melody”, albeit played for the millionth time on stage or on the radio. It probably still blew you away didn’t it? And it is the randomness of those connections that makes even reproductions of originals have some merit and relevance (as long as they don’t overwhelm our in- box!). Perhaps art is also only made so, when the connection is made between the artist and the appreciator. Otherwise, it’s just stuff out there in whatever-space waiting for new eyes, ears, or touch. Good stuff for the artist to create, but as within social media, art is only appreciated like those algorithms that give no recognition until the content starts to resonate when someone reacts. To that point, I wrote you a statement earlier this week titled “Art is human”. I finished a draft of a 8x4 verse on that topic to celebrate the thought. I will attach it below. Love the poem, however. Idk, this might be the one for me?
Ah! You have the Gary Lightbodys about you. In an interview with Michael Rowland, he said that 'chasing cars' belongs to the audience who sings it at every Snow Patrol gig.
I don't know if vaping is a horrifying new normal in your neck of the woods, but it is for Gen Z here. I'm told they're convinced that they can quit at any time. But, ya know. Is it really that easy?
Similarly, I listening to the love letter that is Rob Brydon with Ruth Jones in their second podcast episode. And, they agreed that one day? We'll look back on socials & youngsters with phones like we do passive smoking. Where we will be horrified that we allowed it to happen. The homogenised beige of it all & an apathy to life.
So, it's interesting. I'm in Argentina right now for work and visiting family. I didn't see it at first, but I was traveling with an American colleague and she mentioned that she didn't see AS MUCH American influence here as other countries, noting that there are no Banana Republics, GAPs, etc here. And it's true. Argentineans tend to love American stuff, but you don't see a lot of it here. My colleague and I spent a ton of money here because we know we won't see a lot of these items back home - and if you go to Europe right now, or even Korea or China, you feel like you're in a basterdized version (or Disneyland version) of the US. Everything is what you think the other country might be, but with Banana Republic, GAP, etc. You feel strangely at home everywhere else AND disappointed that it takes a little effort to find the unusual things.
In Argentina, there has been a huge push towards not being able to import things from abroad, which for Argentineans has really hurt them economically as a country, but which has also allowed for their uniqueness to thrive (as well as small, local shops). Apparently, the new government (who is not great) is lifting a lot of the regulations around importation. I'm sure there might be some benefits, but I also suspect that the American brands will swoop in to pay higher rents than the current stores can afford, pushing out a lot of the current local stores, and I'm afraid that the next time I come (I only come every few years), this place might look a lot different and might be more of the same.
This is only tangential to this poem - but it does speak to the increasing sameness of everything. It makes me really sad - and I think it will really hurt the people who depend on the income from the stores they currently run/own.
But, there is always something different to find - and I appreciate the reminder to find it no matter where you are! :)
Here's to the originality, and to the Argentinians that are fighting for it. I LOVE that, I truly do. Here's to the finding of those beautiful differences, as you put.
Late commenting because of a social media break. I feel it deep inside me. I always have. It's happened to music and movies and school counselors telling us all we can only be 10 things in life to be considered successful. And I'm so done with it. Thanks for being an authentic lighthouse for us to keep returning to.
You are ALWAYS excused for a social media break ;) Always. Though I don't consider this place social media at all...the antithesis to it! Thank YOU for being that rad sailing ship, out on the sea, looking for the light.
This is exactly why I hardly ever post on my personal social media accounts. And when I travel or have experiences, I take photos for me. For my memory. I don't capture anything with the goal of posting or following a trend. Some of the most beautiful experiences of my life have never seen the light of "social media" day. I feel like those moments are more special when they are kept sacred, shared with only the people that matter.
Beautiful, and chilling.
The word Chilling is so UNDERused. I love this, thank you.
Yes, yes, yes! You are so on point here. There is much truth in the repetition of cut/paste content in social media. But, there is also the reality of the first time we heard “Bridge over Troubled Water” or “Unchained Melody”, albeit played for the millionth time on stage or on the radio. It probably still blew you away didn’t it? And it is the randomness of those connections that makes even reproductions of originals have some merit and relevance (as long as they don’t overwhelm our in- box!). Perhaps art is also only made so, when the connection is made between the artist and the appreciator. Otherwise, it’s just stuff out there in whatever-space waiting for new eyes, ears, or touch. Good stuff for the artist to create, but as within social media, art is only appreciated like those algorithms that give no recognition until the content starts to resonate when someone reacts. To that point, I wrote you a statement earlier this week titled “Art is human”. I finished a draft of a 8x4 verse on that topic to celebrate the thought. I will attach it below. Love the poem, however. Idk, this might be the one for me?
I love this point of view, perhaps you're right about art, and when it bursts into being. Thanks as usual for this.
Art is human
9-20-24
Creating art is connecting
All that we know or imagine.
As to witness something brand new
Yet surprisingly familiar.
No two impressions are the same
Even if performed by others.
Whether new or reimagined
In the same place; some tears, some smiles.
Is art like air, only consumed?
Not adding substance to our lives?
Why then is it our last refuge?
Are we not made whole by its parts?
Benefiting all in its wake.
Even if rejected today,
Art remains fresh for the next eye.
Salve to both us and the artist.
Making all that is old anew.
In any medium we choose.
Honoring and imagining
All within that is good and pure.
Using color, form, light and sound;
Printed, painted, shaped, even played
Truly what best makes us human.
And thus, art is life after all.
This is such a beautiful encapsulation of art. As per usual, you bless us with your presence my friend.
Thanks for your reply l. It made “connection” a missed opportunity for the poem
Above, so I added the following between the fourth and fifth stanza :
To connect is to be human.
We were created by contact.
Art with an audience becomes
Greater than the sum of its parts.
Ah! You have the Gary Lightbodys about you. In an interview with Michael Rowland, he said that 'chasing cars' belongs to the audience who sings it at every Snow Patrol gig.
Thank you for sharing as you do, Kevin!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The algorithm
x the echo chamber
x socials being a highlights reel.
I don't know if vaping is a horrifying new normal in your neck of the woods, but it is for Gen Z here. I'm told they're convinced that they can quit at any time. But, ya know. Is it really that easy?
Similarly, I listening to the love letter that is Rob Brydon with Ruth Jones in their second podcast episode. And, they agreed that one day? We'll look back on socials & youngsters with phones like we do passive smoking. Where we will be horrified that we allowed it to happen. The homogenised beige of it all & an apathy to life.
I think you, and they, are onto something. I think we'll be horrified, years from now, at what we've allowed.
So, it's interesting. I'm in Argentina right now for work and visiting family. I didn't see it at first, but I was traveling with an American colleague and she mentioned that she didn't see AS MUCH American influence here as other countries, noting that there are no Banana Republics, GAPs, etc here. And it's true. Argentineans tend to love American stuff, but you don't see a lot of it here. My colleague and I spent a ton of money here because we know we won't see a lot of these items back home - and if you go to Europe right now, or even Korea or China, you feel like you're in a basterdized version (or Disneyland version) of the US. Everything is what you think the other country might be, but with Banana Republic, GAP, etc. You feel strangely at home everywhere else AND disappointed that it takes a little effort to find the unusual things.
In Argentina, there has been a huge push towards not being able to import things from abroad, which for Argentineans has really hurt them economically as a country, but which has also allowed for their uniqueness to thrive (as well as small, local shops). Apparently, the new government (who is not great) is lifting a lot of the regulations around importation. I'm sure there might be some benefits, but I also suspect that the American brands will swoop in to pay higher rents than the current stores can afford, pushing out a lot of the current local stores, and I'm afraid that the next time I come (I only come every few years), this place might look a lot different and might be more of the same.
This is only tangential to this poem - but it does speak to the increasing sameness of everything. It makes me really sad - and I think it will really hurt the people who depend on the income from the stores they currently run/own.
But, there is always something different to find - and I appreciate the reminder to find it no matter where you are! :)
Here's to the originality, and to the Argentinians that are fighting for it. I LOVE that, I truly do. Here's to the finding of those beautiful differences, as you put.
Late commenting because of a social media break. I feel it deep inside me. I always have. It's happened to music and movies and school counselors telling us all we can only be 10 things in life to be considered successful. And I'm so done with it. Thanks for being an authentic lighthouse for us to keep returning to.
You are ALWAYS excused for a social media break ;) Always. Though I don't consider this place social media at all...the antithesis to it! Thank YOU for being that rad sailing ship, out on the sea, looking for the light.
Ok truth be told it was more like a phone/electronics/ online break. It was just too much last week!
This is exactly why I hardly ever post on my personal social media accounts. And when I travel or have experiences, I take photos for me. For my memory. I don't capture anything with the goal of posting or following a trend. Some of the most beautiful experiences of my life have never seen the light of "social media" day. I feel like those moments are more special when they are kept sacred, shared with only the people that matter.
YES Taylor. Stay away from the traps, it's the best way to go. So happy you already know this. You're amazing.