Monday, October 28, 2013

Lou Reed - A Small Tribute for a Giant

I heard the news about the passing of Lou Reed on NPR at approximately 8:30 a.m., EST, today.
I was literally stunned. 
Then, I cried.
Lou Reed was a hugely influential musician/poet/artist/journalist/conscience and I have no words here that can begin to describe Lou's formidable work over the years.
I have no words that can express the enormity of this loss.
I have no words to console his widow, the artist/musician Laurie Anderson.
I can only say that, like many of my kind, both of these talents held considerable stature for art students in the day, as well as this day. They were our mentors/heroes/heroines/entertainment/peers. Laurie Anderson was featured in a book that I read in early years which really inspired me to earn my M.F.A. ( a rarity for women in those days).
Both Lou and Laurie worked and evolved, formed and forged lives from their unique creations.
I had the great good fortune to see both Lou and Laurie as solo performers - different decades.
What a gift. Right Place - Right Time.
Here is what I really think about Lou Reed.
I believe that Lou Reed told the TRUTH
Telling the truth in this world is dangerous and often ugly. 
It must have been extremely difficult for this obviously sensitive man to chronicle all of his truthful observations.
He never compromised.
Lou Reed was a tremendous example of an artist who kept evolving and observing and working.
Someone wrote that Lou had become "the conscience of New York", the city with whom he had the 'longest relationship of his life'.
This is a dark day for those who pursue truth.
'Fly away' on the wings of Angels, Lou. 
The "Dirty Boulevard" will no longer bear your physical footsteps.
 but
Love lives forever.

Lou Reed
March 2, 1942 - October 27, 2013

Lou + Laurie = Love
Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson
Lou Reed
Images courtesy of Facebook
Lou Reed Fan Page

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Playtime

Gentle Reader,
I suddenly find myself in the beautiful season of Autumn, wondering how time could *seem* to have passed so quickly since my last post.
There are a few reasons for my absence in the blogging world.
1). I made a major move to a new location, literally a thousand miles away from the previous locale.
2). I suffered a sprain to my sacroiliac that forced me to stop nearly all customary, daily activities.
3). A flood occurred in the new house, that caused some major damage.
So, all in all, I now see where the time has been spent.
I am very happy to be able to write this post, 'better late than never' is appropriate here.
Having so much time to sit and contemplate the meaning of life, I could not help but wonder if these setbacks were some kind of signal from the Universe that the move was not auspicious.
I also wondered why I have grown so cautious in the last half of my life, becoming so much different than my decisive, courageous youth. It seems more logical that the opposite should occur.
With all 'the troubles' surrounding this recent move (trust me, there were more than I am prepared to lay out in this venue), I was miserable, unhappy and downright depressed. 
As most of you know, moving is a chore not to be taken lightly. 
Add the moving stress to real property sale and acquisition, numerous problems (some of which is written above), coping with complete change, excruciating pain and the unbelievable complexity of all that goes with the flooding disaster and restoration, I found myself bogged down with mountains of paperwork, phone calls, red tape and *stuff* - both material and emotional.
My precious time on this earth (something that I have always been hyper aware of) was literally taken up with nearly everything that I despise - something had to give.
I could not help but think of a childhood friend, confined to a bed for several years now, due to the debilitation of ALS. 
The thought of his suffering made me ashamed of my own trifling complaints.
I also thought of how happy and carefree we were in our childhood, teenaged and young adult lives. 
How could I regain that feeling of being CARE - FREE?
For me, the answer came in one word: PLAY.
It may seem silly to most, but seriously, I had lost the ability to play.
 Everything in my daily life felt like work - begrudging work at that. 
Picasso once remarked something to the effect that it took him a few months to paint like a master, but a lifetime to learn to paint like a child.
So, I am attempting to re-learn the art of play. 
I have some hurdles and mindsets to overcome - art school, contrary to popular opinion, is very hard on one's self esteem. Between critiques, competitions and trying to climb the proverbial ladder, this particular discipline can do a number on a young student. 
In my case, I need to deprogram the notion that every piece that I create must be 'critique' worthy.
Remember to 'play' ....
I also need to remove the constant monetary challenges that can stifle anyone's creativity. I need not justify the financial impact of every work.
Remember to 'play' ....
So, you see, I have some work play to do!
Wish me luck.
In Love, Truth and Beauty .....
Source Unknown