Here is installment VI from The Porch Swing: WORD of theDay,brought to us by Reflection and Response resident artist Samuel Bostick. Cool.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.
Cool adj. 1) Moderately cold; neither warm nor very cold. 2) Affording or allowing relief from heat. 3) Not excited; calm and controlled. 4) Marked by indifference; unenthusiastic. 5) Marked by calm audacity; impudent. 6) Designating or characteristic of colors, such as blue and green, that produce the impression of coolness. 7) Excellent; first-rate 8) Entire; full. 9) Composure. 10) To calm down, to wait.
WORD of the Day: Cool
Warm summer nights ahead, the chill of winter’s eve past
We are in the mist of cool.
(No doubt about that)
Dusty green leaves of peach trees rusted by the rolling breeze off the Pacific Coast, tumbling over Purple Mountains, settling in the valley of hidden gold—a testimony to the seasonal cool.
Sinatra advises it’s the season of “Makin Whoopee”
3 stacks’ witty reply is the only thing cooler than being cool is Ice Cold.
Still it is never too cold to be cool, yet always too hott to act over the top
I could almost swear the mercury meter kicked its old ways to the curb,
all its numerics replaced by one word… Cool
an’ my watch followed suit, what a trend!
A young Picasso, all I see are shades of blue.
In everything I touch; in all I do.
Me encanta azul!
Man, am I enraptured with this colour blue!
Red: runs up to warn blue, “Aye your on the wrong side of the tracks”
Blue: in all hues of calm, “I’m not here looking for any trouble & we both know I’m in with good fellas”
Red: heating up, “and what’s that to do with me”
Blue: sporting that cold killer look, “simply put, I suggest you Be Cool”
Oh brilliant moon, the cool of night
A twilight canopy, tonz of blazing far off stars.
Aside from that orangish red one…that outstanding light is really a rock called Mars.
Crickets rub romance off strings, toads moan throaty bass tunes,
word is the females dig on those cats
Night birds and bats got the altos on lock
The train rails out the percussive rhythm
A proper nocturne
How the night, an ocean of deep blue, gives birth to jazz I may never understand
Nonetheless I find inspiration in the stone cold groove.
Now vibe off that
On that note I’m gone retire to drown into my dreams—Blue in Green
the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.
An important idea of the album comes from the title track:
“Shake this maze to the core with these chords and verses/ Mix genres like cops, johns, whores, and virgins/ Turn the source of hurting into a sense of pride/ Find the gold on the shipwrecks of life.”
Music for me has been a main source of Reflection and Response, and the tracks on this album are just that: Reflections on everyday experience. This release is an ultimate Response.
– Peter Muller
WELCOME to the release of the 2nd edition of Peter Muller’s debut album, Shake This Maze. Original music, independently produced and recorded. Original album artwork, individually handcrafted. 50 hand numbered units.
We wanted to release a 2nd edition of Shake This Maze as a continuation of our collaborative project. The gold banner cover design gives new character to the same musical content as the original edition.
The re-crafting of the album has been a dope experience, and in the upcoming weeks we’ll be releasing some “Making Of…” documentation of the process in various forms of media. Stay dialed in!
**The Golden Ticket**Each album comes with a few goods in the inside left pocket, behind the tracklist. We’ve included: 1) A “the LIFESTYLE” or “Reflection and Response” sticker, 2) A “Peter Muller” logo flyer, and 3) A “the LIFESTYLE: Reflection and Response” banner photo. One of the 50 units includes TheGolden Ticket – a banner photo with NO blue pigment!! If the banner photo in your collection of goods has a color-less sky, hit us up!! A custom handwritten parchment scroll of lyrics from your favorite track off the album will come your way..
Check our narratives about the creative process from the original release a couple months ago:
The Music:
Shake This Maze is a project that started sometime around 2009 in Buenos Aires when I decided to get back into writing more personal lyrics. During this time I had the good fortune to be able to work with talented musicians both inside and outside of the city of Buenos Aires. Conversations about life in Buenos Aires can be heard on “The Villa,” which was recorded in Villa Carraza, a low-income area outside of the city. While in Argentina I also work with a woman with an amazing voice whose version of “The City,” brought out such soulful tones in the track.
After moving back to Seattle to finish school at the University of Washington I formed a group called 55thandBrooklyn, and tracks such as “Past That,” “Wake Up,” “He’s Your Guy,” and “The Christmas Song,” were part of the live set of 55th later performed live around Seattle at venues such as Fourno’s, Lucid, and Waid’s in early 2011. After graduation in March 2011, I got a job at Duke’s Chowder house, a Seattle seafood chain restaurant. The members of 55th had gone their separate ways and I focused on solo lyrics accompanied by acoustic guitar. Experiences from Seattle during this period crafted through this type arrangement can be heard on “This job,” “Making Spaces,” and “Jade Eyes.” Final recording of these later tracks was done in two different apartment studios in Madrid, Spain.
The final two tracks of the album were projects begun years before I even left for college. “Livin on the West Coast” comes from the P.Muller and Sneaky V days of 2002-2006 when V and I first started messing with composition and arranging music with Garage Band in Berkeley. In “Spark This Shit Flaming” I used a beat from Seattle that samples me playing drums from my parents basement in 2003.Then in Spain I wrote the lyrics and recorded and mastered the track.
I started out using Logic Express 8 in Argentina and finished up with Ableton Suite 8. I have used the same Apogee one interface and MXL V88 mic for 3 years.
While the tracks mostly come from me, this project is 100% collaboration between V and I. If it weren’t for his idea to start this project, there’d be no album. If it weren’t for his craftsmanship, the tracks would have no presentation.
-P.
The Artwork:
The making ofthe album artwork was a handcrafted process involving 6 stages and multiple mediums. We started by ordering 50 blank recycled chipboard album covers and some CD sleeves from the good folks over at Stumptown Printers, and Shake This Maze was soon on its way…
1. Cover Art, Part 1: Acrylic paint stencil
I started the cover art by cutting a stencil of the “PM” logo that I had created for Peter about a month ago. An old-school classic stencil made from the basics: a manila folder and an exacto blade. Using red acrylic paint and a brush, I hand stenciled this first layer on the units.
2. Cover Art, Part 2: India ink stencil
Next, I cut another stencil of the lettering I drew up for the album title, Shake This Maze. Using india ink and a brush, I centered this second layer over the red “PM” backdrop.
3. Back Cover
For the back cover (not pictured) I hand-wrote some credits with a Pigma Micron #8 pen..
4. Tracklist
Moving on to the tracklists, I used a Pigma Brush pen to write the song titles. I also marked each unit with a 1/50, 2/50….49/50, 50/50.. on the right inside cover. It would be dope to see where all of these end up, so hit us up with the whereabouts.. we might have to set up a map to keep track!
5. CD Labels
I printed the “PM” logo and the “Shake This Maze” lettering on Brown Kraft CD Labels, which we then threw on each CD..
6. Assembly
Finally, using a hot glue gun, I folded and assembled each case. Look for more goods in the inside left pocket too!!
This was a dope collaborative project to work on, and it’s amazing how each album case turns out to be unique in some way – whether it’s slightly different placement of the cover lettering stencils, or the individually numbered inside pocket…they all have their own vibe and character! I think this handcrafted approach is the only fitting way to showcase Peter’s original, honest, and raw creative talent. Reflection and Response.
V.
In order to purchase the album:
–Directly from Peter in Madrid at upcoming shows, album release parties, open mics, other events, or contact P at the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com
–Directly from Vicken in the New York City area or contact V at the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com
–Online store for orders not in Madrid or New York City…
Shake This MazeUSA:
Shake This MazeEuropa:
–8€ for European orders and $10 for orders in the United States. All other currencies accepted.
This is the end of the beginning. Our first collaborative product, and it’s been a raw and inspiring experience expanding our craft with you. Thank you all for the love and support!! We’re looking forward to building off this project as we move forward!
El Grillo Jujeño is a leader. Born in Jujuy, Argentina and moving to Buenos Aires 10 years ago, he turned his experience of “desarraigo,” (uprootedness) associated with changing his location into a response that led to the creation of various social and artistic Collectives focused on the migrant experience throughout Argentina. He is also a folk artist himself, a lawyer, and a entertainment industry entrepreneur. A true craftsperson whose activities prove the power of Response.
Para empezar con algunos puntos básicas, de dónde vienes? Dónde estás?
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
GJ: Nací en el norte de Argentina, en la Provincia de JUJUY, la misma se caracteriza por tener a parte de su territorio considerado “Patrimonio cultural, paisajistico e historico de la Humanidad”, hablo de la Quebrada de Humahuaca. También allí, en ese caprichoso y magnífico paisaje se encuentra el famoso “Cerro de los 7 colores” entre otras bellezas naturales, por lo que desde ya los invito a visitar esa maravillosa región.
Recuerdo una frase que dice:
“JUJUY le han puesto de nombre
Debe ser cosa de Dios,
En el idioma del cielo
Así se llama al amor.”
Me encuentro a más de 1700km de mi ciudad natal, en la ciudad de Buenos Aires o mas conocida como “la city porteña”, lugar donde se hace mas palpable “el crisol de razas” que poblaron a este pais. Es la ciudad “mas europeizada” dicen algunos. Esta mega ciudad, tierra donde muchos la consideran lugar de oportunidades, donde al transitar sus calles uno comprende porque “el tango” nace aquí.
Les comento algo que a lo mejor les parezca extraño, pero que también es verdad: dentro de ese crisol de razas que hacen a la actual poblacion argentina, también se encuentra la “RAÍZ AMERICANA”.
Esta ciudad fue receptora no solo de la migración europea, sino tambien de la migración interna del pais, por lo que les aconsejo (si es que tienen intenciones de conocer Bs As), hacer un recorrido cultural a traves de las “PEÑAS FOLKLORICAS”, fiestas donde se interpreta, baila y canta MUSICA FOLKLORICA ARGENTINA y también latinoamericana. Descubrirán una Argentina autóctona, americana y regional. Todo eso debido a la enorme extensión del territorio que se extiende desde Ushuaia hasta La Quiaca.
Así es, Argentina es muy rica en historia. Y estamos hablando de historia identitaria y originaria de esta tierra sudamericana, por lo que los invito nuevamente a venir y conocerla.
GJ: I was born in northern Argentina, in Jujuy Province, characterized by having part of its territory considered a Wrold Hertiage of “Cultural, scenic and historic” value. I talk of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Also here, in this moody and magnificent scenery is the famous “Mountain of 7 Colors” including more natural beauty, and now I invite you to visit this wonderful region.
I remember a saying that goes:
“They gave it the name JUJUY
It should be a thing of God,
In the language of heaven
This is called love. ”
I am more than 1700km from my home town, in the city of Buenos Aires, better known as “The Port City”, a place where the idea of “the melting pot” that settled in this country becomes palpable. Some say the city is “more Europeanized,”. This mega city, the land many consider a place of opportunity, where to walk it’s streets, one understands why “Tango” was born here.
I will tell you something that maybe seems strange but that is also true: in this melting pot of races that make the current population of Argentina there is also the “AMERICAN ROOT”.
This city was the recipient not only of European migration, but also of internal migration of Argentines, so I advise you (if you intend to travel to Buenos Aires), make a cultural journey through the “folkloric” parties where people perform plays, dance and sing ARGENTINE FOLK MUSIC and Latin American folk as well. One will discover a different sides of Argentina: native, American, and regional. This complexity is because of the vast expanse of territory stretching from Ushuaia to La Quiaca.
Indeed, Argentina is rich in history. And we’re talking about historical identity and the origins of this South American land, so I again invite you to come and get to know it.
Que quiere decir Reflection and Response para ti?
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
GJ: Lo asimilo con hacerse una pregunta o cuestionamiento, o CRISIS!!!!!!!!
Analizar el problema y buscar probables soluciones. Desde hace años me cuestioné lo siguiente: Todos tenemos nuestros sueños y metas personales, pero también tenemos sueños que implican a la sociedad en su conjunto, y si no lo pensamos asi, deberiamos empezar a entenderlo, creo yo. Pensar en el otro.
Aristoteles habló del hombre como “ser social”. Personalmente, considero que todos debemos aportar nuestro granito de arena al medio que nos rodea.
En estos 10 años que viví en BS AS conocí incontables provincianos de todo el país que sufren el “desarraigo” pero mantienen sus costumbres, cultura y tradiciones en la medida de sus posibilidades. La difusión de esas actividades generalmente no llegan a los medios masivos de comunicación .
Esos provincianos son considerados para los porteños como intrusos y por otro lado, para los provincianos que residen en sus provincias, estos desarraigados son porteños.
GJ: I think of Reflection as the idea of presenting a question, challenge, or CRISIS!!!
Analyze the problem and find possible solutions.
For years I questioned the following:
We all have our dreams and goals, but we also have dreams that involve society as a whole, and if we do not think like this, it’s something we should begin to understand. To think of the other.
Aristotle spoke of man as a “social being”. Personally, I think we should all do our bit for our environment.
In these 10 years I have lived in Buenos Aires I met countless migrants throughout the country who suffer “rootlessness” but retain their customs, culture and traditions as much as possible. The spread of these activities generally does not reach the mass media.
These migrants are considered intruders by those born in the city. On the other hand these same transplanted migrants are considered “rootless,” for the provincials who reside in their home provinces.
Que más estás haciendo actualmente? Que proyectos estás pensando trabajar próximamente? Como se encuentran esos proyectos con tu idea de Reflection and Response?
GJ: What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next? How do these projects fit in with your ideas on Reflection and Response?
Es por esto que decidí solidarizarme y aportar mi granito de arena a este mundo difundiendo lo hacen los provincianos y sobre todo los jujeños en BS AS, personas solidarias, trabajadoras, reunidas en centros de residentes o como “solitarios heroes”, (QUIJOTES DE LA CULTURA) que difunden sus tadiciones, cultura, música, comidas… TIPICAS ARGENTINAS!!!!!!!
YO YA NO SOY UN QUIJOTE SOLITARIO gracias a TODOS los que se animan a soñar con un mundo mejor y todos los que nos acompañan en nuestros emprendimientos.
Creo que es importante que las nuevas generaciones conozcan su pasado y puedan valorar la importancia que tiene el sentido de la IDENTIDAD.
CAMINATA DE LAS QUENAS
Es por eso que pensamos en la magia de los niños de Jujuy y me convertí en uno de los 4 organizadores del proyecto “CAMINATA DE LAS QUENAS”, Proyecto cultural, educativo, identitario, musical que se realiza todos los años en los meses de Julio en BS AS y en agosto en JUJUY. (IMPORTANTE: Este año es el Bicentenario del Exodo Jujeño)
GJ: Thus I decided to express my solidarity and contribute my bit to this world spreading the work of migrants, especially those from Jujuy, living in Buenos Aires: caring people, workers, residents gathered in centers or “lone heroes” (QUIJOTES OF CULTURE) who spread and promote thier traditions, culture, music, food … TYPICAL ARGENTINA!!!
I AM NO LONGER A SINGLE QUIXOTE thanks to ALL who dare to dream of a better world and all who join us in our endeavors.
I think it is important that new generations know their past and that this knowledge can help them appreciate the importance of a sense of identity.
WALK OF QUENAS
This is why we believe in the magic of children in Jujuy and I became one of the four organizers of the “WALK OF QUENAS” This project focuses on culture, education, identity, and music and is performed every year in July in Buenos Airs and in August in Jujuy. (IMPORTANT: This year is the bicentennial of Jujuy Exodus)
The Porch Swing artist residency series keeps rockin with Samuel Bostick’sWORD of the day creative writing project.. Installation Number 5: Discipline [Part II].
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.
Discipline n. 1) Training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2) Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training. 3) A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline. 4) A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. 5) A process intended to correct or train. 6) A set of rules or methods as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order. 7) A branch of knowledge or of teaching.
WORD of the day: Discipline [Part II]
Mind, Body & Soul; discipline is a revolutionary strength.
As the refining pot is to gold,
so is discipline to those who apply it, those who abide in it.
A disciplined mind; development of focus and concentration
A tool of unlimited potential!
A disciplined body; all great achievements are won through great effort
Order in the physical elements is key
A disciplined soul; I read once that a person without control over their own spirit
is like a city broken down without walls
Again, be a disciple to your cause. Submit yourself to the pursuit of the objective ahead.
The self, feelings an’ emotions are concepts. They arise and fall as any other sentiment in this impermanent place. An achievement cannot be taken from by anyone, it is a benchmark.
Do great things—go for the gold all day every day!
Still, be patient with yourself.
Discipline is not always easy and there will be times where you may consider throwing in the towel a time when the burden seems too heavy to bear.
Build a team, a strong core of individuals mobbing in a like minded way.
There is strength in numbers.
A wolf pack, a pride of lions, a battalion of goons…
take down the target!!
We must all run our own race, nobody can do it for you nor for me…still it is encouragement that we need sometimes…it is that one voice that says “you can do it” when we fall from glory and start to feel we can’t. Everyone needs a push, a dear companion in hard times is a great lifeline…trust in yourself, have faith in your teammates, pull your own weight, invest in your team… us versus them. Go for the grand prize.
Again, the self is the biggest opponent…discipline is the training needed to run the race the outcome will reflect the input.
Never give up, do not give in, find your passion-tie it to your heart and run with it, dare to try, have the audacity to challenge any obstacle, live your life according to your beliefs and convictions, be not afraid to make mistakes—take chances…be true and truth will be forever in your presence… overcome disbelief.
the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.
Shake This Maze, 2nd edition. A couple months ago, we released the “First 50” units of Peter’s debut album, independently recorded, with back-to-the-basics handcrafted artwork. The second edition features another set of 50 individually numbered albums, with a new gold-anchored cover design.
We wanted to release a 2nd edition of Shake This Maze as a continuation of our collaborative project. Vicken takes the feel of the collaboration to a different level with the gold banner, which gives new character to the same musical content as the original edition.
This is the end of the beginning. Our first collaborative product, and it’s been a raw experience expanding our craft with you. Thank you all for the love and support!! We’re looking forward to building off this project as we move forward!
Stay tuned for the upcoming release of Shake This Maze, 2nd edition!!
Reflection and Response resident artist Samuel Bostick hits with the 4th installment of his WORD of the day project at the LIFESTYLE Porch Swing!
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.
First and foremost I would like to thank you for stickin with me through this process and development. I have been encouraged by this and I pray yall have been too. That being said, lets jump into it…
Discipline: n. 1) Training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2) Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training. 3) A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline. 4) A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. 5) A process intended to correct or train. 6) A set of rules or methods as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order. 7) A branch of knowledge or of teaching.
WORD of the day: Discipline
Surrender, it starts with surrender; the action of submitting to a greater order—to a specific purpose or pursuit. Surrender the concept of “I” and “Self”…become a disciple to the cause of your calling. Curve your desire to the taste of epic victory rather than momentary pleasures. This is the training in preparation for your marathon. With discipline long term goals become daily achievements which unfold into a whole nother level of performance. The hardest part is to really develop the discipline from a seasonal practice into a lifestyle, an order which you live by. Tha’s when it really reaches the revolutionary level.
Be balanced, keep a clear mind, make efforts to improve each day, breath in – breath out, ‘get on your marathon’. The greatest challenge is to overcome the self. Conquer disbelieve. Life is hard, nevertheless carry your cross. Have faith in the product of your effort, sow a great seed.
the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.
For the upcoming release of the Second Edition of Shake This Maze I will be recording and uploading videos of a capellas of key tracks from the album. I think this process shows a dope, stripped down picture of the lyrics on the album. These A Capellas were recorded in my bedroom in Callao, Madrid, España. More will be on the way!
Jade Eyes
These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us
These jade eyes
These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us/ One mind we design our own island/ Or so I thought as I thrust my paw on her/ Didn’t think that I could do her such dishonor/ Back away and I nod my head/ These pretty lights can really play and they’re rocking it/ And these kids eat it up like Lox and spread/ As the clock is lost and we forget our beds/ The jade eyes stay with me and I see her/ Kissing on the dude who arrived in the beamer/ Guess I had weak pop tonight Elisa Steamer/ The jade just caught the light and all disappears/ But she stays florescent cold as December in this northern state that’s the greyest in the hemisphere/ Just like lemmings I follow the trap/ Wonder if she gets off on withholding that vag because
These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us
These jade eyes
Contradiction many been up her blouse/ But my fingers are some splinters she can do without/ This week’s been weak grime and grout/ Games every day every way tagged out/ But I’m glad for the no’s the strep and the colds/ The effect of the soul/ Is it’s left invincible/ Try me all you want these jade eyes still haunt me/ Thought if I got her I’d find some sense of belonging/ After the show all filed out to rides home/ Chose to feign fatigue said peace to the folks/ Got home restless with the image in my mind/ Of her curves her shirt and her perfect jade eyes/ And I dealt with it the only way I know how/ With the guitar and drums turned up way too loud/And as all else slept and tired of the bass/ In it’s beautiful hum I found a place
These jade eyes are straight lies that bind us
These jade eyes
Wake Up
Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll stay up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 6 in the afternoon/Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll stay up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/
These mind games she plays are amazing/ Every time I find gains turn out to be lies lately/ Been too many years/ Not to see it clear/ Though she might flirt and veer/ The thing is not changing/ Used to be long and lanky/ Now I got cheeks/ no exercise exacerbates angst greatly/ Painstakingly wait patiently by the phone/ Waste hours just watch Hoarders and drone/ But I swear to god I’m over it/ I entered this war alone/ And on my own/ I’m done with the soldering/ I don’t deserve it and neither do you/ As you fuck whoever cuz I’m tired and through
Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll live up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/ Just wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll live up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ And I’ll stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/ I wake up
My invitations seems to be a game/ Imitations pixelated frames on your playstation tres/ She sees me in a friendly way/ And just seems to say things that a friend would say/ But I let the winks and smily faced texts get to me/ Stupidly imagine actions we don’t end up doing/ Telling myself lies as my mental health slides into fantasy attraction chosen so randomly/ No use looking for accuracy/ Cupid shoots and the damage done collaterally/ So if it wasn’t for this pen and this pad and this beat/ I would have been as sad as I was mad at seventeen/ Let’s get it all out and throw it on the table/ Don’t know if I loved her is a twenty year old able?/ But her burn once hurt so painful/ Until I turned the scar into my angel
Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll live up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ As I’ stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/Wake up/ But it’s so hard to do/ The floor’s cold think I’ll stay up inside this dew/ This pillow provides more support than you/ As I stay in bed till 5 in the afternoon/I Wake up
Trip to Salamanca (Madrid, España) by Antonio Guerrero Acosta
Reflection and Response.
The Snapshots From the Collective series works to create a space for Reflection and Response through photography. ANYone who wants to contribute ANY photos to this project can email us submissions at the.lifestyle.rr@gmail.com. One photo will be posted each week, and photos will only be used for the purposes of this series. Thank you and we look forward to building and expanding the Collective!!! -P & V
Here is the third installment from The Porch Swing , a weekly series focusing on a unique version of Reflection and Response. Samuel Bostick, our first resident artist, brings us his WORD of the day project which centers on a word presented with his personal blend of creative writing. His first and second posts bring new light to classic vocabulary. Stay with us as he presents another piece in the ongoing series crafted through the lens of Reflection and Response as part of the LIFESTYLE collective…
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.
Perseverance: n. 1) Adherence to a course of action, belief or purpose without giving way; steadfastness. 2) To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement
WORD of the day: Perseverance
Day in day out, we move in order to make progress.
Moment to moment each second building on the next
The click clock tick tock
Time keeps running will it ever stop?
Click. Clock. Tick. Tock.
Understand this clearly, all things have a purpose, a charge in this life.
Every day comes with its challenges, this is certain. Some days more challenges than others…
These past few weeks have been rough.
Burning holes in Pockets, Bills marauding mail boxes;
Tough times still my hustle the world will not stop, a rhythm-a passion the world will not take.
This heart beats with purpose.
Yesterday brought word of a woman…she lay in a coma, a fight for life…
all due to the abusive hands of a partner, a lover
Fatal attraction.
Steady increase in teen pregnancy, more and more absent fathers
Fuck. (On second thought…Don’t)
Schools raise tuition and cut classes
…whats the remedy…
prisons yards, military recruits, pockets full of stone
its MEAN out here!!
Move with conviction, keep a balanced mind, follow your passion, keep goin hard, make ‘em feel you! PER.SEV.ERE
Still I Rise.
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.
the LIFESTYLE is a place for a global dialogue on creativity, Reflection, and Response associated with the arts. This week we are proud to feature Ellie Cross, whose commitment to community arts has led her to opportunities to interact with people around the world. She currently is part of a team that is starting an International School in Mumbai, India where she will become an art teacher after the school opens its doors in August. Check the dialogue below and view some recent work Ellie has been a part of in Mumbai!
That’s why I love community art projects and arts education, because it challenges the myth of the artist as some talented genius-loner making things that regular people can only appreciate.
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
EC: I’m from Seattle, but I’m living in Mumbai, India at the moment. My day job is helping start up a new International School, where I’ll be teaching art once we open up in August. This has fed my brain as I’ve explored the educational landscape here, plus supported and grounded me as I feed my insatiable inner appetite for community art projects.
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
EC: Reflection means your brain thoughtfully digesting things, and according to the dictionary, it also means “the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.” I believe the most powerful art does both of these. It shines some truth straight into your face by revealing something that’s been in front of you, previously unexamined. I think that’s what James Baldwin meant when he said: “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers.”
As for response, I think art is response. The way I see it, humans are like little dust bunnies that roll around collecting tiny sparkles of dust, aka inspiration. Sometimes a dust-sparkle punches you in the stomach and you lose your breath with the truth of it. Sometimes it just gets filed away unceremoniously into your fold of pre-accumulated dust and it doesn’t germinate until much later. Sometimes it swirls around the tip of your tongue until something else catalyzes it, and art is born! We might create the art as individuals but it’s always the product of much more than that. Which is helpful to remember as an artist, because it takes the weight off of you a bit.
How do your current artistic endeavors fit in with that definition?
EC: That’s why I love community art projects and arts education, because it challenges the myth of the artist as some talented genius-loner making things that regular people can only appreciate. I do think some artists deserve disproportionate acknowledgement for putting in the 10,000 hours and challenging some incredible ideas into beautiful music/dance/visual arts, etc. I’m just more interested in awakening/nourishing creativity in kids and people that aren’t being celebrated as artists. I also love using art to change spaces, which I see as reflecting back a different reality. Especially in the murals we’ve been doing in Children’s Home, which was previously a jail and no changes have been made to make it feel like a home for kids. Even though painting the walls seems like a relatively superficial solution to a challenging situation, I think that spending the time and investing the thoughtful creative energy into those walls fundamentally alters the space. Especially when the kids have painted it themselves.
What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?
EC: I’ve been taking a bunch of art classes in the traditional Indian arts. One of my favorites is Madhubani Painting, which is a tribal art form in which anything living gets a double outline. The outside line is the body, and the inside one is the soul. My friend and I wrote a Children’s Book about a kid’s tumultuous relationship with a bean plant, which is based on real life. We’re trying to get it published, so if anyone’s interested I do hope they holler. Also, I’m super excited to do a series of murals called “Blanks” in which certain sections are painted in chalkboard paint, so that passer-by’s can participate in the mural by contributing their chalk art.
Who or what inspires you?
EC: Abdul Sattar Edhi, this 84 year-old Pakistani that has only driven an ambulance in his life because he’s dedicated to helping people. Also, a Ghanaian man named Professor Smiles who believed in art the way religious fanatics believe in God. Caine’s Arcade and all the people that flashmobbed it. Great art blogs, like http://www.thisiscolossal.com/ and kids’ fearless faith that magic is pretty real. And definitely the Christian the Lion video when the lion hugs his long-lost human friends. I always cry with delight at that one.
Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?
EC: When I tell people I’m either an artist or an art teacher, they quickly respond by telling me they “can’t draw.” I don’t know when being an artist got smooshed into the tiny box of fine motor skills and training associated with drawing, but I’m continually saddened by the fear many people face in the pursuit of artistic endeavors. I also think it’s important that visual arts get added to that often cited proverb from Zimbabwe, “If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.” And if you can make any mark on any surface you can draw. Maybe you can’t draw the way you want to or the way you think the world wants you to. However, when you try and draw a horse and it looks unlike any horse anyone’s ever seen before–you’ve got to respect that horse. Because no one else living or dead could have made it. That doesn’t mean you have to like the horse, and you can definitely try again to make one you like more, but please stop hating on your horse and yourself. You’re not a camera and you’re not a photocopier. We have those now. You’re way more interesting than that.
Shout out to…?
EC: All the friendships, particularly the Art or Choke Collective and my amazing India collaborators that have helped make all the public art possible. The absurdly great family, the steady sweetheart, the internet, revolutionaries, manatees, and all the people doing the good work daily to cultivate love, justice, and magic.
Children’s Home mural project (Mumbai, India)
Check out Ellie’s blog for more information on the Children’s Home mural project and more photos documenting the process!
Also check out Ellie’s website to learn about powerful community arts projects she has facilitated in Ghana, Thailand, Malaysia, Tibet, Cambodia, United States, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala!
the LIFESTYLE 