Nicolas Bourriad says contemporary art is like an orange rabbit sitting on your shoulder. The rabbit might be imaginary, but our only real choice is to go along with the story...at least for now. Otherwise, art fails.
I've heard the something similar said about improvisation in comedy. Whatever is thrown at you -- whatever scenario or line, you can't negate it or refuse it. You always have to carry the momentum forward, or else the scene dies.
I've found a lot of life (if we want to sound philosophical and lofty...which is territory I tend to wander into unwillingly from time to time) to be the same. Whatever is thrown at you, you often have to roll with the punches. To refuse or negate a lot of questions and experiences stops the scene -- preventing our momentum in any situation.
Of course, the moment I typed that, I immediately thought of some exceptions that it wouldn't be unwise to forego.
I've heard the something similar said about improvisation in comedy. Whatever is thrown at you -- whatever scenario or line, you can't negate it or refuse it. You always have to carry the momentum forward, or else the scene dies.
I've found a lot of life (if we want to sound philosophical and lofty...which is territory I tend to wander into unwillingly from time to time) to be the same. Whatever is thrown at you, you often have to roll with the punches. To refuse or negate a lot of questions and experiences stops the scene -- preventing our momentum in any situation.
Of course, the moment I typed that, I immediately thought of some exceptions that it wouldn't be unwise to forego.
Come on. Everyone else is doing it.
The reason I bring this up is because this is probably one of the most valuable things I took away from CalArts. Never done improvisation before? No problem. Have to learn a piece in a week with two rehearsals? No problem. Never played timpani before? Why not start with this John Cage-inspired piece where we all switch instruments impromptu at the performance?
It can't be that hard. Right?
Basically, it never became a question of: have I done this before? Can I do it? It was more a matter of: well, if I don't know, I'll figure it out.
It's amazing to be in an environment where we're allowed the freedom to do that. Especially since most of us are unleashed onto the world post-graduation over-qualified for the jobs that actually accept us.
A lot of this applies to my current job. Somehow, I'm not only an office manager and a content writer (the first which I've never really done before), but as of yesterday, I am now the webpage designer for the team...and we have a couple clients on the line. Admittedly, it's refreshing to be in a situation where I can again say "Well, I actually have no idea how to do that, but I'll figure it out" and have other people trust my character despite my lack of experience...especially since I'm last coming off of a job where I had to wash the restaurant windows for hours at a time because I wasn't trusted to take orders.
In any case, I apologize for the lackluster post today. I have much to share and update! Soon.
It's amazing to be in an environment where we're allowed the freedom to do that. Especially since most of us are unleashed onto the world post-graduation over-qualified for the jobs that actually accept us.
A lot of this applies to my current job. Somehow, I'm not only an office manager and a content writer (the first which I've never really done before), but as of yesterday, I am now the webpage designer for the team...and we have a couple clients on the line. Admittedly, it's refreshing to be in a situation where I can again say "Well, I actually have no idea how to do that, but I'll figure it out" and have other people trust my character despite my lack of experience...especially since I'm last coming off of a job where I had to wash the restaurant windows for hours at a time because I wasn't trusted to take orders.
In any case, I apologize for the lackluster post today. I have much to share and update! Soon.
