(Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes)
turn and face the strange (ch-ch-changes)
Where's your shame?
You've left us up to our necks in it
— © David Bowie 1971

An acquaintance approached me at Thursday evening’s gallery opening and inquired when I would post something new. I was surprised and flattered—mostly surprised, perhaps even shocked. Except for a few old friends, I’d assumed these missives were without an audience. Who knew?

For those who visit this site regularly, you might notice some changes — or maybe not. I’ve been working to make the site cleaner and simpler. These are small adjustments, and they’re not yet complete. One notable change: the navigation now refers to this page as “Journal” rather than “Blog.” I’m planning to add a Blogroll and wanted a clear distinction between my personal journal and that feature. The term “blogroll” comes from the early internet days when most personal sites were blogs rather than general “websites.” Those early blogs often had a blogroll. A blogroll was a collection of links to other blogs a blogger found interesting or worth sharing. There was an etiquette to linking back, fostering a community of interconnected blogs.

Over time, as blogs evolved into websites, blogrolls fell out of favor. They were usually tucked into sidebars (another fading feature), but lately, I’ve noticed a resurgence. I’m jumping on the bandwagon. Don’t hold your breath for my blogroll’s debut, but it’ll show up eventually.

CHANGES AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES

As I write this entry on Sunday, January 19, 2025, an event looms tomorrow that promises profound change for our country and the world. For some, it’s fraught with danger and fear:

It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(And I feel fine)
— © R.E.M., 1987

For others, it heralds a return to a perceived golden age:

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land! God bless the U.S.A.
— © Lee Greenwood, 1984

As for me, I hope for something in between. Yet the division over how to move forward is stark, with little interest in compromise. I suspect the outcome will please no one entirely and benefit only the 1%'ers.

BACK TO PHOTOGRAPHY

This website and journal are supposed to focus on photography, so here’s a related update: I’m doing something I would have dismissed a year ago—returning to film photography. My primary motivation is to develop a program at the gallery (RICPA) on analog and alternative processes in the interest of attracting new members. There is an amazing revival of analog photography going on and GenZ and Millineals are the driving force. But that’s a topic for another day.

ARTISTIC STRUGGLES

Last night, we attended a Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performance. What struck me most wasn’t the music but a story shared by the conductor, Robert Spano, during the post-concert talk. In response to a question about curating a season of performances, he told an old Sufi tale:

A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: “You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?” So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: “See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides. ”And thus the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn’t gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: “Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along.” Well, the Man didn’t know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them.

The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yourself and your hulking son?” The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do.

They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey’s feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.

“That will teach you,” said an old man who had followed them: “Please all, and you will please none.”

As artists, we often strive to create work that resonates with others—a misguided effort. We need to focus on expressing our unique vision and let the chips fall where they may. Easier said than done, as we all need some external validation from time to time.

AND LASTLY SOME MUSICAL INSPIRATION

If you’re grappling with change or the world’s disorder, I recommend two musical works:

Antonio Salieri’s 26 Variations on La Folia — This piece, based on one of Europe’s oldest musical themes, La Folia, is a testament to human creativity. Look for the Orchestra Città de Verona’s version, conducted by Enrico de Mori (available on Apple Music). Wikipedia link on the history of La Folia.

Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert — Recorded 50 years ago, this iconic solo piano album almost didn’t happen. Its stream-of-consciousness improvisational artistry remains unmatched. It is a gorgeous piece of work, a reaffirmation of human creativity. The story of the concert is worth a read — Wikipedia link.

Both pieces are live performances that showcase what we, as a species, can achieve when we choose creation over destruction. Listen to them next time you’re feeling down or overwhelmed—we can do better.