My initial reaction to Nikki Lee's photographs were somewhat intriguing. Some reminded me of the pictures friends take to preserve and capture memories. While others looked to be more staged, yet they still maintain that certain candid realness about them. For instance the photograph with the skate boarders, was very poesy in a way ( i kept getting the notion about three, like the trees in the back, the trio of friends and their skateboards). Even so I still got a sense of real life in it. Another photo was the Hispanic women posing for the camera at the parade. Again another photo that captures a timeless moment. There smiles weren't fake and it was clear that they were enjoying themselves.
Its the first time I've seen Nikki Lee's work and I found it quite interesting that she took a get your hands dirty approach. Not only was she capturing real moments but actually becoming the persons she portrayed. Nikki took on the role many may not respect the poser. But it works in my opinion for her overall purpose. She's a actress, literary posing for the camera. Real or not its still brings up the issue about honesty, and what
With Nikki Lee's work she's always apart of the picture, becoming one of the crowd. And it does make for a interesting social experiment. It raises questions about the division between social groups, ethic stereotypes, moral values, lost of individuality in the mist of the crowd. And what is considered real and whats genuinely fake.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Notes on Revision
Honestly I felt it was necessary to edit my review on The Death List because I really did enjoy the book and I didn't give it the credit that it deserved. So I took to the suggestions of my peers, professor, and even other people. I asked around. Everyone had the same point. My need to chop that lengthy summary was a must and I had to put more of my analysis within the review.
Phase one I scrapped the entire first paragraph taking into account what Jonathan commented, "leaving enough holes in it to make the reader want to go out and read the book." This is what initially got me fumbling through parts of my review that would not only draw the reader in, but leave enough room for my analysis. And possibly enable me to discuss the author a bit more or maybe his reason for the book. Alex made some good comments as well. I took what he said into account, like some of the sentences being awkward and narrowing down my summary to two paragraphs.
That part wasn't hard at all given all the writing I had to work from. The only other issue was what to drop? Some parts could be reworded or moved to a different area of the review while other bits couldn't work without their other half. Aubree stated in her comment that I had a lot to work with and yes that was a given. But her, "less is more," idea really worked for me. And with phase two came the toughest decision. I took the WD character out of the review ( not totally because he is the epitome of the White Devil concept). WD is a complex character and if I were to explain him in depth, like I truly wanted, the review would have become more of a character study. Its best for the reader to discover this person on their own, and draw their own conclusions. Plus from the first review of The Death List, I jumped around. Trying not to give away this person (WD) identity, and made it a bit confusing for readers. Cutting him was the only option.
Phase one I scrapped the entire first paragraph taking into account what Jonathan commented, "leaving enough holes in it to make the reader want to go out and read the book." This is what initially got me fumbling through parts of my review that would not only draw the reader in, but leave enough room for my analysis. And possibly enable me to discuss the author a bit more or maybe his reason for the book. Alex made some good comments as well. I took what he said into account, like some of the sentences being awkward and narrowing down my summary to two paragraphs.
That part wasn't hard at all given all the writing I had to work from. The only other issue was what to drop? Some parts could be reworded or moved to a different area of the review while other bits couldn't work without their other half. Aubree stated in her comment that I had a lot to work with and yes that was a given. But her, "less is more," idea really worked for me. And with phase two came the toughest decision. I took the WD character out of the review ( not totally because he is the epitome of the White Devil concept). WD is a complex character and if I were to explain him in depth, like I truly wanted, the review would have become more of a character study. Its best for the reader to discover this person on their own, and draw their own conclusions. Plus from the first review of The Death List, I jumped around. Trying not to give away this person (WD) identity, and made it a bit confusing for readers. Cutting him was the only option.
After rereading the older version multiple times, I still don't think I had much of a voice, and my details just went way overboard. Balance was needed and I took to editing my piece right after class.With phase three in motion I went in depth with my analysis and wrote a bit about the author. I proofread and edited again. I tend to write a lot so its still a bit long but in the end I gave the reader a taste of what's to come.
Revised: The Death List "What a mockery hath death made of thee?"
Step into "The Death List,"a spine twisting thriller, woven from the mind of award winning crime writer Paul Johnston.
Dwelling in a crappy two room flat, he can barely afford. Matt's' writing career is dead and his idea of a master plan is nonexistent. He throws his publishers and even his ex-wife under the bus in order to muster the self fulfillment he’s missing. One reason because his books aren’t selling like they use to and he’s been out of commission for quite sometime. His outlook on the biz is that publishers are looking for the hot young twenty somethings. Not the rugged looking author, whose photograph scares more than one sensitive child. Not to mention his website is also on the brink of extinction. Instead of averaging five messages a day from adoring fans he’s lucky to get five a week. His daily displacement activities include, checking his mail box, browsing his email, and even personally replying to responses from whomever is left of his fan base.
Still what more could a guy ask for? All Matt could do was hope, or…beg but even that demolishment of dignity was in vain. So he’d gone off at the mouth an kind of torched his career. Things would get better…Even if the money wasn’t piling or the creative juices weren’t flowing. Its just a small rut. He’d come back on top again…So he thought.
Trapped within the great abyss of self pity, abandonment and folly, crime novelist Matt Wells finds himself in a dire bind. With the devil pulling the strings.
Unlike Paul Johnstons' Quint Novels or even his Greek Novels, The Death List strays away from his usual routine (the Greek setting, fictional location, futuristic take or the Private eye ). In fact The Death List is set in London, a place the author calls home. The voice approach with this book was different as well, making good use of the third person format. We truly get to see inside the mind of Johnstons vibrant characters, raw and uncensored. The reader holds the secrets to the uncertainties of character situations but those discoveries may or may not elude to what may befall Matt Wells.
The Death List not only portrays a more personal aspect of how Johnston felt as being out of the loop due to illness but the relationship between a crime novelist and his/her material. It's quite interesting; what lines might a writer cross for that number one best seller? Whether threatened, bitter or just revenged crazed could ones sense of morality be swayed given the situation? What's truly good and what is evil?
Paul Johnston takes a interconnected approach as well, which can either make for an interesting turn of events or a confusing one. Rereading is not the option for everyone but given suspenseful aspect to the material it’d be worth it. Every detail has meaning unraveling fact after fact. In some instances statements are reiterated to display/build on key personality attributes and morals of different characters or even to lump a particular group together. Like the White Devil notion from Websters plays. These people were the hypocrites, corrupt evil doers lurking beneath layers of apparent probity. Johnston modernizes yet recycles this idea putting Jacobean revenge tragedies to good use. Setting the scene for an unlikely ending that'll have audiences raving.
Dwelling in a crappy two room flat, he can barely afford. Matt's' writing career is dead and his idea of a master plan is nonexistent. He throws his publishers and even his ex-wife under the bus in order to muster the self fulfillment he’s missing. One reason because his books aren’t selling like they use to and he’s been out of commission for quite sometime. His outlook on the biz is that publishers are looking for the hot young twenty somethings. Not the rugged looking author, whose photograph scares more than one sensitive child. Not to mention his website is also on the brink of extinction. Instead of averaging five messages a day from adoring fans he’s lucky to get five a week. His daily displacement activities include, checking his mail box, browsing his email, and even personally replying to responses from whomever is left of his fan base.
Still what more could a guy ask for? All Matt could do was hope, or…beg but even that demolishment of dignity was in vain. So he’d gone off at the mouth an kind of torched his career. Things would get better…Even if the money wasn’t piling or the creative juices weren’t flowing. Its just a small rut. He’d come back on top again…So he thought.
Trapped within the great abyss of self pity, abandonment and folly, crime novelist Matt Wells finds himself in a dire bind. With the devil pulling the strings.
Unlike Paul Johnstons' Quint Novels or even his Greek Novels, The Death List strays away from his usual routine (the Greek setting, fictional location, futuristic take or the Private eye ). In fact The Death List is set in London, a place the author calls home. The voice approach with this book was different as well, making good use of the third person format. We truly get to see inside the mind of Johnstons vibrant characters, raw and uncensored. The reader holds the secrets to the uncertainties of character situations but those discoveries may or may not elude to what may befall Matt Wells.
The Death List not only portrays a more personal aspect of how Johnston felt as being out of the loop due to illness but the relationship between a crime novelist and his/her material. It's quite interesting; what lines might a writer cross for that number one best seller? Whether threatened, bitter or just revenged crazed could ones sense of morality be swayed given the situation? What's truly good and what is evil?
Paul Johnston takes a interconnected approach as well, which can either make for an interesting turn of events or a confusing one. Rereading is not the option for everyone but given suspenseful aspect to the material it’d be worth it. Every detail has meaning unraveling fact after fact. In some instances statements are reiterated to display/build on key personality attributes and morals of different characters or even to lump a particular group together. Like the White Devil notion from Websters plays. These people were the hypocrites, corrupt evil doers lurking beneath layers of apparent probity. Johnston modernizes yet recycles this idea putting Jacobean revenge tragedies to good use. Setting the scene for an unlikely ending that'll have audiences raving.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Death List "What a mockery hath death made of thee?"
Step into "The Death List,"a spine twisting thriller, woven from the mind of award winning crime writer Paul Johnston.
As the story opens we learn upfront about Matt's current situation. He and his ex-wife Caroline are divorced and have joint custody of their daughter Lucy. In agreement the normal arrangement is he accompany Lucy to and from school everyday, making sure she gets home safely. One of the bigger perks is that he gets to spend time with her on weekends. But Caroline is this fun loving eight year olds primary caretaker. So Matt had better not half step with this woman. She got the house in the divorce settlement and no way is ashamed to show her harsh true colors. And as Matt said she’ll take any excuse to rid him from her and Lucy’s lives.
Sticking to routine, Matt manages to keeps close to his daughter. He lives just around the corner from his ex-wife. Dwelling in a crappy two room flat, he can barely afford. His writing career is dead and his idea of a master plan is nonexistent. For a while the reader can find him or herself straggling right along with Matt and his antics. So to speak he throws his publishers and even his ex-wife under the bus in order to muster some self fulfillment he’s missing. One reason because his books aren’t selling like they use to and he’s been out of commission for quite sometime. His outlook on the biz is that publishers are looking for the hot young twenty somethings. Not the rugged looking author, whose photograph scares more than one sensitive child. Not to mention his website is also on the brink extinction. Instead of averaging five messages a day from adoring fans he’s lucky to get five a week. His daily displacement activities include, checking his mail box, browsing his email, and even personally replying to responses from whomever is left of his fan base.
Still what more could a guy ask for? All Matt could do was hope, or…beg but even that demolishment of dignity was in vain. So he’d gone off at the mouth an kind of torched his career. Things would get better…Even if the money wasn’t piling or the creative juices weren’t flowing. Its just a small rut. He’d come back on top again…just like, WD1612 said. Not a friend nor foe, just a constant aggravating fan. High in praises yet read in between the lines lingo. Matt gave this stranger a glimpse of the real him and WD, took full advantage.
His on going project…
The email Matt opened that day was taunting. Who was this person, how’d he know his name. Not only did WD have information on Matt, but that of his lover Sara, his ex-wife, his daughter, mother and even his late father. He knew of his friends, the home in which he’d resided and even the name of his real birth mother. WD was smug about Matt’s real father boasting about how he could find him, just say the word.
WD’s proposition, sounded like any other person seeking a ghost writer to foot their autobiography. Just another freakish escapade? Or the incriminating ploy involving something bigger. Either way dirty money lay outside Matt’s’ door, “literally cash up front.”
What choices? Was he just a desperate man of wounded pride? Banking on revenge, just as sinister as White Devil ( hypocrites, corrupt evil doers lurking beneath layers of apparent probity). Or is Matt protecting his loved ones?
Trapped within the great abyss of self pity, abandonment and folly, crime novelist Matt Wells finds himself in a dire bind. With the devil pulling the strings.
The pace of the book is smooth and at the same time it speeds up rather fast. Lets just say the body count just keeps on coming! The urge to pull away is reasonable, given the long length and some gore. But remember this is crime fiction.
Even so, Paul Johnston takes this interconnected approach, which can either make for an interesting turn of events or a confusing one. Rereading is not the option for everyone but given suspenseful aspect to the material it’d be worth it. Every detail has meaning unraveling fact after fact. In some instances statements are reiterated to display/ build on key personality attributes and morals of different characters.
Throughout the novel there was always something eerie about how WD spoke. Even in the portions of the book where the Author Johnston allows the reader to peer inside the head of a born killer; It not only set the scene but provoked this unknown fear. Just thinking that there could be someone like WD out there watching is in a sense, spooky.
As the story opens we learn upfront about Matt's current situation. He and his ex-wife Caroline are divorced and have joint custody of their daughter Lucy. In agreement the normal arrangement is he accompany Lucy to and from school everyday, making sure she gets home safely. One of the bigger perks is that he gets to spend time with her on weekends. But Caroline is this fun loving eight year olds primary caretaker. So Matt had better not half step with this woman. She got the house in the divorce settlement and no way is ashamed to show her harsh true colors. And as Matt said she’ll take any excuse to rid him from her and Lucy’s lives.
Sticking to routine, Matt manages to keeps close to his daughter. He lives just around the corner from his ex-wife. Dwelling in a crappy two room flat, he can barely afford. His writing career is dead and his idea of a master plan is nonexistent. For a while the reader can find him or herself straggling right along with Matt and his antics. So to speak he throws his publishers and even his ex-wife under the bus in order to muster some self fulfillment he’s missing. One reason because his books aren’t selling like they use to and he’s been out of commission for quite sometime. His outlook on the biz is that publishers are looking for the hot young twenty somethings. Not the rugged looking author, whose photograph scares more than one sensitive child. Not to mention his website is also on the brink extinction. Instead of averaging five messages a day from adoring fans he’s lucky to get five a week. His daily displacement activities include, checking his mail box, browsing his email, and even personally replying to responses from whomever is left of his fan base.
Still what more could a guy ask for? All Matt could do was hope, or…beg but even that demolishment of dignity was in vain. So he’d gone off at the mouth an kind of torched his career. Things would get better…Even if the money wasn’t piling or the creative juices weren’t flowing. Its just a small rut. He’d come back on top again…just like, WD1612 said. Not a friend nor foe, just a constant aggravating fan. High in praises yet read in between the lines lingo. Matt gave this stranger a glimpse of the real him and WD, took full advantage.
His on going project…
The email Matt opened that day was taunting. Who was this person, how’d he know his name. Not only did WD have information on Matt, but that of his lover Sara, his ex-wife, his daughter, mother and even his late father. He knew of his friends, the home in which he’d resided and even the name of his real birth mother. WD was smug about Matt’s real father boasting about how he could find him, just say the word.
WD’s proposition, sounded like any other person seeking a ghost writer to foot their autobiography. Just another freakish escapade? Or the incriminating ploy involving something bigger. Either way dirty money lay outside Matt’s’ door, “literally cash up front.”
What choices? Was he just a desperate man of wounded pride? Banking on revenge, just as sinister as White Devil ( hypocrites, corrupt evil doers lurking beneath layers of apparent probity). Or is Matt protecting his loved ones?
Trapped within the great abyss of self pity, abandonment and folly, crime novelist Matt Wells finds himself in a dire bind. With the devil pulling the strings.
The pace of the book is smooth and at the same time it speeds up rather fast. Lets just say the body count just keeps on coming! The urge to pull away is reasonable, given the long length and some gore. But remember this is crime fiction.
Even so, Paul Johnston takes this interconnected approach, which can either make for an interesting turn of events or a confusing one. Rereading is not the option for everyone but given suspenseful aspect to the material it’d be worth it. Every detail has meaning unraveling fact after fact. In some instances statements are reiterated to display/ build on key personality attributes and morals of different characters.
Throughout the novel there was always something eerie about how WD spoke. Even in the portions of the book where the Author Johnston allows the reader to peer inside the head of a born killer; It not only set the scene but provoked this unknown fear. Just thinking that there could be someone like WD out there watching is in a sense, spooky.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Lost in Hair Trigger
By self diagnosis, I'm a reader by default. And every so often I undergo a tedious search for fresh material. This weeks assignment gave me that opportunity within the realm of Columbia College publication. However from a students perspective, I was a bit skeptical. I've read other publications that Columbia has done like the newspaper, Echo, Demo, and occasionally I browse the theatrical journals in the library (possibly done by graduate students) but I wondered if I'd really be able to enjoy something I knew absolutely nothing about. So because I wasn't to familiar with any other Columbia publications, I focused my attention on one of the suggested publications listed on the assignment sheet, specifically Hair Trigger. Its name didn't ring any bell and it sounded odd enough that it definitely deserved being investigated. Going in I had one preconception, that it wasn't a magazine, because if it were I would have caught notice by now and another that it's very possible that its a collection of graduate student work but either way I still had burning curiosity.
My search began in our schools library 600 South Michigan. Through the main entrance the library is a straight shot past the elevators. The environment inside was like a graveyard, vacant computers, empty coffee stand and resting printers. I wasn't too surprised, seeing as it was a Saturday morning. But unlike the practically desolate library, the staff were all to eager to help. My journey lead me to the fifth floor, section 810.8H153, where I found a collection of Hair trigger issues. I picked up the oldest book, it had to be issue 11 or older. My first instinct was to flip through the pages so I fed into that urge effortlessly. Wordy, was the initial reaction. No pictures included in this issue, and for people that tend to be more visual, this may not be their type of literature. But for the folks who enjoy a bit of meat added to there reading diets no complaints here, it's definitely something that one should look into. But for the sake of the other breed of reader, I practically went through the entire assortment of Hair Trigger issues until I found one that had literally a pinch of visual among the endless words. These eight images go from black and white to color and each conveys a different story. Its a lot like illustration in a way, each significant yet in some ways abstract in meaning or purpose. These stories aren't always as clear and concrete as writing.
Hair Trigger unlike other Columbia publications is the Colleges' fiction writing department's anthology of student writing. Its a collection of prose fiction and creative nonfiction all done by both undergraduate and graduate students, at all levels of study. While reading issue 29 I also discovered that these works come from core courses like Intro to Fiction, Fiction writing (I, II) Prose forms, Advanced Fiction, and Advanced Prose forms. Fiction seminars are included, even story work shops, critical reading and writing classes, playwriting and these works can be of any genre. Hair Trigger is no stranger to award winning, racking up First place prizes in national competitions from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, the Coordinating Council of Literary Magazines and the Columbia University Scholastic Press Association. Plus within the preface it speaks of students actually building successful careers. And even winning their own individual awards.
From first glance this looks like your typical short story book but its a community of writing that's actually being done within the college. The cover of issue 29 is a black and white photograph with children playing in water from a fire hydrant( most likely on a hot day). There's wear to this book which adds even more realness to this issue and its material. The writers are both male and female, and the chapters are arranged according to class. The titles are off the wall as well but there are certain read between the line aspects to them. My favorite was "Strange Transit" by Emily Gindleparger. Its not as long as the other stories but I could definitely connect to the character in a uneven kind of way. And it wasn't written in the usual restrictions that writing has often imposed. Which is the story behind all the other writing in this issue of Hair Trigger.There are other stories like the Photography Essays Welcome to New York: A Visitor's Guide by Matt Nighswander and then Johnathan Gitelson's "What Does it all Mean?" Chelsea Laine Wells story Grit was another story I found intriguing, it was so different from any literature that I'm use to. "Breaking ground," by Jon T. Tarack was another story I enjoyed.
The writing and even the few images in issue 29 of Hair trigger from what I've read all have this wholesome sweetness to them, while others are raw and even a bit gritty. Its a nice assortment of short stories that could get anyone in the mood for reading. Plus its student work, and how often do we get to read the thoughts of other students, so uncensored (not in a bad way). Its a chance to actually get to read something published by someone who was probably just as lost as we are. Or for that matter just as sure of themselves as we are. Although there aren't many pictures in Hair Trigger and its lengthiness may frighten, it still has a bit of everything for any type of reader, what ever your preference. It may not be for everyone but there are stories that are worth reading.
My search began in our schools library 600 South Michigan. Through the main entrance the library is a straight shot past the elevators. The environment inside was like a graveyard, vacant computers, empty coffee stand and resting printers. I wasn't too surprised, seeing as it was a Saturday morning. But unlike the practically desolate library, the staff were all to eager to help. My journey lead me to the fifth floor, section 810.8H153, where I found a collection of Hair trigger issues. I picked up the oldest book, it had to be issue 11 or older. My first instinct was to flip through the pages so I fed into that urge effortlessly. Wordy, was the initial reaction. No pictures included in this issue, and for people that tend to be more visual, this may not be their type of literature. But for the folks who enjoy a bit of meat added to there reading diets no complaints here, it's definitely something that one should look into. But for the sake of the other breed of reader, I practically went through the entire assortment of Hair Trigger issues until I found one that had literally a pinch of visual among the endless words. These eight images go from black and white to color and each conveys a different story. Its a lot like illustration in a way, each significant yet in some ways abstract in meaning or purpose. These stories aren't always as clear and concrete as writing.
Hair Trigger unlike other Columbia publications is the Colleges' fiction writing department's anthology of student writing. Its a collection of prose fiction and creative nonfiction all done by both undergraduate and graduate students, at all levels of study. While reading issue 29 I also discovered that these works come from core courses like Intro to Fiction, Fiction writing (I, II) Prose forms, Advanced Fiction, and Advanced Prose forms. Fiction seminars are included, even story work shops, critical reading and writing classes, playwriting and these works can be of any genre. Hair Trigger is no stranger to award winning, racking up First place prizes in national competitions from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, the Coordinating Council of Literary Magazines and the Columbia University Scholastic Press Association. Plus within the preface it speaks of students actually building successful careers. And even winning their own individual awards.
From first glance this looks like your typical short story book but its a community of writing that's actually being done within the college. The cover of issue 29 is a black and white photograph with children playing in water from a fire hydrant( most likely on a hot day). There's wear to this book which adds even more realness to this issue and its material. The writers are both male and female, and the chapters are arranged according to class. The titles are off the wall as well but there are certain read between the line aspects to them. My favorite was "Strange Transit" by Emily Gindleparger. Its not as long as the other stories but I could definitely connect to the character in a uneven kind of way. And it wasn't written in the usual restrictions that writing has often imposed. Which is the story behind all the other writing in this issue of Hair Trigger.There are other stories like the Photography Essays Welcome to New York: A Visitor's Guide by Matt Nighswander and then Johnathan Gitelson's "What Does it all Mean?" Chelsea Laine Wells story Grit was another story I found intriguing, it was so different from any literature that I'm use to. "Breaking ground," by Jon T. Tarack was another story I enjoyed.
The writing and even the few images in issue 29 of Hair trigger from what I've read all have this wholesome sweetness to them, while others are raw and even a bit gritty. Its a nice assortment of short stories that could get anyone in the mood for reading. Plus its student work, and how often do we get to read the thoughts of other students, so uncensored (not in a bad way). Its a chance to actually get to read something published by someone who was probably just as lost as we are. Or for that matter just as sure of themselves as we are. Although there aren't many pictures in Hair Trigger and its lengthiness may frighten, it still has a bit of everything for any type of reader, what ever your preference. It may not be for everyone but there are stories that are worth reading.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Please No videotaping or flash photography: Lecture With Anna Deavere Smith
Who is she? Who is Anna Deavere Smith? I don't know some celebrity... Have you seen her before, heard her speak anywhere else? Nope.
Constant chanting filled the lecture room. Uttering, due to lack of knowledge or for that matter what to expect. Some sat quietly, patiently waiting for the speaker to arrive. While others continued the most common ritual, talking. Educated guesses and every now an then pointing drew my attention. Not rude behavior just slight hand gestures; suggesting that a certain someone was indeed Smith, the celebrity in question. But that's gossip, and had I or other unsure students been equip for a such a unprecedented lecturer, our initial reactions would have been obvious.
Her words wouldn't have hit us as hard, creating a totally new environment around us. We'd be rattled and the adrenaline in or bodies would be as clock work and our thoughts would go into motion. Forewarnings of boredom would be out of our minds and we'd hunger for more. Questions we'd want to answer because there's no judging. Smith reached out to the audience telling us to question the official truth, develop an ear, voice opinions, create. She vouched for communication, diversity, creativity, identity and responsibility. Saying that they are all aspects of life, that we the people must be willing to except if change is this nations goal. Anna Deavere Smith referenced President Obama creating change but as he said unable to do it alone. Smith spoke of after his inaugural speech, saying there was so much trash on the ground. How is that creating change, how is that being responsible?
Why was there so much trash, if so many people believed in Obama, listened to his speech and yet nothing differed. Maybe its because so many people are accustomed to not taking care of the outside environment. It could even be laziness or the notion, this isn't my house or they've got workers assigned for that duty. People came together connected and still at the end of the day when back home, went back to their normal routine, back to the same habits. Even after one of the biggest defining moments in American history. Yet we want change and are unable to change ourselves. If we can't do a three sixty or at least a partial change in moral standing or in lifestyle we can't just expect our President to do it all alone with just his white house staff. Smith is saying that we've got to be together when it comes to change. Because to make a difference it has to be clear in our mind. And not only that but Smith made a statement about, there are more and more forms of communication (electronic) yet less real communication (perhaps verbally & artistically).
When the three figures, 2 male and 1 female, emerged from the door to the right of the stage; I could have never imagined what I or anyone else in that audience was in for the afternoon of Jan. 27th . What new perspective we'd gain from this renowned Actor, Playwright, Professor and Author. This woman who took stage, mic in hand, bottles of water at the ready, ponytail, prepared and unconventional at its best. A person who everyone out there should know, even if you've never read her books heard her speak, seen her act. You won't regret knowing at least her name, being eager or curious. Even if your a newcomer or a person whose interested in her work, any person cannot help but be blown away by the creative mind of this woman. A citizen like you an I. Someone who practices what she preaches and has a laundry list of accomplishments to show for it.
Anna Deavere Smith wasn't there to lecture you on the right and wrongs of the world or to tell anyone what to do. She just wants us to take a moment to examine ourselves, reevaluate our reasons for things, question societal restrictions, explore to what extent are we using our projects. And to ask ourselves, what will the art institutions look like that we create?
Constant chanting filled the lecture room. Uttering, due to lack of knowledge or for that matter what to expect. Some sat quietly, patiently waiting for the speaker to arrive. While others continued the most common ritual, talking. Educated guesses and every now an then pointing drew my attention. Not rude behavior just slight hand gestures; suggesting that a certain someone was indeed Smith, the celebrity in question. But that's gossip, and had I or other unsure students been equip for a such a unprecedented lecturer, our initial reactions would have been obvious.
Her words wouldn't have hit us as hard, creating a totally new environment around us. We'd be rattled and the adrenaline in or bodies would be as clock work and our thoughts would go into motion. Forewarnings of boredom would be out of our minds and we'd hunger for more. Questions we'd want to answer because there's no judging. Smith reached out to the audience telling us to question the official truth, develop an ear, voice opinions, create. She vouched for communication, diversity, creativity, identity and responsibility. Saying that they are all aspects of life, that we the people must be willing to except if change is this nations goal. Anna Deavere Smith referenced President Obama creating change but as he said unable to do it alone. Smith spoke of after his inaugural speech, saying there was so much trash on the ground. How is that creating change, how is that being responsible?
Why was there so much trash, if so many people believed in Obama, listened to his speech and yet nothing differed. Maybe its because so many people are accustomed to not taking care of the outside environment. It could even be laziness or the notion, this isn't my house or they've got workers assigned for that duty. People came together connected and still at the end of the day when back home, went back to their normal routine, back to the same habits. Even after one of the biggest defining moments in American history. Yet we want change and are unable to change ourselves. If we can't do a three sixty or at least a partial change in moral standing or in lifestyle we can't just expect our President to do it all alone with just his white house staff. Smith is saying that we've got to be together when it comes to change. Because to make a difference it has to be clear in our mind. And not only that but Smith made a statement about, there are more and more forms of communication (electronic) yet less real communication (perhaps verbally & artistically).
When the three figures, 2 male and 1 female, emerged from the door to the right of the stage; I could have never imagined what I or anyone else in that audience was in for the afternoon of Jan. 27th . What new perspective we'd gain from this renowned Actor, Playwright, Professor and Author. This woman who took stage, mic in hand, bottles of water at the ready, ponytail, prepared and unconventional at its best. A person who everyone out there should know, even if you've never read her books heard her speak, seen her act. You won't regret knowing at least her name, being eager or curious. Even if your a newcomer or a person whose interested in her work, any person cannot help but be blown away by the creative mind of this woman. A citizen like you an I. Someone who practices what she preaches and has a laundry list of accomplishments to show for it.
Anna Deavere Smith wasn't there to lecture you on the right and wrongs of the world or to tell anyone what to do. She just wants us to take a moment to examine ourselves, reevaluate our reasons for things, question societal restrictions, explore to what extent are we using our projects. And to ask ourselves, what will the art institutions look like that we create?
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