So I was recently, gently, challenged on whether this piece is a “real” collaboration. I am not surprised by the critique. However, I wholeheartedly disagree. Here are my principal arguments:
1. The obvious, receiving of input on specific elements to be included, either literally or from inspiration
2. I am feeding off the energy of my collaborators.
3. My effort to remain connected to those interested brings about an unexpected element of collaboration. Let me explain, in the discipline of providing updates I am forced to step back and view the progress more objectively. Not entirely, of course, but for example, with each photo that I post, I see the next steps. The photo below reveals much to me. I was simply raising it to take a photo when the sunlight caught it from behind. I may not have noticed certain things had I not felt compelled to report back to my collaborators.
First of all, math was never a strong suit of mine. At some point along the way I lost two days. If one were to calculate according to my posts then one (including myself until a minute ago!) would think there were fifteen days left. That isn’t right at all. I won’t waste any more time trying to figure out the error…but there is in fact only thirteen more days.
Speaking of lost time, there was some advantage to the recent injury to my back. Advantage in being forced to do little but think, in having limit on the action I could take. I have given much thought to the personal meaning behind each contribution, the process behind each step, while attempting to weave together a coherent single vision.
However, too much time spent inside Olivia’s head is…wacky-making (as I am sure those closest to me can confirm). So after days of frustrating drug induced inaction, Today I binged on creating. The result is that many of the foundational elements have started to take shape. With thirteen days to go, this has relieved some of the panic I was feeling. Still so much to do…and I am competing against that energy sucking beast of a holy birthday.
Just a quick update as I am now off the narcotics for my back. Not surprisingly, some progress has been achieved as a result. A busy morning, with the help of my best gal Eva. We have to go make gingerbread houses now, but expect a further update later tonight.
You have put into words my experience. What a comfort your words are to me. I am an astonished creator. This piece is an authentic project.
” The consequence of forging life by purpose and resolution is a sense of inner harmony, a dynamic order in the contents of the consciousness.”
My thanks to Brett for the reference. Surprises at every turn.
The latest contributions are a challenge. A delightful challenge.
25. Breena: a glow in the dark pretzel
26. Brett: Flow…wavy, patterned, anti-chaotic, bands of colour. They have to reach from side to side or top to bottom.
27. Andrea: The idea that what you give to your heart/lungs/belly/soul, is what keeps all of those things working well and in harmony. And, how you treat your temple is how you should treat other temples.
The back pain continues to impede progress. Thoughts are filling the gap. Flowing…
I am whacked on narcotics. I have on a very sexy white medical corset. My finger tips are covered in glue and bits of gold.
Thus, it may be best to share my update with as few words and thoughts as possible. Please see below.
In the beginning...
The latest contribution has come from a very dear spiritual soul and set the tone for what ended up being a very majestic corner of the canvass.
24. Thess: The light that emanates from certain clouds (…that feels like a connection to God)
I want so badly to do more tonight. The clock is ticking, and more importantly, the contributions, the vision, the plans of execution are overflowing. Alas, the drugs are wearing thin and I need to be on the mend.
Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.
Some progress has been made. Below, a shot of some planning in action. All the ideas have a home, have their purpose. The vision is strengthened by each of them. It remains to be seen whether I can make something happen.
I received some input from my father. Leave it to him to lob me a softball.
21. Ray: Consider the underlying unity of all things in the universe, such as the equivalence of matter and energy or the fact that at the atomic level all matter is comprised of the same thing. For some reason, I find it comforting that a proton is a proton is a proton. The substantial difference between two radically different things such as oxygen and iron is that oxygen has eight protons in its nucleus whereas iron has twenty-six. Each element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus. But a proton from an oxygen atom is the same as proton from an iron atom. Take away a proton from each and you get nitrogen and magnesium, respectively.
This oneness is the very exercise.
22. Leo: Robots. Of course. Just like his dad. Except Leo’s robots clean and make dinner, unlike Robocop gone wrong.
23. (my favourite girl with my favourite number) Eva: Rainbows. Of course. Just like Dan! Huh, what?! This is awkward…
The plan is sound. But will I finish? Twenty – gulp – days to go…
A side note, I am so glad to see Dan and Chris collaborating. You two are embracing this experience fully. But now I am going to have to ask you to stop. Seriously. Stop talking immediately. I am so fearful of where this could lead! [wink]
Now off to hunt for our supplies. I have many stops to make. Oh and, there is something I know I am supposed to prepare for, …a holiday or some such thing…ah well, I am sure I will remember.
My spirit is electric with your energy. The image has formed, a plan has been devised, and tomorrow is dedicated to progress. I can’t wait to update you next…
The response has been overwhelming. Joyfully so. I am letting your contributions wash over me and the vision is forming.
The honey dried nicely over the surface of the canvas giving us a smooth, warm, organic base to build upon. (Now let’s cover it quick before the bugs arrive!)
The flame secured my commitment. The hole is made. No turning back now. Thank you for that.
Here is the list as it stands now:
Cor: a copy of one of Cor’s pieces (that I figure represents him best!)
Rita: Honey. Awesome!
Ian: a burn hole.
Phil: mp3 sound file. How rad is that?!
Dan: “rainbow sunshine magic!” Yes Dan.
Chris: High tech, industrial architecture – steel, glass, cool, clean and crisp. Functionality and framing.
Stacey: Stone – perhaps a bridge, or an archway
William: a nuclear explosion
Phil: “mini-mechanicsville”
Don: an astronomical element
Kapila: Manifesting my connection to God
Felice: paper
Judy:coffee. The awesome feel in the morning when you hear the pot finish brewing, the rich smells filling the house, the dark rich colour in my pale cream coloured mug….
Lynne: clouds
I never anticipated the meaning I would discover in each contribution made. On one level, the choices you have made make perfect sense in the context of our relation. Most unexpected of all, however, is the deeply personal message that each contribution delivers. Expect to hear more on this once the piece is completed.
This experiment, in all its facets, represents a distillation of thoughts that have been brewing for some time now. Words fail to express my gratitude for your participation and enthusiasm.
For some time now I have thinking about the power of collaboration. This is a particularly compelling idea when you consider the interesting, successful, motivated, intelligent people I count as friends.
So.
Motivated by possibility, fuelled by the power of collaboration (I hope!) and in the pure spirit of joyful creation, I am asking you to join me on a little fun journey.
I have a canvas. It is blank. I want you to help me fill it up. I am in a positive hopeful frame of mind and curious about the future and the shifting culture we are witnessing. Beyond that, there is no particular theme. Send me your contribution. Whatever you like; a colour, a thought, a word, a medium, an image (that would not represent copyright concerns) etc. Send ANYTHING and I will find a way use it as inspiration to add to the piece. I intend to finish the piece on New Year’s day as a welcome to 2011. I also intend to use every bit of inspiration provided. Write often, spread the word.
TheheARTbeatgal 