I've been spending quite some time reading interviews held between various individuals and John Cage. I'm working on ways to steer my work in a direction more similar to his. However, for now I'm just going to keep making the work I feel I need to.
Having said that, here are some examples of my most recent creations. As always, I'm going to leave out (aside from what one gathers from the titles) any notion of my intent or goal. Both of theses are or should be considered irrelevant for you, the audience. All they (the pieces) require of you is that you place your soul under careful observation, paying attention to its reactions.
A friend of mine mentioned that I should write up a manifesto of sorts and I'm currently battling myself with that idea. I want not to take the offensive but at the same time I strongly believe that art has been steadily traveling down a damaging path, largely to blame is capitalism, and that there should be felt some great urgency to correct it's path.
However, here, in this blog post, is not the place to do it.
Without further swelling my passions, here are some samples of new work:
I've been neglecting this blog as well as the additional blog I run which, aside from some fundamental differences, shows the same work as I do here on One Hand Clapping.
Here is a compilation of the most recent work I've been focusing on:
Recent work
From left to right: Arrangement for Yellows and Blues: Alegro con Brio - 2012; 36" x 29" Pigment print from digital file Arrangement for Reds and Blues: Larghetto con Motto - 2012; 36" x 29" Pigment print from digital file
Nocturne in E: Grave quasi Lamentoso - 2012; 36" x 29" Pigment print from digital file Arrangement for Tones - 2012; 18" x 28" Pigment applied to mulberry paper
The less I say about them the more freedom I give to you in order to interpret them or better put, experience them as your own, in your own way.
Enjoy and thanks for sticking with me till now.
: )
Sincerely,
-S.
P.s. - To view the image larger than Blogger's native viewing window size please right click and select "open in new window" or "open in new tab."
Arrangement for Reds and Blues - Larghetto con Moto - 2012
If you would like an example of what a piece set to the Larghetto con Moto tempo sounds like then I direct you to Ferdinand Ries' Symphony No. 7 Op. 181 II. Conducted by Howard Griffiths with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. I'll admit there are parts of the song that I feel do not really harmonize with the image but it is merely for educational purposes of demonstrating the tempo. If you wish to listen to the song and view the image together then I suggest first clicking on the video and then opening the image in a full screen format.
I had a difficult time sleeping throughout the night and, to be honest,
had a rather odd dream. There was nothing overtly strange about it
except how cemented it was in reality. No laws of physics were broken
or thrown away with. The only strange thing about it was that there was
nothing strange about it. Anyway, I woke up this morning, wandered down
to my friend Anthony's place and woke him up asking if he wanted to go
to the bookstore and get some breakfast or brunch. After hearing that he
too did not sleep well I decided it was best if I give him some more time
to rest, I returned to my room and picked up my camera. I discovered
something though. While I normally create while listening to music I may
have to stop doing so from time to time. The first image I'm going to
show you comes equipped with a sound clip. Actually it will be an entire
song because I'm not going to bother to edit out the specific portion
that took me from the beginning to end of making the image. Anyway, the
song is called "God Fearing Man" by Ben Harper (personal website here). It features an instrument known as the Weissenborn lap-slide guitar, favored by Mr. Harper. I think that the meshing of
the slide guitar portions of the song combined with the subject matter
and visual texture of the original photograph contributed greatly to the
resulting image. I find it almost works better (as in it is better
understood) when it accompanies the music. Though it is not my intention
to create images that accompany music but rather images that
posses a musical quality I cannot help but feel a significant connection
between the image and musical piece. This I attribute to the fact that I
was listening to it, rather loudly, while creating the final image.
However, if I am to take a step back and look at the situation a
different way I could make the argument that my current train of thought
is only possible because I desire it to be so and that I'm projecting a
biased opinion and created an argument to make sense of that. Whichever
it may be I'll let you all be the judge of that.
The image has no name yet but the text "Created while listening to God
Fearing Man by Ben Harper" accompanies it. Possibly a mistake, but for
the purpose of this bolg post I feel it serves as supporting evidence.
And here is the song: (Please, if you will let it play through for a bit. It wasn't until the energetic solo that I created the image.) I couldn't upload the mp3 with this blogging site. Probably best since even though it could be considered for educational purposes and thus be filed under the "fair use act" I'd best not tread on thin ice. If you'd be so willing, please open it up in a new tab or window and open this image up. Thank you.
Below, I have another image that was made with no external stimuli such as music. Rather, it was made by an open window and though I live in New York City it has been a surprisingly quiet morning, just the wind has been blowing. This image was made before the first image in this post.
This is an un-edited image and my only thoughts towards editing it are to possibly crop a bit off of the bottom.
I sincerely thank you for your time,
Peace -S.
UPDATE 1/16/2012: Here is the alternate crop of the second image:
Here are some recent images (about half that I decided were good enough to scan) that I shot. They're only 35mm Agfa slide film images. There's no real thesis that I had in mind when shooting them. Just the usual whatever interests me type of mentality.
Here is a band that I think everyone should experience. They're a Japanese Jazz / Rock band called Mouse on the Keys and here is their song Saigo No Bansan. I'm not entirely certain what the title means but knowing the word 'bansan' means diner and 'saigo' means last, end, completion it could mean something as deep as the last supper or as simple as completing dinner or not doing so (not sure what the no means). Personally I find it to be incredibly gripping music when focused upon. For those of you who enjoy audio over-stimulation such as myself then I feel you'll seriously enjoy picking apart all the dynamic aspects of the drumming and the intricate interplay between the piano and keyboard.
Admittedly, for all you classically trained musicians who are steadfast in your puritan ways this music may open up your mind...or simply not be for you. Nevertheless it is something you should listen to at least once. It's a bit difficult to accept the wall of sound that is thrown at you initially in songs such as Toccatina but I found myself very quickly (about 35 seconds in) getting in flux with the jam.
Here is a horribly compressed YouTube upload of Mouse on the Keys song Toccatina:
There desire to express visual sensations through the experience of sound (as most successful music attempts to do -in my opinion) leads me to categorize them with bands like The Cinematic Orchestra. Here is Last.fm's write up of them which can probably be attributed to Wikipedia:
"A blend of minimal phrased piano and dynamic drumming. The pursuit of a live experience composed of visual and audio expression.Formed in 2006, with elements of jazz, funk, post‐rock and electronic music, Mouse on the Keys fits into a genre of their own.
The unique sound of the band’s drums, two pianos, and two keyboards combines the sense of urgency from rock, hard core and heavy metal with tastes of early/contemporary classical, jazz and various dance music. At their concerts, the band projects a variety of images chosen to match their sound ―views of Tokyo, geometric symbols, 3D objects, and abstractions. Residents of Tokyo, the members of Mouse on the Keys represent the haunting restlessness of their home city at their live appearances. They would transform even a venue in Germany or France into a kind of virtual Tokyo."
There latest albumAn Anxious Object (2009)differs from their first album entitled Sezession (2007) but many of the core inspirations and motivations for the band I think can still be felt. I hope you all enjoy Mouse on the Keys. I may have to agree with Youtube user DeSterrennacht when he said this about Saigo No Bansam, "If this was MY last supper, I would be content with crucifixion."
That link will take you to a page where you can hear Tom Wait's new track to appear on his upcoming album Bad As Me. Let me tell you, while it's sound is and can only ever be attributed to Tom Waits, it sounds different from all his other songs he's created so far.
There is so much I could say following THAT as a title. Tom Waits once described his so loathed town as "a ship, and the water's on fire" and I admit to sharing similar feelings. I'm specifically talking about Manhattan. Yes, it's true that I've not fully become jaded to the New York scene, mainly its inhabitants. I could even speak towards some of the still endearing qualities of this place but seeing as if I do it'll undoubtedly morph into a rant and take up too much of your time. I'll keep it short and throw in some video clips.
This first one you can choose to omit as it's a bit slow. However, I warn you it's quite interesting. It's a clip of beat writer William S. Burroughs paired up with the unique and distinguished musical stylings of Kurt Weil. Burroughs sits, alone in what seems to be stage light warehouse as he recites Bertolt Brecht's lyrics to What Keeps Mankind Alive? This is a song originally written by both Weil and Brecht for their musical drama The Threepenny Opera. Without further introduction, the late, great William S. Burroughs ladies and gentlemen:
This next song Is the Tom Waits cover version. Those of you who are familiar with and shy away from Waits' music can also choose to omit this in which case I apologize for waisting your time. Hopefully you've clicked on a link that's interested you, followed it to Wikipedia and searched the links towards the bottom for more information.
Gonna be a short post tonight folks. Been listening to a very large amount of Blues lately and I've got a real gem for all of you. George "Buddy" Guy, one of the masters of Blues guitar singin his original song What Kind Of Woman Is This?
As an extra (and cause it's my blog and just cause I can) I'm going to enlighten you all to two incredible Elvis Costello song that were until this past weekend, unknown to me and I think they ought to be heard by more than just myself. They both come from Costello's concept album The Delivery Man (2004). This album marks Costello's 21st studio album in his now 41 year music career.
One of my long time favorite bands, The Gorillaz, seems to have a little known connection to the director of the movie The Hot Spot (1990), a recent favorite of mine due to it's incredible, almost sublime film score. The score which is available as an album is also entitled The Hot Spot and it was written by Jack Nietzche featuring Blues legend John Lee Hooker, Jazz legend Miles Davis, Taj Mahal, and Roy Rodgers. Now, the director of The Hot Spot is none other than the late Dennis Hopper. What might his connection be to The Gorillaz? Obscure though it may be Dennis Hopper is featured as the narrator of the track Fire Coming out of A Monkey's Head on the album Demon Days (2005).
Here, have a listen:
I've always been one to chose studio recordings over live renditions when prowling Youtube but I came across a live version of one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands and I've got to share with you all. The song is called To Build a Home and is being performed by Patrick Watson with accompanying orchestration. To Build a Home is featured on the band The Cinematic Orchestra's most recent studio album entitled Ma Fleur. For further reading about the band, album, and artist please resort to the links provided.
Enjoy.
As An added bonus I've decided to share their awe inspiring live performance of Breathe. This song can also be found on their Ma Fleur album. The accompanying female vocalist is Eska Mtungwazi who's family hails from Zimbabwe.
For all of you who, for whatever the reason, happen to just be in one of 'those' moods. I present to you a song I've never disagreed with and that is Come On Up To The House from Tom Waits' album Mule Variations (1999). This was Tom Waits' first studio album produced since 1992's Bone Machine. Tom Waits' pain stricken gritty voice crooning about life seems to offer an odd connection to that dismal, dreary 'mood' we all experience from time to time. You might ask me, "why surround myself with audible misery on top of my current emotional state?" I respond to you by saying that Waits' voice opens the door and welcomes you in almost accompanying your misery as if saying 'yeah kid, I know; me too.' Once you're in you begin to relax and give yourself in to the song. As the lyrics of the last verse pass through your ears-
"There's nothin in the world that you can do
you gotta come on up to the house
and you been whipped by the forces
that are inside you
come on up to the house
well you're high on top
of your mountain of woe
come on up to the house
well you know you should surrender
but you can't let go
you gotta come on up to the house"
-you realize you can't let go; you must persevere.
Hope you all find enjoyment and eventual comfort.
Sincerely,
-S.
P.S. An additional song to check out would be Hold Onwhich can also be found on Tom Waits' Mule Variations album.
My friend Thomas alerted me to a great piece of music and and exceptional dancer. Now seeing as it's achieved over three million views it's certainly new only to well, yours truly... however I've got to say that whatever style of dance this is (some sort of swing/disco/hip-hop fusion) I'd love to learn it!
Though I've held off on the Tumblr craze, the Twitter tummult, and only had a brief encounter with the pointless social whatever known as Formspring I have been known to enjoy my Last.FM account, A Pandora profile, and of course a Facebook and now I'm adding my Soundcloud account which you can access.....HERE.
Currently I've only got one track up and it's what I'm calling a 'Condensed' Symphony. Now, I've only read about a weeks worth of music theory and even that was only done in about five days so I'm sure there are time signature shift errors, key signature messups and a number of other issues. I've got a few changes I already know i'd like to change so I'm waiting to upload the final 'condensed version' until i'm sure it's finished...enough haha.
Here is the description of the piece as it appears on my Soundcloud page:
This is a CONDENSED Symphony because at the moment i've only got about a weeks worth of music theory reading under my belt.
The music is ment to accompany 10 photographs that were all recorded of and within a single space, an abandoned dairy barn's feeding chamber in my home town.
The music presents and expresses several of the emotions felt by myself somewhat chronologically.
This is still a work in progress and will eventually be finalized into a complete symphony of appropriate length. I've got until the 19th to present it and by then I hope to have it at about five to seven and a half minutes, it's currently at three minutes and thirty-three seconds.
There is a solid chunk of silence that occurs within the piece, this is meant as a representation of the self reflection, meditation, and then appreciation of the surroundings that occurred while making the exposure.
LASTLY: There are also several moments where the song becomes relatively quiet so turning the volume up a bit or using headphones is advised.
Thank you for listening.
I've come to the conclusion that while photography is a glorious medium it's not the perfect one for me or my work. While I'm sure I'll still be pursuing it as a main focus I've begun to incorporate other mediums into my work such as sound and music. I've always attempted to include sound/music with my work but what's different about now is that I'll be recording my own sounds and writing my own music to accompany my two dimensional works.
I've created a Soundcloud account and I'll be posting links to where you'll all be able to hear samples of or complete works of mine.
This is the result of attempting to boot-camp music theory over the past week. After that week, this is what I've begun to create.
You can click HERE to be taken to my Soundcloud page and listen to a sample of a piece called Studie eines Raumes Op.1 (Study of a Room Op.1).
As of right now it's been exported with a tempo of 90 bpm and I'll be eventually changing that to around 73 bpm.
Sincerely,
-S
NOTE: There are instruments written with the piano-piano-pianissimo dynamic (extremely quiet) so if you are going to listen it is STRONGLY advised that you wear decent headphones and turn the volume up some. Thank you.
A few days ago I posted this on my Facebook page. It's a clip from the movie The Cotton Club that I've been watching a lot lately, mainly for the music. Another great aspect of the movie are the performances. There are a collection of great Jazz performances involving the late great tap dancer Gregory Hines and his older brother Maurice. Here's one of my favorite clips from the film. Slow down, sit back and enjoy the clip. Who knows, maybe it'll get you back up on your feet and dancing a bit yourself.
Sincerely,
-S.
P.S. Interested in making your own tap shoes? We've all done it once in our lives... Comment with a link to your tack diagram if you'd like. Of course I'll upload mine as well.
Since I slept horribly last night (a mere forty-five minutes) I came home and passed out this afternoon causing my current experience of that '2nd wave' of energy. I don't expect I'll be falling asleep for another say, hour and a half or so. Regardless one must make the most of their conscious life... This evening I took out one of my Lowel Pro lights and started playing around with some abstract still life work. It was surprisingly quiet outside my room for a typical Manhattan night and so I opened up Itunes and searched for what to flood my room with. Instinctually I always stop by Tom Waits first and tonight made the decision to pass him up moving next onto mister Cab Calloway. I played a few tracks, maybe seven or eight and skipped over to Youtube to watch my favorite filmed version of his infamous "Minnie The Moocher" which I'll embed a bit further down this post for you all to enjoy. After gettin my Calloway Boogie on and skippin into the swing of things I was really getting into my lighting experimentation but with all my other lights off save for my Pro light the mood was very heavy an called for something of a bit darker flavor. I returned to trusty old iTunes and who should I come to rest upon but the one and only, original Shock Rocker and master of the Blues, Screamin' Jay Hawkins. I turned up the volume and let "I Put A Spell On You" ring throughout my walls. After a few more tracks by the eccentric singer again I returned to Youtube in order to watch my favorite recording of the aforementioned song.
I'd love to see some of your favorite recorded performances from way back when. Just post the link in the comments section below and I'll be sure to check them put and respond.
Cab Calloway's Minnie The Moocher:
Screamin' Jay Hawkins' I Put a Spell on You:
If you're a fan of all things prohibition era and you dug that Calloway tune click HERE to be redirected to an excerpt from Francis Ford Copolla's nineteen eighty-four film The Cotton Clubwhere they pay homage to the great band leader. It's a personal favorite of mine starring Richard Gere as a lowly cornet player who rises up the social ladder in a most turbulent way all the while surrounding one of Harlem's most famous Jazz clubs. If for nothing else it's worth taking a look at for the music. I hope you take me up on that recommendation and I hope you enjoy the film.
Sincerely,
-S.
P.S. If you're in the Manhattan area and are wondering what has happened to the once infamous Cotton Club just click HERE to see where it's still alive with jive. Later on in the month or perhaps next month I'll go a little further in depth about the Cotton Club and all the talent we probably wouldn't have without it's existence.
Note: As an avid supporter of Wikipedia nearly every link applied to an individual's name has and will redirect you to their corresponding Wikipedia page. I do suggest that readers use common sense and while you can read what's on the page, always check the sources list located at the bottom. Do this for multiple reasons:
One: In order to make sure the source is credible.
Two: By utilizing those links you'll be able to expand your knowledge further through varying sources of information.
Three: In order to keep Wikipedia accurate and helpful report any phony links.
