Greetings and a loving hello to you all!
I am just returned from my exhibit in Newcastle which was fantastic. It was a perfect environment to share 43(two).
The Star and Shadow Cinema is a volunteer led and driven organization – how extraordinary to be among the company of such talented and impassioned artists and arts enthusiasts, whose only aim is creation and the sharing thereof. This is the soul of art. The multi-faceted space has many stories to be guessed, none to be known for certain – it reminded me of an old Victorian Stable which had been converted into an industrial holding space before being commandeered by the S&S folk. The film projections ‘brought a certain magic into the space’ (as commented by one viewer). In addition the Super8 of “Threads” was presented for the first time. The combination of all these elements resulting in a highly successful and well received event!
Many of you have commented on the music from 43(two) which is composed by the talented Charlie Jefferson in collaboration with myself (and influenced by a Czech gypsy song ‘O Poshtaris’ taught to me by Anna Helena MacLean during a Theatre Lab in Southern England). The emotive combination of traditional music with sounds recorded during filming and classical influences lends an extraordinary environment to the piece. I am greatly influenced by traditional music, something in it which comes from the earth, from the belly and whilst acknowledging a struggle also allows a release. In the face of adversity we are flames.
For those of you who have been moved by the music or those of you who have not been able to experience it directly, I invite you to download a copy from my website and share it with others. Not only will you receive a fantastic and one-of-a-kind piece of music but also you support my continuing artistic explorations in the world which is greatly appreciated!
Walking around Newcastle this past week the Christmas windows are all already kitted out for the saucer eyes of the children walking past- Santa and trees and red baubles all preparing for that magical day. In recent years I cannot help but be struck by the pagan influences of it all. The word ‘pagan’ actually means ‘of the earth’. I have a faded memory from my early Catholic education of something about the ‘nasty pagans’, in recent times I can see how much I am one as I adapt to nature’s ebb and flow and am more greatly influenced therein, something in this reminder of ‘earth’s flow’ also connecting to our own humanity.
Now I am sure scholars will debate my semantics and understanding of this subject. My Christian friends pitch Christianity, my Muslim friends Islam, my Buddhist friends, Buddhism and so it goes. I look at the beautiful faces and good lives lived by my friends and am struck by individuals facing the same struggles and finding peace within a certain religious/cultural doctrine. Who am I to judge what is ‘right’ or ‘historically accurate’ when one is living well and good in this life now?
I believe in the eyes of the Universal Source – God, Goddess, Allah, Jehovah, and Yahweh – the teachings pale in comparison to the living. Religion is the structure which tries to make sense of the mystical – ultimately, hopefully. Of course in the world we see the negative outpourings from all sides of these structures – the battle of man against man in the name of a universal creator. I am saddened by this, these violent lamentations. Human nature however is contradictory and complex. I prove it to myself in my own fragile imperfection – my fears, my anger and my own hatred- for which I am ashamed.
Personally I find the greatest comfort in the witnessing of nature – the ebb and flow, the accommodation in the face of disaster – how trees manage to grow on the sides of old buildings and magnificent soil comes from volcanoes. Mama Natura is a great adaptor, at times violent, playful, and unpredictable but always nurturing. And, to an extent, I can appreciate the global (warming) crisis as she screams out “Remember me!”. As we are faced to consider more closely our actions we are placed back into the natural order – not as dominators but co-habitators. We recycle, we compost, we walk more and in the doing place ourselves back in the world. Our carbon fabric is realigned with all living matter – not in dominance but partnership.
In those personal thoughts I leave you. Tomorrow I fly to the East Coast; I shall be drifting in between the New York and Philadelphia areas. A homecoming just in time for my favourite holiday, Thanksgiving!
Wishing you the vision to see the abundance and joy in your beautiful lives,
Kate E. xx
