"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Topography of Motion; or, Another Short Post

I love videos, as they are a way of showing motion as a visual. It's a favored form for me.
Often, when I hear sounds, they process for me in a very visual way; just as when you twirl a sparkler in the air, it leaves a light trail behind, ever so briefly, ever so brightly: topography of motion, fading to a still as it dims on the retinas, slowing to silence.
It looks something like this: though I see motion, not specific images that speak to a referent.
It's something that makes me happy.
How's your week been, dear reader?
I'm always glad to see you.

4 comments:

Diane O'Connor said...

This video charges my emotions. The artist in me also loves the colors and the energy as it flows from one scene to the next.

My week is good so far. How about yours?

neroli said...

Diane, I'm glad! The week for me had just been getting better and better: much good news---and then I come home after a 12-hour day to find that you've stopped by...just like the proverbial icing on the cake :)

I love all the music on the soundtrack that the song is taken from (Gabriel's "Last Temptation of Christ" soundtrack from Scorcese's film.)
I'm certain you'd love it!

Diane O'Connor said...

I did enjoy the music from the video. It sounded very passionate.
I may check out that soundtrack.

So glad to hear your week has been good. How do you work 12 hour days and still have time to blog!!???

neroli said...

Diane, not every day is 12-hours...otherwise, well, I guess I don't want to think about it ;)!
Just days that I have grad school (only 1 day per week this semester, yay!) and days like Thursday when something out-of-the-ordinary work-related happens. It was Open House night---and sandwiched between work and more work later, I had an appointment at university---so I was really running about. Phew!
And I'm glad---I'm too old for that stuff everyday :-)!