The Absence of Sound

As I continue to work on a piece of music I consider the absence of sound. Silence in music is different than negative space in the visual arts. Silence is akin to stillness. Negative space, the area around and between the subject/s of an image is crucial in composition. It can also be the focus of an image. Negative space is not however the absence of space. Silence is quite rare in music as we usually hear related or new sounds after a note is played. Silence is not heard as negative space is seen.

Mystery and Enchantment

Since boyhood I have always loved gazing up at the vast sea of stars. I watched the Perseid meteor shower in the early morning as the teaming spine of the milky way stretched far beyond. Every few minutes a streak of light shot across the sky. Along with this dance of primordial dust left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, three mysterious spots of circling light were caught by a thin patch of cloud towards the north east at around forty degrees. I only have my memory and my thoughts of this to wonder with.

For Better or Worse

When I am witness to hurt and pain I have a choice: I can turn inward and focus on my sadness, or I can use the force of strong feelings for the greater good.

It seems part of the purpose of sorrow is to prepare and protect us from future risk, but it can also be a catalyst for change. I can at any time choose whether that change is for the better or worse. From my sadness I can build or destroy. I choose to build.