Sunday, November 30, 2008

just random drivel but...

While working at the art supply store, I was given the task of creating faux christmas presents for a display that we are creating. I was taking off shrinkwrap from one of the gift wrap rolls. I found myself pulling off the plastic but because the plastic was not completely torn, it was snagging. With no scissors at hand, I found myself retracting my actions. Appropriately tearing off the plastic, and effectively taking off the shrinkwrap off the roll.

I know this is not described in the most articulate way but all of a sudden, I started thinking about society and progress and the avant guard. The idea of looking back is an unpopular one in the arts. It reminds me of how Devendra Banhart got a really bad review on portlandart.net because it embodied this idea of retroism. Sometimes I am really frustrated by these ideas that seem progressive at first glance but actually are not. So much frustration that I almost prefer to hear ideas that are blatantly non progressive. More of my frustration comes from the idea that progressiveness is somewhat synonymous with thoughtfulness and criticality.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that sometimes maybe we need to retrace, re-enact our steps in order to move forward in an according manner?

Sunday, November 9, 2008