Notes from 2004 Music/Art/Movement – Experimental Project working title “edge of chaos” Title taken from the writings of Art Battram (Navigating Complexity) - Battram’s area of interest is ‘complex adaptive networks’ he maintains that before anything ‘new’ occurs the ‘edge of chaos’ must be reached! Rhythm, Harmony and melody Group of musicians, artists and dancers interested in creating something ‘new’ Participants will agree, through discussion, on a ‘structure’ – musical structure, relationships between colour, rhythm, harmony and movement. Signals and timing will be discussed. Spontaneity within (and breaking out of) the structure will be the key. Informal discussion leading to a technical rehearsal and a ‘performance’ Possible scenario for a ‘performance’: Stage set – Two blank canvasses Music group, piano, bass, percussion, guitar (possible solo instruments - saxophone, flute??) 2/3 dancers Dynamic lighting (creative lighting technician) The performance will ‘unfold’ each participant ‘looking’ and ‘listening’, each discipline reacting to the others – Musicians play what they see. Artists paint what they hear (and see and feel). Dance movement inspired by and inspiring. I am very aware of the dramatic principles of tension and resolution and of the ‘needs’ of an audience. The performance would last for 1 hour; produce two paintings and a powerful experience for all present. Through my research I am interested in, and would like to contribute towards, the development of a ‘method’ of promoting and enhancing creativity both in individuals and in groups of people. Creative skills are essential in many non-art situations (business, schools, government, industry). Art is primarily concerned with communication. Communication is my primary concern. A new, brilliant, inventive work of art could result from the collaboration between talented able musicians, dancers and artists who, when faced with the “edge of chaos”, use their knowledge, talent and known technique to find resolution. are these notes the seeds of an idea?! (from October 2000) The high points of my experience as a creative musician are those profoundly powerful moments during a live performance, when everything (musicians, music performers and audience) 'takes off.' The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Anything I improvise or play is instinctively 'exactly right' for the moment. The musicians are working and thinking together (as one); the music takes on its own life. The audience is rapt, mesmerised and deeply touched by a primal, focused feeling. Then the moment is gone, we are left with a memory, a feeling. It is my belief that a great work of art (object, painting or sculpture) is a distillation of this moment. The musical performance comes initially from the dedication, hard work and inspiration of the composer. Then, through the years of hard work, dedication and inspiration of the musicians (performers) and finally to the moment described above, that is, a performance where everyone present (including the audience) is part of the experience. No one part could exist without the other. The whole is much, much greater than its individual parts. A 'community' is here. I Love the work of Paul Klee and the paintings of Howard Hodgkin. I wonder why? Paul Klee was himself a professional musician and throughout his life as an artist he analysed his work and his motives and so gave us a deep insight into his creative process. Howard Hodgkin on the other hand, works entirely instinctively, the man himself is very self effacing and frankly quite uncommunicative about his work and inspirations. Two very different personalities and approaches, and yet both producing incredibly powerful paintings.

2006

Notes from 2004

Music/Art/Movement – Experimental Project

working title “edge of chaos”

Title taken from the writings of Art Battram (Navigating Complexity) - Battram’s area of interest is ‘complex adaptive networks’ he maintains that before anything ‘new’ occurs the ‘edge of chaos’ must be reached!

Rhythm, Harmony and melody

Group of musicians, artists and dancers interested in creating something ‘new’

Participants will agree, through discussion, on a ‘structure’ – musical structure, relationships between colour, rhythm, harmony and movement. Signals and timing will be discussed.

Spontaneity within (and breaking out of) the structure will be the key.

Informal discussion leading to a technical rehearsal and a ‘performance’

Possible scenario for a ‘performance’:

Stage set – Two blank canvasses

Music group, piano, bass, percussion, guitar (possible solo instruments - saxophone, flute??)

2/3 dancers

Dynamic lighting (creative lighting technician)

The performance will ‘unfold’ each participant ‘looking’ and ‘listening’, each discipline reacting to the others – Musicians play what they see. Artists paint what they hear (and see and feel). Dance movement inspired by and inspiring.

I am very aware of the dramatic principles of tension and resolution and of the ‘needs’ of an audience. The performance would last for 1 hour; produce two paintings and a powerful experience for all present.

Through my research I am interested in, and would like to contribute towards, the development of a ‘method’ of promoting and enhancing creativity both in individuals and in groups of people. Creative skills are essential in many non-art situations (business, schools, government, industry). Art is primarily concerned with communication. Communication is my primary concern.

A new, brilliant, inventive work of art could result from the collaboration between talented able musicians, dancers and artists who, when faced with the “edge of chaos”, use their knowledge, talent and known technique to find resolution.

are these notes the seeds of an idea?! (from October 2000)

The high points of my experience as a creative musician are those profoundly powerful moments during a live performance, when everything (musicians, music performers and audience) 'takes off.' The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Anything I improvise or play is instinctively 'exactly right' for the moment. The musicians are working and thinking together (as one); the music takes on its own life. The audience is rapt, mesmerised and deeply touched by a primal, focused feeling. Then the moment is gone, we are left with a memory, a feeling.

It is my belief that a great work of art (object, painting or sculpture) is a distillation of this moment.

The musical performance comes initially from the dedication, hard work and inspiration of the composer. Then, through the years of hard work, dedication and inspiration of the musicians (performers) and finally to the moment described above, that is, a performance where everyone present (including the audience) is part of the experience. No one part could exist without the other. The whole is much, much greater than its individual parts. A 'community' is here.

I Love the work of Paul Klee and the paintings of Howard Hodgkin. I wonder why?

Paul Klee was himself a professional musician and throughout his life as an artist he analysed his work and his motives and so gave us a deep insight into his creative process. Howard Hodgkin on the other hand, works entirely instinctively, the man himself is very self effacing and frankly quite uncommunicative about his work and inspirations. Two very different personalities and approaches, and yet both producing incredibly powerful paintings.