Berlin



I came to Germany to see plays – and my four days in Berlin were restful and creative in ways I didn’t expect. I spent the bulk of my waking hours in a lovely hotel – Hotel Residenz – which furnished me with plenty of natural light, cozy bed linens, and a fertile space for writing. I wrote for almost four days straight – an archaeological love dig. Now I’m still dusting myself off in the hot sun. The resulting text will be the foundation for a piece on dating and love I’ve been toying with for years (ever since the infamous ebay sale some of you know about). I’m curious about the roles we play in pursuit of love, the channels we seek, and how globalization is changing the world – not just on the economic front, but in the ways we approach romance as well.

Whatever shape the piece finally takes, I’ve finally got traction and hope to have a first draft by Christmas (yeah, the season for giving).

Summer 2008, Beginning


It feels long overdue, entering the blogosphere. I’ve been thinking about the conversations I value – talks with fellow artists/thinkers engaged with the world, making work that is innovative, meaningful, deeply felt. The last year I’ve traveled more than ever, involved in more demanding, concentrated work than I’ve seen since my grad school days. I seem to be getting more of what I ask for, which is a daunting gift. As my goals come closer to me, they also seem more imposing – like staring up at your dad from the hem of his coat.

It feels like an introspective period (is that about a time of life, or the burden of our nation at large right now?). What choices did we make to get here, what part/s did we play? Maybe that reflection is the constant state of the artist, asking: what did I choose, how is it impacting me (financially, emotionally, artistically) and do I STILL choose it? It is not enough simply to be ambitious on one’s own behalf. The world won’t withstand much more of that.

I’m going to start off chronicling this summer with photos and notes from Berlin, Syria, New York, Washington State, Idaho and Croatia. George (above) will likely show up now and again too. If you’d like, you can find out more about me and my work here.

Truly yours,
C

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