Dream: Chemical Changes

Burning Coal Dream of 20th June 2015:

This was an early a.m. dream. Lately most of my dreams have been colorful, lucid and a blend of references from old and new places and acquaintances, as well as glimpses of upcoming events. This dream was no different in that respect. One particular segment was so visually provocative that even my waking self was impressed and made a mental note to pay close attention as I was dreaming.

I was looking out an upper balcony down at the property to the left of me, it appeared to be a summer rental where a late night barbecue had taken place in the patio-garden out back. The time was just before dawn. By the smell and sight of some glowing red, I detected that there were still some coals burning in the outdoor grill. Then I saw that everything was quickly turning bright orange-red, like coals, including a long dining table close to the house - it was a big rectangle of ember, like some sacrificial slab. Just adjacent to the table, I noticed a man sleeping in a reclining sun chair. I hurried downstairs to warn the family, the place looked like it was about to ignite into flames, and I assumed the rest of the people were inside. 

When I approached I saw that the man was also was molten. I told him he had to get up and get out of there and evacuate the others.  He scoffed at me angrily as though to say, ‘mind your own business’. He got up and went into the house. Then I realized that after I arrived and the burning man had left, the whole scene cooled down and returned to its normal color and temperature. 

That was when the man’s mother appeared to be sitting just where he was, wearing top-to-toe beige and brown. I recognized her, but hadn’t seen her in a long time. I decided to be civil, give her a kiss on each cheek and ask how she was. She responded kindly. To distract from the awkward interlude, I started to show her an antique entertainment center that apparently used to be mine (but was kept in their house).  I was so relieved that it didn’t get destroyed by fire. I opened the tall unit to show her the vinyl record player on top, the drawers and cabinets for a mini-bar below. ‘Isn’t this cool?’ I said. Then I opened a slim drawer hidden in the bottom molding, one I hadn’t noticed before. With excitement I realized it contained the keys to the little cabinets on the top part of the unit. I handed a few keys to her, and together we started to try to fit them into their matching locks. Then I woke up.  

This is not the first dream I’ve had that includes discovering an antique container and trying to put the missing keys and pieces back together. This theme has recurred for at least 15 years in my dream records.

Frame Finds

For some reason, preparing the frames continues to precede creating the completed art works. Alas! Here you see, nestled in my garden, another good find from the Consell, Mallorca flea market today. I can't wait to start playing with it!

Getting into character: Is making art like acting?

It's difficult to stay in the so-called zone of the creative process when I have to do so many other things required for basic survival. I long for the lifestyle of the seeming throngs of creative types throughout history who did nothing but work at their craft. I'm convinced there were people they were ignoring in order to do so.

I have clear notions of a series of art pieces I want to bring to life. I've noticed that the subject matter is most poignantly available to me when I'm in a state of woe. So, when I finally get a chance for some studio time, what to do if I happen to be in a light, carefree mood? Moreover, I often can't work when in depths of despair, I'd rather wallow in self-pity or meditate until I feel better.  How does one retain the sensibilities of sorrow and struggle when you are in a reflective, recovery state? Will newfound optimism color it, and somehow make the results less effective?

I've been thinking that making art can be like acting in that before settling in to work, I need to embody the state of mind of the part of me that was inspired in the first place. I need time alone, often a day or so to get into character. I seek out images and texts that press the trigger. The levitating woman posted here is one that seems to work a lot.

Is it necessary to maintain continuity with one's state of mind in order to work on a certain theme? I suppose if the work is nothing but honest, what emerges is just what is.