Influence of John Cage
A memory of a memory coming from one of my first presentations while studying graphic design
We’re in an official seasonal transition from summer to autumn. This is what I wrote two years ago as I enjoyed the colors changing around me for the first time in a decade. I was reading outside with my dog, Freyja. One of my favorite seasons. Enjoy.
I'm sitting here reading Silver Flames by Sarah Maas; the wind is blowing in the middle of fall. I'm on a couch, on a deck, littered with leaves I haven't yet cleaned up.
The trees are changing all around. Some without leaves. Some a brilliant yellow. Others green; transitioning into oranges, reds, and browns.
The wind is different here—the sounds that come with branches of trees; branches of leaves whooshing; trunks swaying from its force. It’s different than Amsterdam, where it whoops & whips, tunneling through canals of tar and water.
It reminds me of 4'33" by John Cage.
Back in the day
In Design School, we were assigned an artist where we had to present, teaching the class about their lives & philosophies. It was my first big risk in education, something I thought may be interesting to try and demonstrate his philosophy, as well as risky to grades. I was—and am, though continuously less fervently—very "good grade" minded.
I printed blank brochures made of a back textured musical notes. The front had an image and text. The rest, just the texture.
I printed the “real” brochures, hiding them under each seat.
I borrowed someone's guitar and did a 1'17" tribute to John cages 4'33".
I hit cans and random objects at intervals, based on other performances.
Reflecting on a specific interview, the sound of silence has had a far more profound impact.
So had the instructor's feedback.
I got the best grade I ever did in her class from that presentation—the same instructor who said I'd never succeed in Graphic Design until I got details right...my first year of my first ever art class.
She said it would have been a higher grade if I hadn't included the "real pamphlet."
In this new space, surrounded by nature, enjoying the color and temperature change of fall, I'm reminded of that moment.
In awe of its impact.
Both on me & my philosophy of life & location:
Silence is differently everywhere; & everywhen.