Outside Cultural Event #3

The last outside cultural event I decided to attend was the Book of Lies Art exhibition located in the Library Gallery. The show was created by Eugenia P Butler who really has had extensive connections and collaborations with artists. The exhibit was based around the lies and truths that are told in our lives and how it can be shown in art. There were over 75 artists that had their works on display and all had different ideas about what lies we lead in our life.

I decided to attend this event because I saw that it made people contemplate the truths and lies in their life. I went into this event thinking I wouldn't be affected by what was displayed but after spending time going over most of the pieces of art and reading the questions of the artist, I began to see that I was leading some lies in my life. After identifying the lies I had been living I felt pretty depressed and upset with myself. I then thought that this exhibit wasn't only about lies but also the truths we live, so I began to think about the truths I live in my life. I felt much better about myself realizing this is normal. All humans have lies and truths that they live each day. That is what makes us human.

Overall I really enjoyed the event because it made me think in a way I never really thought about. Every art piece that was exhibited was a fault or gain in everyday life. I believe the point of the event was to find what faults and gains you connect with and how they make you feel when you are confronted by them. I would recommend this event to anyone who would like to really think about themselves and how they view the world.  

Word Count: 310

The Empty Pursuit

Vijay Raju- The Empty Pursuit- Word Count:365

His feet padded against the wooden floor of his room as he rose from the bed. Sweat tingled from his pores, chilling his skin and leaving him in a cold shudder. His mind wandered to the dark house at the far end of the street, a relic of past solemnities and mysteries. With his eyes fixated straight ahead, he walked out into the lit street, each foot propelling his body yet retreating back in fear, fear of the dark and sooty night surrounding the old house. There it was, the streetlamps tunneling him towards its foyer, trapping and ensnaring him in a vicious grasp. Because it is what youth must discover, must rectify on their own free will that bring out the real demons and shadowy figures; stories long forgotten, fears once so visceral, now mere smoldering ashes kicked and mixed in with the dusts of history. His heart beat a slow, voluminous thud, muffled under his crawling skin. He was as much a part of the old house as its very front door, having been born in the neighborhood. He was raised with it in his sight, matured with its presences looming over his entire life to a point where it seemed as if it spoke to him, watched him. His mind snapped back to reality, he was at the front door, his feet now resting on the rotting porch supported by the peeling paint of the columns. The yard was rife with tall grass uncut for years, the entire property seemed a capsule of time forgotten, left to pickle in its own mystery, barred from dissolving into present and future and forbidden to return to the glories of the past. The stories never really changed, the past of the house, the family that once resided in it and the traces they left behind all morphed into a tale meant to scare children. He wanted to end uncertainty, end childhood and blissful ignorance, to face what lurked in blackness. So he opened the door. Liquid-black air condensed around him. Everything felt heavy, and there was no light. The entire house seemed dead, empty of even mystery itself. “It’s nothing, it’s always been nothing,” he said. “Even nothing was once something.” Said a small voice deep in the darkness….

Point: Your illusions are as much a part of you as your flesh and blood.

Outside Cultural Event #2

The second Outside Cultural Event that I attended was a collection of over 70 photographs by N. Jay Jaffee. This exhibition was located in the Library and was open to everyone. The exhibit included photos that were all black in white and were all taken in New York City during the 20^th century. The black in white photos truly astonished me because it felt as if I were actually there in that moment. The absence of color didn’t take away from the photo’s meaning; instead it gave a very authentic feel to the exhibit. Jaffee’s photographs mainly depict daily life around New York, he especially centered himself in capturing sides of different culture and values, while still drawing the importance of New York. My favorite photo was of a two boys playing with toy guns, called Boy with Mask and Gun. This was my favorite photo because even in 1955, when the photo was taken, kids were still doing what they are doing today; having fun. When I was younger I remember going outside and pretending to play war with my brothers, this photo reminded me of those memories and how even when times are changing, kids will be kids.

                Jaffee shot these photographs to almost create a time capsule of culture. He wanted future generations to see what times were like in the past. Whether they look the same or if they are completely different, we can connect to the photos. There are photos of everything from buildings and advertisement to people and their daily life’s, almost the same as it is today. I believe these photo’s are timeless and we can always look back in the past, and see the future. 

The Town by the River

The old style shops open and people begin to flood the streets. This is the daily scene of Old Ellicott City, Maryland. All types of people visit old Ellicott City, whether it is for a fancy meal in one of the various 5 star restaurants or a pleasant stroll through the historic streets. Many people during the weekend tend to be younger and looking to purchase something from the various stores littered throughout the area. During the weekdays, the older generations come out and enjoy a day of leisure walking the streets. Whatever age there’s something for everyone.  

Word Count: 98

Nature is to Nurture

Nature inspires humans in ways that no other force can. Without the presence of nature in my life, I wouldn't be the same person I am today. I would still be sitting on the couch letting life pass by and not even glancing back at it. One day I took the step of embracing nature by going on a bike ride. On that very ride nature inspired me to change my lifestyle and change who I was. It guided me throughout the struggles I was facing and the ones that I would have to face.  

As an avid cyclist I spend a large portion of my time riding outdoors, whether it is in the woods or on the street. Cycling isn’t just about riding and physical activity, it’s about embracing the little things nature has to offer. A day could be made better simply by taking a walk in the woods and feeling the sunshine on your face. If you give nature you’re time, you will be rewarded with memories, happiness and enlightenment. This time spent in nature is special and is different for each person. For me it’s not only important to my physical health, but also my mental health. One of my favorite quotes is by Gerald G. May and states “Whatever the deep guidance (of nature) is, it frees me from bondage to mind-thoughts. It liberates me from agendas, strategies, conditioning's, and preconceived images.” I believe Gerald was impacted by nature in the same way that I was. Nature has freed me of the stresses in the world and was able to sooth my mind and body of the struggles in life.

I believe nature has the power to change someone’s ideals, lifestyle and even beliefs. I let nature into my life and not a day goes by where I regret that decision. 

Word Count: 311  

Outside Cultural Event- Miya Masaoka

The first outside cultural event I attended was a performance by Miya Masaoka. The performance was labeled as Koto with Electronics. The performance was a mix of everyday sounds such as crickets and water droppings to pulsating drone noises. This was her way of giving a unique blend and new age sound in music. These sounds were accompanied by the Koto- a sting like instrument. With this instrument Miya was able to imitate different interpretative sounds and blend those with traditional Koto playing. There was no program for the performance and no setlist like most concerts which was surprising to me. Instead Miya played continuously in a constant strand of melodic sounds. These sounds represented everything from daily to the sounds of nature.     

My impression of the performance could be described as confused yet curious. My personal music preferences include everything from classic rock to classical, yet during this performance I couldn’t categorize Miya’s music. The strange rhythmic pattern and melodies could be described as alien. As a musician I just couldn’t find common ground with what she was playing, but that is just my taste coming into play. Miya’s music was very peaceful and I am sure many people enjoyed her continuous playing which resembled a constant flow of a river, but it just wasn’t for me. Overall I am happy that I got to try something new. 

Word count: 229

It's Not just Granola!

Its not just a regular old granola bar, Its a Clif Bar! This is the brand I associate myself with the most. Most people would say "so, basically you're a granola bar?" and the answer to that is NO! Clif Bars aren't granola bars, they are a hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, base jumping, sport playing adventure bar.Being an avid cyclist and outdoors man, Clif Bars speak to me. Sure I could carry around a a boring Quakers Oatmeal bar but its just that, boring. I like to think I scream adventure, just like a Clif Bar.

Word Count: 97