Thoughts from above Ann Arbor

I'm holed up in a study carral at the Hatcher Graduate Library, a strange cubicle-like environment that I actually prefer because it affords beautiful views of Ann Arbor. There's a light but steady snow flurry and it's a good afternoon to get some serious work done. I'm listening to my recently acquired music, Imogen Heap...check out "Hide and Seek" if you haven't already.

I just visited the map library to find maps of Algonquin Park and Marquette County, the locations where the moose were transferred from and to, respectively. This is such an amazing resource here at U of M and I intend to take full advantage of it during my last year and a half here (oooo, heart flutter/panic attack. That's really not a long time until I'm dumped into the "real" world).

And then I printed off three articles from Michigan Natural Resource and found perfect photo essay of helicopters carrying moose in slings. I'll upload the photos when I return home.


So I felt a bit anxious yesterday, having a somewhat unproductive afternoon and an ever growing list of things to do. It was the first time I felt that adrenaline rush (or caffeine) for a long time and it leaves a bittersweet taste in my mind; sweet because it actually makes me a more efficient worker and bitter because I'm more tired and stressed. I had plans to see the School of Music's Collage Concert at Hill and then attend an afterparty later in the evening and was worried that all my work hanging above my head would distract me from enjoying myself. As soon as the trumpet ensemble began and their clear tones filled and cut through the space of the auditorium, I realized nothing could have been further from the truth. I had forgotten how amazing the acoustics are at Hill as well as the transformative power of live music.

Music is so good at evoking emotion and personifying beauty and it made me think of my own work. Right now, I feel this self-imposed pressure to do some sort of social-good through my artwork, that making something beautiful isn't good enough. And this makes me become a hesitant artist. The students I saw yesterday were absolutely uninhibited with their talents; they are the true artists who are taking a risk to pursue something they love.

Still, in a world of so much suffering, poverty, and inequalities, what becomes my role as an artist? Do I have some sort of responsibility to others? But what about to myself? Don't I have a responsibility to become the best I can be?

These are just some questions that are floating around my head...especially as I prepare for an exhibition in Chicago this March (have I mentioned this before?). A friend is co-curating a show on organic art and given my background, she encouraged me to create some sculptures. Actually, they're using my images from Summer 2005 Sculptures on their posters! I'm excited to finally flesh out some ideas I've been carrying, but nervous about the time restraint. I'll post more on this project later.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!