Magic in the Mundane

www.michellevara.com

Sometimes there is magic in the mundane. The trick for all writers, artists and photographers is to pay attention to one's surroundings. From A Writer's Book of Days by Judy Reeves:

"..Describe the texture of moonlight on your bedroom ceiling or the face of the old man down the street as he walked his dog? 'The truth is in the details,' someone once said and the only way to know the truth is to pay attention.

"Paying attention brings into focus the specificity not only of good writing, but of mindful living. The great spiritual leader Thieh Nhat Hanh said mindfulness is to be present in the present moment. It is in the present moment you find the details that will enrich your writing and bring it to life. "There is ecstasy in paying attention," said Anne Lamott.

"As you awaken in the morning, notice the light in your room, the wrinkle of sheets, the smell of air. Be present as you go through your day, mindful of such details as the mist rising from the orange you peel, the ridges of pattern in the peel's colour that fade to yellow near the green nub of stem and the stem's starlike pattern."

"...By paying attention and writing what you perceive, you find your own truth and this is what you will pass on in your writing." -Tara Bradford

9-11 sculpture outline, or the artist's visual symbolization.

“As an artist it is invigorating to have been given such an eminent opportunity”…….

The sculpture piece I call “Respectful Remembrances” (50” X 57” h) is meant to reflect the unity of Americans’ in all walks of life, offering an uplifting sense of healing and forward progression, on the home front horizon, without forgetting the past.

 I have outlined in words, a highlight of my visual symbolization.

·       The I Beam

Is an actual piece from the World Trade Center events.
 You can see the sever duress the iron has been through by the bends that are in it.
It encapsulates immense spirit and energy.

 ·       The arched rusted piece of Angel Iron –

On 9/11 the scene of countless people walking orderly across the Brooklyn Bridge towards safety, left a mark in my mind’s eye.

 The events as they happened in real time. 
The rise and fall. 
The bending of Strength but still holding.
The metal piece was from a fire escape removed from building in Glens Falls NY.

 ·       ¾ inch Round down post-

This piece intentionally bent, wavy and rusted showing inconstant information coming from the ground level. 

The Questions that remain un-answered about the disaster.

·       The small Off Shoot of ¼” Flat stock-

“fractional pieces”- of stories,  ideas,  thoughts,  energy.

Made as a support in the supporting of each other, human being to human being.
The holding up or up lifting.
Rising.
Each small part played is important to the big picture.

 ·       The circle -

The circle is of inexhaustible implications.

Unity, all encompassing, beginning, end, strength, connection.
The sun and moon, work, human culture, concept of all-inclusive.
All the forces (medical, fire, rescue, military, etc,) that work together so hard in collective efforts.
Polished metal is the representation of the light and opportunities.

In closing-
The remembrance of life lost, given and shared, the innocents of a nation changed and our troops on the front, even now, are also meant to be implied in the over all of this piece.

 In overwhelming gratitude,

miChelle M. Vara