originality

interview with G. Dyer to follow...

"And be not conformed to the world"

What is originality, then? At the very least an attitude, perhaps; at the best, a way of living. Of course, if you're hooked on to the 'first' then a cover or a re-make, because it always invites comparisons, will seem tainted, lacking in something: precisely: it wasn't the first, the thing that pulled you in the beginning-and there's nothing like that first movement away from yourself.

But if the artist creates, or if you make something your own, see it with your own eyes, see or make something that is fresh, vital, unique, then it's possible to imagine more than one form of beauty.

In religion as well: should we say the Truth is one.
Yes! But 'one' is not a number!

Every person is born as a unique individual, adds a different perspective to the world, is a new bridge. A child looks on the world in simple amazement. The original wonder. Parents and an education will soon see to that though, beat or coax it out of you. And if you survive that, society or religion or work will get you.

Originality. Not just 'la' but fidelity. Fidelity to what or who, though? A text, a score, is only a series of black marks on white paper. Of course, that suits you: a fragment of a quote here, a single song there; not the sustained engagement that produces any real depth. But still, these are the times you live in. The classical world is over, and so is Tradition. If that is the choice-and you think it is-then better to find one's own way of being superficial...

Learning to let go; knowing what to keep. If through all the changes, falls, deviations, swerves, doubts, you can still hear the same bright voice, always the same, never the same.