Rhythm and the New

<< Continued from page 3

Milhaud gave Trimble a priceless lesson about making art, about what to do in the face of ever-present possibility. Milhaud's lessons were not so much directed at the minuscule details of work as they seemed, though they covered that and drove Trimble to exhaustion. Trimble, by then, was beyond the necessity for that type of training and Milhaud knew it. But as a forceful teacher he applied a meta-level of thought to the daily workload, the load which might easily inhibit a larger vision. Milhaud was handing freedom to Trimble, the freedom to do that which is important towards the work, not that which is expected by a teacher, an audience or anyone other than the artist her/himself and the work.

Apply this lesson to the overwhelming choice made possible by technology and the pace of the new is instantly slowed because now it is focused. It becomes about the importance the individual places on the uses, potentials, possibilities only as they relate to selection. It is the essence of continuance in the artistic process, and it applies when confronted by any overwhelming mass in which one has the freedom to make selections.

The weather may change around us at a very slow rate or suddenly, dramatically. We have a wonderful ability to adapt... in the case of weather we choose appropriately from a possibly large array of clothing. We carry bumbershoots if necessary. Then we move on to our destinations which are entirely matters of individual choice. With the gunshot of technology ringing in our ears it is no different.

Copyright © 6 May 2000 Jeff Talman, New York City, USA