Summer is often the time for big Hollywood movies, stories of adventure and action, epic spectacles that sweep us into imagined times and places. Years ago, I thought up the idea for one of my own movies with the title Triple Mayhem: Summer Heat in Rio. It would be a heist film starring my alter ego, Triple Mayhem, a thief turned action hero. (Granted, summer in Rio would mean the film would take place sometime in January, February, or March.)
Being wrapped up in an adventure appeals to us, being a hero engages us, even if we simply want to experience this from a couch or theater seat. Movies are where we often go to find ourselves reflected in characters.
Many Marvel movies have been popular and influenced culture by giving us heroes, but those who have struggles that make them relatable. Thor appeals to me in a way that connects with a nordic mythos, but also more broadly, he's someone who has doubts despite his awesome power and heroic call.
And when we see ourselves in someone, it gives their story power. Great films can give us stories we can hold within ourselves. We can hold these and they can inspire us in our real lives, to overcome our own challenges.
Movies take place in many times and settings, some that stretch our imaginations. Yet I find they work powerfully when we can imagine ourselves within them, seeing ourselves reflected in their characters.
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So with the idea of finding ourselves within the sweep of an epic story, I'd like to share a short piece of music that touches on movies, music I wrote to represent an imagined place and film. It is an orchestral excerpt from my days at UCLA. The recording isn't professional or from a live performance, it was simply captured at a reading where the players had only seen the score moments before. But the music can still come across with the sweep, mystery, romance, and grandeur I intended. So listen. Feel the music... And imagine.
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Arts Events This Weekend!
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July 9: The Kaleidoscope Art Walk: SVA Artists Showing
July 10: Seeds Fine Art Show + Me Reading My Poetry!
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There are two exciting events you're invited to that I'll be at this weekend, featuring the art and creativity of many of my friends, and one where I'll be reading poetry.
Kaleidoscope Center's Second Saturday Art Walk: Sat. July 9, 5:00-9:00
The Kaleidoscope Center
27741 Crown Valley Pkwy,
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Artists from Saddleback Visual Arts will have their work on display at spaces throughout the Kaleidoscope Center during its Second Saturday Art Walk, with Peggy Iriarte, Suzanne Weythman, Lisa Burson, Sophia Hyun, Teri Shagoury, and Ezra Ochoa at Union Market and Suzie Soyon Koh at Gallery 315. Click here for more info on the Makers Market and Art Night, put on with support from Space in the Gap.
Seeds Fine Art Presents Art and Poetry: Sun. July 10, 2:00-4:00
Poetry Reading at 3:00
Full Circle | Meaningful Marketplace
140 S Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
The current art show by Seeds Fine Art features the work of my good friends Jason Leith and Katherine Leith. I'll be joining in for a reading of my poetry at 3pm as part of this celebratory event, thanks to the invitation from the directors of Seeds, Denise Weyhrich and Cindi Rhodes! The host space for the event is Full Circle | Meaningful Marketplace, which supports the Youth Centers of Orange from all its proceeds.
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