Day 30
Aim towards the sun and ward off destructive thoughts, use the Auroras in your eyes, the guides are there if we are open to looking.
I still don't know what I am doing by sharing these findings but it is only helping to uncover the underlying layers of the creative process as it unfolds. Much like the blossoms that are growing, everyday I notice the minute changes that over a longer period become drastic. Musically, it has been one of the most satisfying projects, fueling a lot of material and time well spent on trying to improve while having a platform to present the works in one of the coolest soundscape settings I have ever been in. The daily routine feels no different than the rewards of putting my work boots on and grabbing my pitchfork to take care of the farm duties, a job that requires absolute presence in every moment and a physical and keen spacial awareness at all times. These are aspects I try to carry over into everyday situations, keeping distractions at bay. Allowing time to focus on the things that are most important, understanding the nature of passion and the importance of having pursuit.
Up until 30 days ago, I spent very little time learning and practicing the "wandarian" technique. The albums I've recorded have mostly been improvised and came from curating a space and environment that allowed me to go to the depths of myself to reach and grab this music to bring it up to the surface. There was always an aspect of, "Maybe this is the last time it will work." Or as I remember hearing Leonard Cohen saying once, "Keep the pleasures short." I didn't want to overdue or corrupt the discovery of this new guitar mode and tried to maintain a special place for this expression by rarely going there. At some point over the last year of working tirelessly on the electric Wandarian record I reached a moment where I had to do some honing in and wanted to really get a handle on the technique.
So the Concert Obscura thing was born out of this desire to gain focus, achieve a level where I can control as many variables as I can to produce the "song" that I continually hear from the guitar and to present this craft as any artisan would. Watching a rug maker hooking, a carver carve, a painter mixing colours etc... I have always been inspired by the process of any creative endeavor.
The surprises that come from putting myself out there have been so positive and encouraging. The people have come with open minds and are always warmed by the sounds. Sharing my love of the area, the Bay, the guitar, this alien structure in the middle of rural Nova Scotia is a great privilege. 30 days sure flies by.
