being noticed
One thing that I suppose all creative artists go through is the phenomenon of being noticed - or not. And that can be troubling - or not.
In fact, it's just about anybody who goes through it. Sometimes it's great to walk down the street and be ignored. Sometimes it's great to walk down the street and be seen by everyone. I live in a quiet neighbourhood where my neighbours either see nothing or everything; there doesn't seem to be a middle ground.
When I set up this blog, I left the comments option open - because it seemed like a good thing to have people leave comments. Until today. I hadn't checked the blog for a few days and I was amazed to see not one but nine comments. I thought wow! until I read them - and found that spammers have found blogs. Damn - is nowhere safe? I'd say something rude about them except that I'm sure spammers never read what's said.
And there's a balance somewhere - I'd love to be able to shout from the rooftops and say - "hey, look at me - I've written loads of stuff and taken loads of photos - how about coming in and seeing". And if we all did that - just think of the cacophony.
Sunday I walked past a local theatre with a sign outside saying "Open Space" - and it wasn't until after that I realised it meant that some local artists had taken over the place for a free art show. They've done it before at another venue, and it was great to meet the artists - even though it was daunting to be the only visitor for 20 artists!
And this time it was me, just walking past.
I had an experience of being "someone" during the recent living history. For a couple of days I played a peasant - the stablemaster - noticed and respected by his family; acknowledged by the steward of the manor; but otherwise ignored. Then I played a Bishop; not just any Bishop, but William Laud, who went on to be Archbishop of Canterbury and one of the most powerful men in the country (for a while). And what I noticed was the wave of impact my presence had. As I walked around people bowed, doffed their caps, were very polite to me - and it was rather nice... In fact it became almost a sport to drift around quietly and watch the reaction as other characters caught sight of me. So, that's what celebs and the high and mighty do, is it?
The peak of it was to walk around in the company of other powerful people - the ultimate being the King. What a rush! Until we (as actors) remembered what happened to each of our characters in the twenty years to follow (1628 to 1648) - each got their come-uppance in the Civil War which was 14 years in the future.
And then, returning to "real" life - and finding a flower amongst the spam. A fellow creative; a fellow traveller lost in the mists of emotion and turmoil. And to find a link to my blog on hers - nice! This is how real communities form. Long may it continue.
Simon.
In fact, it's just about anybody who goes through it. Sometimes it's great to walk down the street and be ignored. Sometimes it's great to walk down the street and be seen by everyone. I live in a quiet neighbourhood where my neighbours either see nothing or everything; there doesn't seem to be a middle ground.
When I set up this blog, I left the comments option open - because it seemed like a good thing to have people leave comments. Until today. I hadn't checked the blog for a few days and I was amazed to see not one but nine comments. I thought wow! until I read them - and found that spammers have found blogs. Damn - is nowhere safe? I'd say something rude about them except that I'm sure spammers never read what's said.
And there's a balance somewhere - I'd love to be able to shout from the rooftops and say - "hey, look at me - I've written loads of stuff and taken loads of photos - how about coming in and seeing". And if we all did that - just think of the cacophony.
Sunday I walked past a local theatre with a sign outside saying "Open Space" - and it wasn't until after that I realised it meant that some local artists had taken over the place for a free art show. They've done it before at another venue, and it was great to meet the artists - even though it was daunting to be the only visitor for 20 artists!
And this time it was me, just walking past.
I had an experience of being "someone" during the recent living history. For a couple of days I played a peasant - the stablemaster - noticed and respected by his family; acknowledged by the steward of the manor; but otherwise ignored. Then I played a Bishop; not just any Bishop, but William Laud, who went on to be Archbishop of Canterbury and one of the most powerful men in the country (for a while). And what I noticed was the wave of impact my presence had. As I walked around people bowed, doffed their caps, were very polite to me - and it was rather nice... In fact it became almost a sport to drift around quietly and watch the reaction as other characters caught sight of me. So, that's what celebs and the high and mighty do, is it?
The peak of it was to walk around in the company of other powerful people - the ultimate being the King. What a rush! Until we (as actors) remembered what happened to each of our characters in the twenty years to follow (1628 to 1648) - each got their come-uppance in the Civil War which was 14 years in the future.
And then, returning to "real" life - and finding a flower amongst the spam. A fellow creative; a fellow traveller lost in the mists of emotion and turmoil. And to find a link to my blog on hers - nice! This is how real communities form. Long may it continue.
Simon.
posted by Simon | 1:45 am
1 Comments:
I did indeed notice you. I love the poetry in your words. And I'm glad you're writing again, i missed reading this.
to avoid blog spam, turn on "word verification"... there's a link to it on your dashboard. Spam is becoming a massive problem, I was getting 15 per post, but have had nothing since changing my settings.
Oh...wait... you already did. Excellent :)
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