Author: Zack Newsome

I blogged about the guys of Windup Gallery before. The owners, Anthony and Lindsay, have become friends and are supporters of our fledging artist collective, FoundArts.  They've only been open a few months, but have put on some great shows that have brought some "never-before-seen-crowds" (at least in Mesa) to downtown Mesa.  Tonight they kick off another show from 7-10pm showcasing Four female artists that will be there in person (which should be killer).  I am excited to see the work of these artists (especially Shaunna Peterson who has a tattoo-art vibe I like) and am taking the kids tonight to check out the scene.  If you can make it, come on by to support the local arts scene, have some complimentary drinks on Windup, and breathe in the smell of an actual developing (non fine-art) art scene in downtown Mesa.

Link to the flyer's for tonight's show 

This morning I am working from a coffee shop in Downtown Mesa.  Usually when I work in public spaces (which I love) I have to put my headphones on and let my itunes library keep me focused on my work.  But today I forgot both my computer charger and my headphones and have had to the distraction of conversation and noise while working.

A few minutes ago, I couldn't help but overhear a group nearby talking about the HBO series "Six Feet Under".  Six Feet Under is my favorite television series and it's final episode moves me emotionally beyond what I have ever experienced by a single episode of TV.  Seeing the film, "Once" this week has got my mind racing about the possibilities of film/video as an art form that communicates in a way that no other form of art can.   The conversation I overheard today reminds me once again of that truth. 

If you haven't seen Six Feet Under, you must allow yourself the opportunity to get to know that characters, to become immersed in the story, and to wrestle with the inevitable reality of death, it's unpredictable approach and the fear it generates in us all. While this series is secular one, little focusing on the spiritual questions of death, for Kelli and I watching the series in it's entirety had a deeply spiritual impact on our lives and our own wrestlings with death.

The series is over, but you should be able to rent all five seasons worth at your local Blockbuster or via NetFlix if that's how you roll. Even better, your local public library might have it for free :).

I rarely think of art as I watch most movies today.  Most are products to be consumed rather than artistic "gifts" to be inspired and challenged by.  It's depressing in fact to think about the vast number of movies produced and released only to turn a quick and easy profit.  The film industry is a great example of how we've reduced the voice of the artist for the sake of profit.

But I am thrilled by the release of a movie currently in theaters called "Once".  It is a brilliant film that is pure art.  It is a film about music, love, and a dream.  Much of the story is told through song, which is brilliant and more effective than dialogue in this case.  The music is perfect, human, real, and inspired.  The music, the story, and the brillance of it all is deeply moving as it reminds us that dreams, love, and creativity push through a world ruled by harsh "realities" and staunchy thinking.

You must see this film and afterward you will probably buy the soundtrack as well.  And as Zach has said well,

"The best thing about the movie is listening to the soundtrack afterwards and you’ll find yourself reliving the scenes in the movie through the music."

The "Once" website

HT: Zach Lind @ Finding Rhythm