theChauffeur - ed-infinitum
I take no pride in being a ‘glitch in the programme’, the one within who is simultaneously without. Tethered and led by an unseen mistress. For s/he who sees more has less to take pleasure in. Thus cursed for the benefit of others, the Heretic does what s/he has been called upon to do whatever the consequence to her/himself…and to see it through to the end.
ed-infinitum, the chauffeur, the lone dancer in the video, in rhythm, but not in tune.
Banner - meaning
The faces in the ipod symbolise 'the masses' who are being played. The array of ipods symbolise 'the production line', and its transmutation into 1s and 0s in the distance shows that this whole trend-following propensity makes the masses as 'individualistic' as the 1s and 0s comprising a software programme designed for the profitable use of The Corporation. Finally, my name, 'ed-infinitum', starting off on the right and ending on the left indicates not only my ideological inclination, but illustrates 'forever' (infinitum) - the quest for Truth.
ed-infinitum
Comments
You are not alone my friend. The end is far away me thinks.
And in my life you have been a good glitch, you stopped my internal cd from sticking?
p.s. the ed-infinitum changes!
"p.s. the ed-infinitum changes!"
Yes. It does! ;-)
Yeah, I know ed.
I don't know what you were trained as, but you have very good visual communication skills. Your explanation wasn't at all necessary because you did such a good job with it. I enjoyed reading it anyway. Are you familiar with a painting called "The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors Even"?
When I read your posts, I see that painting in my mind.
'Visual communication skills'? I've never received a compliment like that before. Thanks Nicole:)
No, i did not receive any formal training or instruction in multimedia or art.(only formal training i ever received was in soci and psych) I started off with a pencil, paper and magnifying glass in my late teens, and then moved on to digital art/video/audio (out of curiosity) when PCs finally became quite affordable to myself back in 2000.
I suppose the desire to pry below the surface in all arenas, and using various mediums (i.e. music, art, sociology, psychology, philosophy, culture, religion, history, etc) to do so, does help me express myself with at least average proficiency via various mediums.
I have a saying, 'a jane/jack of all trades becomes a master of life'. To see and do more in one requires that i see and do more in many. I'm not it - a 'jack of all trades' - but i use it as a goal. I'm sure i'll never reach it (no false modesty here), but in attempting to do so, I'm sure i'll become better than I otherwise would be.
I know of the painting you mentioned Nicole. For some reason, i'm disturbed when i look at it. I don't really see the similarity between what i attempt to create and 'the bride stripped bare' - which is very thought-provocative. Perhaps you could share with me your insights with regards to the painting Nicole?
Thanks Nicole.
It is funny that you would say that about the painting because I find myself somewhat disturbed by your posts. Disturbed as in challenged, I find myself having to fight with the part of me that just uses the internet purely for entertainment (beat it up and take its stuff while masquerading as a hero) and the part that wants to attempt to take to heart what you write.
Looking at yourself without bias can be unpleasant sometimes. The struggle between the parts of me can be pretty disturbing. Luckily, curiousity wins out over both of them and find myself looking forward to the next time you post. (That is why I tease myself for being attracted to things that give me a headache.)
The painting to me seems to warn us of the dangers of allowing ourselves to be from the mass produced culture (in the height of the industrial age, it seems to be happening even then.) I always thought the painting exposed it. It is disturbing because it says to me "You 'consumers' are not 'gears in the machine' but coal. Eventually, we are consumed ourselves.
Like you, the painting talks about things that no one wants to think about.
I like what you wrote about being a 'jack of all trades.' That is exactly what I strive for, too. (I think it is that curiousity of mine that causes it for me.) I often get into trouble because I find myself saying that I want to be better. Some people get mad and think that I want to be better than other people, but I just want to be better. (Of course that causes yet another series of headaches because I constantly have to ask 'What is better?' Then, I have to ask how did I come to that conclusion and so on.) I also consider it a goal I will never reach, but I am more interested in the journey anyway.
Well, it is time for me to get back to delivering peace and tranquility from the end of a glowing scepter. (Then taking their stuff.) *snicker*
Yes, i went through that from 20-23 when i realised that the respect and popularity i enjoyed socially amongst my peers did not mean that i was worthy of respect in the objective sense. That is when i went my own way to discover myself. It started with my realising that i was an utter idiot and fool who based his strength on that which was valued by society as opposed to that which was valuable. I couldn't hold up my head for 3 years as the internal demolition began and the foundation was relaid. You're right Nicole, spectral(all round) curiosity is a boon indeed. Hmmm...why do i feel that i'm listening to myself when reading your thoughts.
"I always thought the painting exposed it. It is disturbing because it says to me "You 'consumers' are not 'gears in the machine' but coal."
Very insightful statement Nicole. I was wondering, your description, or interpretation, of the painting was most interesting.
If i might make a suggestion, why don't you publish this observation - posted above - in your site along with the picture in question. That would make your site, besides a fun site, also one where one might access insightful observations on other things as well, i.e. art, and other stuff that catches your insightful eye. I know I for one would be most interested to read more of such observations as i have been of the other thoughts published at your site.
"I often get into trouble because I find myself saying that I want to be better. "
I think you just want to see more to know more. I suppose you have subconsciously abided by, before you ever knew of this site, "the unexamined life is one that is yet to be lived." It feels good to know i'm not alone in such a perspective. Hmm...you have allowed certain thoughts that i've been having to finally hit 'critical mass'. I'll do an article on this after this comment. Thank you very much Nicole.
"Of course that causes yet another series of headaches because I constantly have to ask 'What is better?"
Haha! Misery loves company. Thus, i love the fact that you're going through this as well. I 'been there, done that', and, unfortunately, 'still going there and doing that'.
"I also consider it a goal I will never reach, but I am more interested in the journey anyway."
Yes indeed! I'm completely aware that it is an unreachable goal, but, as a 'readers digest' 'quotable quote' i read when i was about 10 went, "reach for the stars, you may not get it, but you won't come up with a handful of mud either." I used to cut out such pages and read them again and again as a child. Still have those cuttings in my personal file after all these years.
"Well, it is time for me to get back to delivering peace and tranquility from the end of a glowing scepter. (Then taking their stuff.)"
Haha! Good one Nicole:-)
Really enjoyed your insightful thoughts Nicole.
Thanks heaps.
ed
As usual, your artworks always have such a powerful and creative deliverance. I have not met many people who have such great visual communication skills! (and i do meet a lot of people globally) Keep it up!
v