“So, what’s it about?” (thoughts from Alex Bigney, author)
September 20, 2008
Post by Alex Bigney, author
“SO, WHAT’S IT ABOUT?”
That’s probably the most common question I hear after someone discovers that I have written a book.
But, how can I respond, “I’m not sure,” without sounding evasive or cute? As a painter, I’m not arrogant enough to think I shouldn’t have to speak about my work. In fact, I welcome the discussion. The problem is—after writing, I’m not sure that I’m a painter after all. Or a writer. Or anything else with an easy label. And exactly what is a book?
The real work of capturing impressions with paint happens before I enter the studio or touch a brush to the panel; as the work of knowing anything happens beyond the limits of my tangible self. While I can’t explain my need to paint pictures any more than I can explain my dreams—where they come from and what they all mean, the intent of my writing is to paint a clear picture of this painter’s mind and heart—for the purpose of exposing the artist in each of us.
As with any image, I have more questions now that I’ve completed the piece than when I started over four years ago. I think that’s one of the lures of painting—the tease of what is just beyond my current perspective, like the inviting view of a vast landscape through a very small window—and writing is no different.
“Oh, it’s about being an artist,” I usually reply. And who better to discuss that than the brilliant scientist—Nikola Tesla? For me, it has also been about following inspiration, sometimes blindly, even when it makes little sense—about the process of making things appear, but this time—with words.
“Yeah but—are the dreams real?” I am often asked.
And that’s the question—are dreams real?
“Are paintings?” I’m tempted to answer.
“This is an aesthetic thing,” complained a self-assured guy at one of my readings. “What I mean is that, I expected it to be—well—more about real science,” he continued.
“Try telling that to a real scientist,” I suggested.
In fact, it’s about real science, real art—real anything. What good are those old fences anyway? For me, the book has been like a playground, somewhere to slide, spin, and skip—and now, a place to play with new friends.
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2 Responses to ““So, what’s it about?” (thoughts from Alex Bigney, author)”
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hello, and i would like to say that your blog is very good, and it gets me excited to read the book… and the way through and on my own. i’ve already been able to hear almost all of it, but i enjoyed it a lot when i was able to read that first half myself and i can’t wait to read the whole thing! so you better make me a copy. =)
At the risk of sounding a bit crazy, I think the world would really be very boring and limited to me if I only looked at what was defined as “real” by society right now. After all, what is “real” now is not what was “real” even a century ago. So I guess I would have to answer the questioners by asking the question, “‘real’ by whose definition?”
By my definition, the experiences of the mind and spirit are more real than the experiences of the physical world.
Connection between individuals occurs when precious inner realities coincide and overlap. As we are all participants in a human experience, this is something that happens more and more often as our inner realities broaden and include more than we merely perceive with our physical selves.
If we are able to include the spiritual reality of other beings than mere humans in the scope of our mind’s eye, then the connection extends farther than we can possibly imagine. The possibilities are endless.
Obviously, my definition of “real” and “crazy” are not too far separated… Questioning the definition of reality is risky business meant for only the most courageous. I am glad that a writer like Alex Bigney has the courage to challenge my perception of reality. Alex’s world is real to me. I can feel it. I can see it in my mind’s eye. I can use it to extend my own inner reality—which I hope will grow to extend beyond any physical definition.