“Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn’t matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough.”
-Richard P. Feynman
Humans, as a rule, spend a lot of their time on earth seeking. Whether truth or meaning, connection or expansion, we are searchers. This is how we engage with the world around us, and it is how we continue on a lifelong journey of learning, whether in small or large ways. How lucky are we that every morning we wake up to a new day. Whether it is filled with new horizons or familiar routine, there is always something that can be learned if we just take the time to look.
Jen DeLuna joined us to talk about her show, Dust and Sweat and Feigning Grace, which ran from August 2-30 at Storage Gallery in Tribeca. DeLuna says that much in the way that she collects photographs, she also collects phrases. The title of this exhibition of figurative works came from a magazine clipping she collected years ago that read, “dust and sweat and sometimes blood.” After some research, she learned the quote was based on a quote from Teddy Roosevelt and DeLuna found herself drawn to the cadence of the phrase. She adapted it to more closely reflect her own experience and the figures in the show. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Howard Fishman chatted with us about his recent book, To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse. Converse was a musician who, according to legend, drove off at the age of 50 in 1974 and mysteriously vanished never to be seen again. To learn more about the unusual story of Connie Converse, hear clips of her music and more, listen to the complete interview.
A few words to keep in your pocket
What discoveries will you make today?
Outings
Join me at 1969 Gallery for a showing of works by Aaron Zulpo and Andy Woll followed by Trish Tillman at Asya Geisberg.
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces are here in a shareable format. The full archive of interviews is here.
More books to read
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re reading now by adding your titles to our reading list here. McSweeney’s Issue 74 is now available.
Opportunities
Virginia Center for Creative Arts (VCCA) is accepting applications for residency and fellowship. Participants are chosen by peer review based on professional achievement. Applications are accepted online with a $30 fee, and financial aid is available. Fee waivers are also offered. For more information and to apply, visit the website. Deadline is September 15 for the next cycle.