OCTOBER 20 New Yorker

Check out October 20th's New Yorker. I read it cover to cover this week. Not that I am bored, I am working full-time caring for 3 animals, 2 kids and a sick and sometimes absent wife. Still, I found time to read this issue: I wrote about Malcom Gladwell's article last post. I read a couple more interesting articles worthy of reading. "The Financial Pages" by James Surowiecki is an interesting twist on our financial woes. "The Omen" in Annals of Finance take us deeper into the Jeremy Kerviel case of how he made enormous profits for his company only to have them file suit against him and have him sent to jail. French financial extraordinaire may still prevail with his powerful defense team? The jury is still out on capitalism? and in Profiles, "Zen Master" we meet Gary Snyder and his interesting life as a hippie zen poet. Read on and enjoy these cold...dark, windy days of October in the New Yorker to warm you souls with interesting and engaging writing.

Annals of Culture...Response to "Art" and creativity by Malcom Gladwell

Gladwell responds in the October 20th New Yorker Magazine about two types of creativity: conceptional or experimental (Galenson's idea). Galenson argues that the late bloomer is successful later in life only because it come to them at a later date in life (Art that is). But this argument is taken apart by Gladwell to not necessarily true. He compares Cezanne and Picasso and suggest that "the artist may just be discovered later or the world is just slow to appreciate their gift." According to Picasso art is (as stated in an interview with Marius de Zayas)..."In my opinion, to search means nothing in painting. To find is the thing." THIS IS IT...what is art...it is finding it as it relates to ones own art. So...what is this "finding it" moment. Gladwell refers to two of my favorite Psychology experts; Howard Gardner and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Both have written extensively about attentional focus/learning and what Csik calls "Flow." This "Flow" stage occurs when a person find a moment (time is not present) where everything is lost but the focus on what is happening at that second. An artist needs to fine the "Flow" in order to concentrate and "create" their art. This is the shutting down of the logical brain and the turning on of the creative brain. It is a consuming moment (sometimes lasting for hours and even days) where the artist becomes one with their event. I believe this is when the making of "Art" takes place. Gardner would suggest that the environment must match the emotional and creative state in order to reach "flow." Garder and Csik have spoken at great length about this "state of being." They have collaborated on this issue and written articles and a book about this creative state.



Gladwell uses a great example of a genius (Ben Fountain) who quits his job as a lawyer to write and needed time, support and the optimal state of "Flow" to succeed as an author. Each came true due to his perseverance in wanting to succeed. Gladwell suggests that without all of the external supports, Fountain may have floundered as a writer. So...is art finding the opportunities and capitalizing on those "flow" opportunities to make your masterpiece. Most would say yes... at least the most gifted child prodigy's and older artist. Art can happen at any time in your life...so be ready to find that moment...capitalize on your artistic talent and stay with it until you make your masterpiece!

Art

Art...What is Art anyway. It is something visual, something heard, felt? What is this thing called art? I have been to many different places in my life...Le Louve, D'Orsey, Seattle Art Museum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Experience Music Project, Childrens Museums, Old Rodio Museums, concerts of all kinds, book talks, lectures, keen note speakers, conventions, blogs, chat sites, web sites of all kinds.



Where does Art start and stop.... at what point does music, fine art, lectures, talks, conventions and such become less than art? Is art have to be creative? Can art be found in athletics, academics, social engagements? Where does this all begin and end?

Wooden on Leadership

I finished "Wooden on leadership" last night. John Wooden is amazing. I got the recommendation to read this book from a Christian friend of mine from Western Washinton University. He was doing a speak to some local coaches and mentioned this book as one of the best books on coaching and leadership. I agree....it is awesome!

Wooden says: "Make each day your Masterpiece"...what a great postive statement.
Wooden says: "Activity-to produce real results-must be organized and executed meticulously. Otherwise, it's no different from children running around the playground at recess."
Wooden says; "The star of the team is the team."
Wooden says: "Seek players who will make the best team rather than the best players."...explain to each team member precisely how his or her contributions connect to the welfare and success of the entire organization.
Wooden says: "A leader must accomplish the difficult task of getting those on the team to believe that 'we' supersedes 'me.' "
Rudyard Kipling says: "for the strength of the pack is the wolf; and the strength of the wolf is the pack."
Wooden says: "Control emotion or emotion will control you..."Intensity makes you stronger. Emotionism makes you weaker."
Wooden says: "I will not like you all the same, but I will love you all the same. And whether I like you or not, my feelings will not interfere with my judgement of your effort and performance. You will be treated fairly. That is a promise."
Wooden says: "A true competitor loves the battle."
Wooden says: "When I am through learning, I am through."
Wooden says: "In the end, the choice you make makes you."
Wooden says: "It is what you learn after you know it all that counts."
Wooden says: "The player who gives his best is sure of success, while the player who gives less than his best is a failure."
Wooden said: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable."
Wooden said: "You are not a failure until you start blaming someone else for your weaknesses and mistakes."
Wooden said: "Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out."

Now do you know why this guy is amazing?