Jedediah Purdy acknowledges the truth of Kathryn Schulz’s takedown: “He was, in fact, a miserable asshole, … and the writing he is best remembered for sucks.” And yet: Henry Thoreau was a genuine American weirdo. He did not believe in niceness, or even civility, but in justice. … Thoreau is no model, but he is a useful and difficult conversation partner across the centuries, a difficult friend as he was a difficult citizen.”
Tag: 10.20.15
Lennart Anderson, 87, Painter Who Put Modern Twist On Old Masters’ Forms
“Mr. Anderson brought a deep understanding of masters like Piero della Francesca, Velázquez, Poussin and Degas to his still lifes, portraits, landscapes and streetscapes, while applying a modern twist that lifted them from the common run of academic realism.”
Cultural Appropriation Is A Good And Healthy Thing – As Long As You Do It Right (Here’s How)
“While I hope I don’t offend anyone, I find the alternative – the idea that I ought to stay in the cultural lane I was born into – outrageous. … There are legitimate reasons to step carefully when dressing ourselves with the clothing, arts, artifacts, or ideas of other cultures. But please, let’s banish the idea that appropriating elements from one another’s cultures is in itself problematic.” Jenni Avins offers seven dos and don’ts.
Top Posts From AJBlogs 10.20.15
It’s About Defining Your Values
I think that defining your values is far more important than defining your career path. Careers change, values do not. Know the impact that you want to have in the world … read more
AJBlog: Field Notes Published 2015-10-20
Kill Your Darlings!
“Kill your darlings!” we were told by William Faulkner, a sentiment we take to heart in our writing and our creative practice. Authors must often rid themselves of their most labored over, most precious passages, for the greater good of the literary work. Unfortunately career planning and career paths ask you to “Kill your darlings” as well, … read more
AJBlog: Field Notes Published 2015-10-20
Get A Mentor
I got my first CEO job at a nonprofit because the woman who hired me as her second in command told me she would invest in my development and ensure that I was prepared to take over when she retired … read more
AJBlog: Field Notes Published 2015-10-20
Measure Revenue Differently. Cultivate Loyalty Collaboratively
Arts Journal blogger Doug Borwick recently wrote a post on the role of marketing and development departments that captured my attention. In the following quote he summarizes an issue that I’ve been thinking about for a long time: … read more
AJBlog: Engaging Matters Published 2015-10-20
A Don Friedman Day
Today was chock-full of interviewing, transcribing, researching and, in general, preparing to write liner notes for a new Don Friedman trio album. The research included diving into books, rummaging through the web for additional information … read more
AJBlog: RiffTides Published 2015-10-20
Lookback: must critics be “right”?
From 2005: Of course it’s desirable to be right, and I don’t see how it’s possible to take seriously a critic who’s wrong about most things. Nevertheless, I’m uneasy with the notion that “getting things right” is the ultimate test of a critic’s worth … read more
AJBlog: About Last Night Published 2015-10-20
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Netflix And Studios Face Lawsuit Over Lack Of Captioning During Songs
“The suit alleges that films advertised by the studios with the option of captions or subtitles are incomplete as song lyrics are not included.”
The Prize That Caused Upheaval At Carnegie Hall Now Has A Winner
Augustin Hadelich, “a sensitive player with a wide repertoire that includes Bach, Beethoven, Ligeti and Thomas Adès, was selected to receive the prize by a panel of judges who considered all the young singers and musicians presented by Carnegie Hall last season.”
Apple Music Says It Has 6.5 Million Paying Users (Less Than Spotify, But Still A Lot)
“While Apple’s total user base of 15 million users is impressive, it pales in comparison to Spotify’s 75 million, the vast majority of which are using the free ad-supported service.”
Thinking That Online Life Isn’t ‘Real’ Life Is Both Wrong And Harmful
“Beyond assuming that physical proximity is inherently more meaningful than whatever’s happening online (it’s not), much of this growing unease betrays a lack of digital fluency.”
Time To Add Some Public Art To Harlem’s Parks?
“Lee sees this moment in Harlem’s development, as it becomes gentrified and the residential profile evolves, as a crucial time. She says, ‘When neighborhoods are changing, that’s the opportunity to make sure they change in a way that’s inclusive.'”