Capturing Memories in a Jar
Send to KindleCreativity is more than just being different … making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity. ~Charles Mingus
I’m such a little kid sometimes. My next “official” post isn’t scheduled until this Monday, but while looking for something else, I happened to come across this 4 min TED Talk that quite simply blew me away and I just couldn’t wait to share it with you!
Gabriel Barcia-Colombo is an American video artist who creates installation pieces of “miniature people” encased inside ordinary objects such as suitcases, blenders and more.
His work focuses on memorialization and, more specifically, the act of leaving one’s imprint for the next generation. Call it “artwork with consequences.” An idea which Barcia-Colombo renders visually by “collecting” human beings (alongside cultural archetypes) as scientific specimens.
Check it out …
I hope you enjoyed this presentation as much as I did. If you’re a video fan you may also be interested in another TED Talk by Cesar Kuriyama: One Second Every Day. It’s a little longer, and not quite as visually entertaining, but I love what Cesar is doing with video. It’s something anyone can do, and I’m a BIG believer in creating more special “moments” in our lives.
I hope you’ll consider contributing to the conversation by leaving a comment and sharing this post with your friends! In fact I’d love to connect with YOU! To follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc., just click here.
I also hope you will consider joining our Subscriber Community! It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up, and then each new article will be conveniently delivered to your email inbox … and of course you’ll also receive your free copy of my NEW Welcome Gift for Subscribers – Believe in Yourself!
To conveniently subscribe – press here.
Mahalo!
Send to Kindle
This is a very engaging video. His work is astounding and inspired me to develop my creative side.
(dofollow)
Lei Broch recently posted..New Release
Interesting concepts and fun video, Marty.
As to the who “memory making” and “legacy leaving” concepts, I feel like the harder people try to encapsulate images, ideas and icons for future generations, and make great efforts to define their own footprint, the more they lose out on the spontaneity and authenticity of living the present moment.
The key here, is “living” the present moment, not memorializing it.
Consider prior generations… every generation that existed from the beginning of human history until at least the mid-19th century, and for practical intent, the 20th century.
They had virtually no ability to leave an imprint, other than written text.
But even if Cicero could write about the art of statesmanship, and pass it on through his writings, Homer never wrote a word, yet through oral transmission we all know of the Iliad and the Odyssey.
But at an even deeper level, the people who, throughout history, have left the greatest imprint, are folks who made no intentional effort to do so. They were busy living life, and seizing the opportunities of the moment.
I think there is a strongly self-centered pre-occupation with our own individual importance that may have evolved in part from the very fact that there has never been such an advanced technology that permits us to make so much of ourselves, and for so many people.
Vaulted pride, perhaps. Self-indulgence, I would make that argument.
Strangely, St. Therese of Lisieux, who died at the age of 24 just before the advent of the 20th century, has had about as much impact on the world as anyone in the 20th century or beyond. She wrote one tiny little book (“The Story of a Soul”), under orders from her superior. She barely ever ventured outside the meager confines of her cloistered sanctuary, lived her entire life in poverty and service to others, and asked leave to not write her memoirs (Story of a Soul), that she not be self-indulgent. The book was nothing fantastic, her life was virtually lived in hiding, she never even considered memorializing her experiences or leaving an imprint for future generations, yet she has been the most revered of all saints by millions and millions of people throughout the world ever since she was laid to rest.
So, I’m not sure how hard we should be at task for memorializing our lives. More important we live them… in my humble opinion.
(dofollow)
David Merrill 101 recently posted..When To Call For Tech Assistance
Wow, looks like all that time recuperating sparked some pretty deep thoughts
Tell you what David, let’s just chalk this one up to differing opinions. While I enthusiastically endorse living life to the fullest – I think this world would be a very sad place indeed if we turned our backs on creating memorable moments to share with others in the world – or with future generations for that matter. Since I happen to live in a place where cultural tradition is very much a part of everyday life – I could also ask what would we know of ancient indigenous cultures had they not memorialized their lives through story and art? Granted, it could be argued that’s a more serious example than memories in a jar – or is it? And if it is, where do we draw the line? If it brings joy, sparks inspiration, then doesn’t that contribute value to our lives? Just saying …
That is awesome, he’s very creative. I know an artist I am going to send this to, she will love it.
Thanks for the link to the video.
-Ben
(dofollow)
Ben recently posted..I’m so addicted to being addicted
Hi Marquita,
I’m an avid memory book maker so I was drawn to the Title “Capturing Memories in a Jar.” You can say I’ve memorialized my daughters’ lives from birth to the present. I used memory books instead of jars. I had to check this out. Gabriel takes memory making to a whole new level. I think it is fascinating, especially the interaction. I’m curious how he did it. Isn’t it amazing how innovative people are? I never imagined a video artist who encases “miniature people” in ordinary objects. There is always a new way to express art. This is one way technology supports are. It will be interesting to see what future artists create! Thanks for sharing.
Raena Lynn
(dofollow)
Raena Lynn recently posted..The Prosperity Game Journal
Wow, memory jars. I’m so glad you’ve shared this with us. This is an idea that I will be taking and sharing with my children so we can look at creating our own jars
.
This video is really fascinating. Such wonderful works of art.
(dofollow)
Sarah Park recently posted..How to Become a Paramedic
Hey Marquita,
Could this be a transformation of how artwork is evolving? I think it’s an interesting spin on it and like how his friends interact with you as you get closer and the blender idea is pretty cool too. I do abstract painting from time to time mostly just for artwork in my house. It’s great for me because I just like mixing the colors and it’s very relaxing. This almost makes me want to play with some video editing and do some of my own crazy but unique ideas
Garen recently posted..Guest Posting Service – Open Now!
Glad you liked it Garen! I must admit it sparked some ideas for me as well. I’m an artist myself, but I’ve been so involved with writing the past year I’ve done very little. Maybe it’s time to switch gears for awhile. Thanks for taking the time to contribute
Hi Marty,
Gabriel’s installation art work is so cool! I’ve never seen anything like this. Capturing memories in a jar of his friends is truly unique. The housewife in the blender is too much. I do enjoy watching the different Ted Talk videos and I always learn something fascinating when I do. Thanks for sharing this!
(dofollow)
Shelley Alexander recently posted..Healing Foods That Help Prevent and Fight Cancer
Hi Shelley, I’m so happy you enjoyed the video as much as I did. It was a total accident I stumbled on that and after watching it a couple of times I just had to share
I love seeing creativity like this. I like to use things like this to inspire creativity in my own work. The interactive video sculptures are great. Interacting with art seems like a really cool way to get people more engaged. Thanks for sharing the video.
Eric West recently posted..The Basis of Friendship as Described by Aristotle by Eric West
Glad you enjoyed it Eric! I just love seeing how creative people can be