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Mark Simos's avatar

This is a subtle and thoughtful piece. I teach songwriting and a similar approach to critique that involves faithfully reporting your listener's experience with the song. The hardest thing in songwriting where the content is often so personal, autobiographical, is hearing your song as a listener will hear it, as if you didn't write it. That's related to but not the same as simple non-judgmentalness. Do you have any techniques specific to visual art to cultivate that sense of jamais vu, of "this is not mine"-ness?

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Mark Simos's avatar

Also wondered whether you teach classes or workshops specifically on asemic writing techniques. That's how I found your work and though I know that's just one tributary of a long career of diverse work your work in that mode is very inspiring. And I like the way you think and write about process.

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Cecil Touchon's avatar

When I was a young aspiring artist I was much more self critical often to the point of not being satisfied with anything I did. That was frustrating and debilitating. That was one reason why I took up collage. Then I was just composing with material that I didn't make and that attracted me. I figured out how to not beat myself up.

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Christine Kerr's avatar

You want some wall paper samples I was going to throw out?

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Cecil Touchon's avatar

sure! and if you come across any old black and white 20th century photos that would be cool too. Good for the Exquisite Family Records.

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Christine Kerr's avatar

I'll see what I can find. I still have your address from Etsy.

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