clown show

do you think the hoops'll play?

no, we'd better go with fire

they just eat it up when i swallow

the flame bit

but it's too windy we might

set each other on fire (how's that

for a big finish?) no,

the balls, we'll do the juggling steals

maybe some magic (slight of

hand) hey!

did you bring the accordion?

the guitars will never carry in this wind

and yes it's cold but

we're down to our last dollar and

Quick! here comes some kids

put on the big red shoes

we are on!

-- douglas brent smith

NOTES:

When Peter and I did these types of shows (not sure if this one was sponsored or if we were busking) our hair (yes, we once had hair!) was so long that catching on fire was a legitimate concern. At times, we could smell hair burning.
The hoops that we used were hand-made by Peter and covered in cloth tape. They were not completely round.
If we had more money in our pockets then maybe we could have put fresh strings on our guitars so that they would resonate louder, even in the wind.

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Transporting The Message Keeper

Transporting The Message Keeper -- collage by douglas brent smith

You Can Be Positive

You Can Be Positive - collage by douglas brent smith.

Spotted Off The Coast of Jersey

Spotted Off The Coast of Jersey -- collage by douglas brent smith

Selecting Changes Using the Logical If

Selecting Changes Using the Logical If - collage by douglas brent smith

Examination of the Numbers People

The Examination of the Numbers People -- collage by douglas brent smith

Attention Paid to the Spiritual Side

Attention Paid to the Spiritual Side -- collage by douglas brent smith I think I've used some of these images in other collages. That happens, sometimes. The context changes the meaning and justifies the redundancy. Or, at least I think it does. I gave some thought to coloring this collage and decided against it. Maybe later, with time on my hands, I'll decide to color it. Probably not though because that process takes many hours and there is so much new work to do. This piece is from 1994. I was a completely differently person then and so were you (presuming that you were even alive then!) We're changing every day. What color do you think that floor is? -- dbs --

instant breakfast dreams

scrambled dreams scattered schemes ideas flashed on the mezzanine the balcony's crowded with narrow scenes colorful dreaming liquid sleep poached eggs dreams wet and fried homage to the dreams that died rules that flutter into melted butter dreams design their own red line fried dreams my dreams your dreams ours evening slips and then devours sheets around us lights dimmed black shadowed visions on our backs your dream is my dream is our dream complete.

Levitating a Small Guitar

Levitating a Small Guitar - sketch by douglas brent smith (probably 1991). "Do you think that he could levitate a large guitar, that is to say, a normal sized guitar as well?" "No doubt. It might take some practice, though." "Does it come naturally?" "It comes with practice." "That is more like a ukulele than a guitar." "Nope. It has six strings. Guitar." "Small" "But he could also levitate a large guitar. Maybe one wasn't available." "Well, you've got to start someplace." "Yes." - dbS -

Worldview Built In a Day

Worldview Built In a Day - collage by douglas brent smith, 3 January 1988

Worldview Built In A Day With Fire

Worldview Built In A Day With Fire - collage by douglas brent smith, 3 January 1988 Something about this collage causes me to page quickly past it, yet if I spend more time absorbed in it there is more to see. I pondered cropping it. I cut out dozens of pieces of pictures that could go in with it, but found it hard to obscure the central image. Worldview? Examination? Built in a day? The hints of mixed media with the pen lines were attempts to draw it all together. Did it work?

douglas brent smith

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