who we really are is a frustrating secret locked in chambers dark. filled with echoes repeating what we've been told, taught, and sold clicking away - vibrating in a pulse of rainfall that we do not feel. Sopping, sobbing, wet. who we really are eludes us every corner ghostlike, shadow shrouded wispy drawn sketched on page prepared but torn, tearful, and faded dropping away - ringing in tones of tools we can not carry. We touch nothing uninvited, withheld. who we are is right there in front of us. don't you see it? (c) 2017 douglas brent smith
Back Inner Cover of Journal #33, Life In Progress, by Douglas Brent Smith, A collage that's not exactly a typical collage. It's what I often do with the back inner covers of my journals -- simply randomly put stickers, stamps, name tags, and other sticky objects.
As an occasional actor I've been known to buy my own props. Sometimes it's part of my process (of becoming the role) and sometimes it's because the theatre I'm working with has a small budget. This picture (above) is no doubt the result of a stalking retail site (you know who) sorting thru my purchases (and views) and deciding that yes, Doug you need this: this marvelous pair of glasses. I don't. Not at the moment. But I'll keep it in mind if a role requiring that lands in my lap. It reminds me of other funny props that I've worked with: mouse ears, beaver ears, a bell, a wine bottle, real food (beef stew from a can, yum), and that's not even mentioning the many props I've used with children's theater when I toured with Child's Play. What were your most unusual tools of the trade? Did you master them? Did they bring you fully into your role and make you seem more alive? Funny props are more than funny. They facilitate fun. -- doug smith
Inspiration Station -- sketch by Douglas Brent Smith, 1998 What if you drew a picture while you were watching "Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone"? I don't remember if that was what was going on (probably not) but those are two of my favorite shows ever (in all of their iterations) so think of this as inspired by a UHF smoothie turning channel knob.
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