The Sixth Question: The Art the Changed Our Lives
Under the influence of art, and Bruce Springsteen.
Last night I had the privilege of seeing Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band perform at Madison Square Garden. It was my third opportunity to see The Boss, and while he sounded as good as ever and is still releasing new music, something about it made me feel like it might be my last. Bruce is 73 and we’re seeing plenty of his contemporaries, like Elton John, embark on their farewell tours right now. Maybe this isn’t his last one, but it might be the last time I get the chance to enjoy the full E Street experience.
Bruce ended the night not with one of his bops (you’d have been mistaken if you thought “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” was his concert-ender), but alone under a spotlight, with just his guitar and a harmonica, singing “I’ll See You In My Dreams.” It probably wasn’t goodbye, but it sure felt like it.
These final notes made my walk home from MSG a reflective one and, as you’ll see, inspired this week’s question.
What art has had a meaningful impact on your life?
The first job I ever wanted to have as a kid was paleontologist, and it was because of Jurassic Park. As I grew up, I began to realize that this was my dream not (only) because dinosaurs are incredible, but because Michael Crichton and David Koepp (who, incredibly, would later become a client of mine) had crafted such a powerful story with their screenplay. From that point, I was convinced I had to become a screenwriter.
Both jobs were dreamed up under the influence of art. Coming off a night reflecting on the music of one of my favorite performers, I want us to put art in focus, and explore the ways it has shaped our lives.
Your jumping off points:
What kinds of art do you tend to be drawn to?
What kind of emotional responses have you had to art you’ve experienced?
Have you ever created art yourself?
How has an experience with art changed the way you see the world? Helped you solve a problem?
When you are in a rut, what art do you turn to for inspiration, healing, etc.?
How do you define art?
Remember, art is defined by the receiver. Art is not just paintings or music or books. Art is whatever you want it to be.
Drop a Line
It has been a real treat hearing from you these past few weeks with your reflections. Some of you have even been sending them to my inbox, and I thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with me in this fashion. I don’t take that lightly.
If you ever want to share something that one of our questions has brought up for you, just drop me an email or a DM with your story.
And always feel free to hop in the comments below. I’d love to take some of your journaling prompts for future editions!
A Parting…Something
Seeing Bruce live is something special. He’s frequently been referred to or ranked as one of the great all-time live performers. Attend any one of his concerts and you’ll see why. Or, just watch these clips.
In 2016, shortly after the death of Prince, Bruce played a showed at the Barlcays Center in Brooklyn where he covered “Purple Rain.”
But my favorite Bruce song, live or otherwise, will always be “Backstreets.”
For more live Bruce, check out The Live Series Collection on Spotify.
Have a great week fam. See ya Friday!
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