 |
The circus has evolved constantly since it started in 1768.
It's impossible to be specific when defining the circus. It has morphed to suit the sensibilities and the possibilities of each age, not to mention cultural influences and the inspirations of individuals. But there is at heart a spirit that all circuses share.
|
 |
|
Everything I saw in the ring blended into something triumphant, where skill and strength
confidentially celebrated their victory over mortal danger.
—Maxim Gorky
|
| |
Gorky got close, but danger isn't necessary in my mind, although it certainly adds intensity.
|
| |
 I think the key word is triumph. It isn't a competition, it's triumphing over one's own limitations.
Skill, strength, confidence, yes, those are what it takes, along with patience and dedication.
 It's also about family, not necessarily blood family but working together with a group of diverse people toward a common end.
 And it's certainly about audience. The shared awe of the watchers completes the experience.
|
|
|
 It's about tradition.
 It's about innovation.
 Finally, it's about moving out, travelling, being here and then not.
|
|
 |
Be the circus you want to see.
|
If you don't want to be a gawker, you've gotta join the circus.
―Patrick Califa
|
|
If you ask me, there are many ways to join the circus. |
|
|
My daughter gets tattoos, takes photographs of lovely ladies, and travels. She lives in an airstream in Brooklyn.
|
 |
| My nephews are musicians, performers. One has washed windows in Los Vegas at dizzying heights. Another has "matched" with a Hmong lady and they've "hatched" an international family.
 My brother writes songs, sings in a choir, and has dared the devil on his bicycle.
My sister is learning Tai Chi, takes me traveling, and has experienced the patience it takes to become a juggler.
 My sister-in-law flew on a trapeze.
|
My nieces are all growing into new, challenging life experiences. |
My great niece draws amazing elephants.
Her brother is learning to dance.
Her cousins are forming a band. |
 |
 |
I have friends who collect elephant objects d'art, and donate to elephant causes. He's an actor, she makes jewelry. Many of my friends are artists: two played in a symphony, one has exhibited sculptures all over everywhere, one makes movies,  others make things like sweaters or ornaments full of sequins.
I have a world traveler friend who tumbled off an alp, and one who just flew to Australia and has worked closely with women in Africa.
 Many of my friends work with museums or zoos, eschewing humbug but making interpretive signs that draw people in and increase their appreciation. |
|
 Me?
I do that kind of work with museums and zoos, and I make art that even sometimes looks a bit like the illustrations in circus posters.
 But I also maintain that the gawker is part of the circus. The day I stood in the hot sun until I fried my skin just to see the acrobats swing around over the cheesecake... well, if no one had watched it wouldn't have been a circus.
There have been times I've triumphed and times I've failed to beat my limitations. The triumphant times, the times I've worked together with a team, that I've reveled in being on the road or honored a tradition or put a new twist on something, those are my circus moments.
I'll wager you have many circus moments, too.
|
| |
Damn everything but the circus!
―e. e. cummings |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
 |
Have a merry Christmas or other holiday of your choice,
and a most joyful new year!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
