My nephew rocks
Well I was going to post a really awesome review of my nephews band opening for Ace, but I will do that later.... because I just got a paper that my nephew Jake wrote for his English class forwarded to me and I wanted to share it here. :)
Jake Floyd
Mrs. Dues
English III
8 May 2008
Art and the Soul
People say that art comes from the soul. People say that art is the creation of beautiful or significant things. People say that art does not have to be seen to be appreciated. But can art be created if the artist can’t see? The most influential person in my life is my aunt, Heather.
Throughout my entire life, Heather has guided me to what is “cool” and “un-cool”. She has done all the normal aunt things like birthday cards and advice. But what connects Heather and I is something more than just blood. Our love for art has led us to long talks discussing not just paintings and sculptures, but music and views on life. Her artwork has inspired me to create my own art through music. Through those deep discussions, we have bonded in such a way that is has affected my music. Those talks about artists like Picasso and Warhol have in some way affected my music.
While discussing my musical career in 2003, I was informed that my aunt had been diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome. Usher’s Syndrome contains as symptom known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. Retinitis Pigmentosa is defined as a progressive degeneration of the retina in which, over time, the field of vision narrows creating what’s known as “tunnel vision”. There is no known cure for Usher’s Syndrome.
What affected me the most throughout that entire ordeal was her calmness and willingness to let people know that “being blind isn’t that bad”. Through Usher’s Syndrome, we managed to maintain that connection and, perhaps, even strengthen it. That connection was strengthened as her art career as well as my music career progressed excessively. Heather has been to nearly every performance of mine, including an acoustic set done on the opening day of her art gallery.
She has taught and changed me so much. I do not know where I would be without the guidance of my aunt, Heather. We still have those long talks about Picasso and Warhol. The only thing that her diagnosis changed in our relationship was a strength and deeper appreciation for what it is we do. People say that art does not have to be seen to be appreciated. People say that art is the creation of something beautiful. People say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I say that beauty doesn’t lie in the eyes, it lies in the heart…
Jake Floyd
Mrs. Dues
English III
8 May 2008
Art and the Soul
People say that art comes from the soul. People say that art is the creation of beautiful or significant things. People say that art does not have to be seen to be appreciated. But can art be created if the artist can’t see? The most influential person in my life is my aunt, Heather.
Throughout my entire life, Heather has guided me to what is “cool” and “un-cool”. She has done all the normal aunt things like birthday cards and advice. But what connects Heather and I is something more than just blood. Our love for art has led us to long talks discussing not just paintings and sculptures, but music and views on life. Her artwork has inspired me to create my own art through music. Through those deep discussions, we have bonded in such a way that is has affected my music. Those talks about artists like Picasso and Warhol have in some way affected my music.
While discussing my musical career in 2003, I was informed that my aunt had been diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome. Usher’s Syndrome contains as symptom known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. Retinitis Pigmentosa is defined as a progressive degeneration of the retina in which, over time, the field of vision narrows creating what’s known as “tunnel vision”. There is no known cure for Usher’s Syndrome.
What affected me the most throughout that entire ordeal was her calmness and willingness to let people know that “being blind isn’t that bad”. Through Usher’s Syndrome, we managed to maintain that connection and, perhaps, even strengthen it. That connection was strengthened as her art career as well as my music career progressed excessively. Heather has been to nearly every performance of mine, including an acoustic set done on the opening day of her art gallery.
She has taught and changed me so much. I do not know where I would be without the guidance of my aunt, Heather. We still have those long talks about Picasso and Warhol. The only thing that her diagnosis changed in our relationship was a strength and deeper appreciation for what it is we do. People say that art does not have to be seen to be appreciated. People say that art is the creation of something beautiful. People say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I say that beauty doesn’t lie in the eyes, it lies in the heart…