Launching Dream Logics

Each episode of Dream Logics will focus on an artist, group or craftsperson, centered around Portland, OR. I’m curious about the ways we stay connected to the creative impulse in work and life, how we build the boat of existence while in the midst of sailing. I plan to explore a wide range of activity and hold broad definitions of both art and craft, producing intimate portraits of creative process and moments in time.

Episode 1 looks at the innovative, interactive podcast Line Time. Conceived as a warm-up ritual for artists, this semi-improvised audio journey combines gently spoken prompts with synthesizer music played in real time. With the art materials of your choice, you can listen, respond and get “in the zone” while creating a drawing. I visited a recording session and, inspired by the free-flowing music and calm voice, zoomed into colorful art supplies, appreciating the textures of paper, ink, and pencil - the movement of hands and focused faces. Afterwards, I talked with the co-creators to learn about the origins and intentions of the project.

I’ve long enjoyed studio visits and glimpses into the creative lives of artists via Art21 or Abstract: The Art of Design, and documentary portraits of artists such as How to Draw a Bunny - not to mention the many process videos that now proliferate online. Observing the spaces of production and gaining access to these individual imaginative worlds is just so satisfying. I appreciate a documentary approach that removes the interviewer, letting the subject tell their own story.

Future episodes will engage with musicians, choreographers, performers and instrument makers. In the long term, I hope to add painters, builders, ceramicists, gardeners and designers to that list.