Art As/Is Religion

Art without accomplishment becomes a form of faith, sustained more by the intensity of its common practice than by the pleasure it gives to its adherents in private. That it fills the habit of faith--makes communities, encourages values, creates hierarchies--is perhaps the best thing about it. The strongest argument for religion is not that it is in touch with God but that it is in touch with one another. The best argument for an art that no one can entirely like is that it makes us like one another more.

-Excerpt from "Life Studies" by Adam Gopnik

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Some days I want to stay in doors and read, maybe type some quotes, add a picture or two, and reflect through this blog. Other days I just want to get on my bike and pedal as far as I can, hours later finally making home, exhausted.

Sometimes when I read a really moving essay, learn something new and profound, or just revel in the fact of how lucky we are to be alive--seeing, hearing, and feeling--my eyes will start to well up.

Both instances are acts committed in solitude. The result of both is the ability to appreciate, the desire to mingle and commuinicate, the need to empathize with people.

That balance is hard to find.

-M.C.

Repetition as comfort.

"The human sense of comfort depends on repetitive, familiar actions--our minds and bodies strive to become accustomed to predictable circumstances."

Excerpt from the "Aquarium" by Aleksandar Hemon.

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Like the afternoon shower that comes every day, in Tampa, in the summer time.

But it's also comforting to see it on the fringe...On those days that it allows us some reprieve.

Top photo by Scott Ehlert.

Bottom by M.C.

Occasions in Connecticut.

A distance storm off the coast of New Haven, Connecticut. I sat for 20 minutes taking photo after photo in hopes to capture one bolt of lightning.

Three friends. Drunk. Fully clothed. I watched as their boat capsized.

Danielson, CT. My friend Vic in the forefront. A kid named Chris in the background sending himself off of a lake jump.

Shot with an I-photo application. August 1st and 2nd 2011.

-M.C.

Should I laugh?

Posted on a bathroom door at a local elementary school.

Photo by S. Ehlert.

-M.C.

Goth's Best Bass lines.

I'll have to admit, I'm a sucker for embarrassingly over-dramatic goth rock. I've always loved the creepy vibe, the attention to absurd post-punk leather attire, and wearing sunglasses at night. But put plain and simple, I'm a sucker for driving bass riffs...

Here are six of my top pics that, for me, epitomize what I love about this ridiculous sub-culture. Close your eyes, give em a listen, and enjoy.

-M.C.

The Sisters of Mercy: Marian.

The Cure: The Figurehead.

Christian Death: Church of No Return.

Fields of the Nephilim: Love Under Will.

Dead Can Dance: The Trial.

Souxsie and the Banshees: Arabian Nights.

Eat, sleep, ride, repeat.

"Cycling is an excruciated sport--a rider's power is only as great as his capacity to endure pain--and it is often remarked that the best cyclists experience their physical agonies as a relief from private torments. The bike gives suffering a purpose."

Excerpt from "Climbers" by Philip Gourevitch.

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After reading this, I kind of wonder if this plays into my personal obsession with riding bikes? It's been 21 years--starting out as a relief against boredom. Now, it's an act I have (some will argue "want") to partake in to calm life's general malaise.

Above is a photo by Scott Ehlert of me and some friends' pedaling: a simple act to soothe endless complications.

-MC

A public announcement to hit all demographics.

If you're heading off to war, a convicted felon, a child of overly competitive parents, a fan of Leave it to Beaver's daily affirmations, or one who would rather take the advice of hippies ("just be nice:" posthumous sticker addition), this little league signage on the back of a dug out might suit you.

-MC (Photo taken on a bike ride). July, 2011.