On one side of the infinite spectrum, imagination represents the Origin of it all. On the other side, it signifies the power to look into the future, which some gifted humans do have. In the case of the later, I am referring to the grand future in the concept and design of which human existence represent only a minuscule spec. Yet, by the power of our imagination and determination, we can now alter some of it. From our very origin humanity has been striving to unravel and unveil the grand design, the very scheme by which this vast Universe, and all within it, works, and the ingenuity by which it all begun, as well as where it is all evolving to. In this pursuit, as history has shown, we have wasted a lot of time seeing ourselves as unique, the center of it all, the ones around whom everything revolves. But now, that we have come to our senses, at least some of us, we have realized how insignificant we are in the vastness extending out there, and that our perception of reality might represent only one of numerous and parallel layers of realities shaping what is out there, and directly all around us. Humanity has posed for itself this vital assignment: to seek and discover the truth governing this complex puzzle, to cut through this Gordian knot. It is the power of imagination that will act as the very sward enabling us in distillation of the truth.

I have been fortunate to shape academic programs dedicated to exploration of imagination and ideas, these igniting powerful, meaningful and often deep personal stories expressing the inner soul, or inspiring unique original concept designs that probe not just what is but what could be. In all such I strive to shape a system that will challenge the students to take risks, to probe, to test, to experiment, to find themselves, to discover what make them unique, who they truly are deep inside, not on the outside. I challenge them to expose themselves, not physically but spiritually. I call upon them to “take the condom off their head”, have an unsafe idea, for life is too short and precious for following in someone else’s steps, make your own path through an untapped space.

In my previous reflections I wrote, as poetically and passionately as I could, of the almost infinite powers of imagination. When I speak on such a topic in the various presentations, master classes or creative workshops, the key question that arises is this: “But how do you awake imagination or how do you open your mind to the “gravity free and reality independent” thinking and ideation or storytelling that is liberated of all that we have grown to be gravitated by, or entrapped within?

However, while some of us find, consciously or subconsciously, a path or an ability to preserve vibrancy of their imagination, most do not. In the case of the prior, it may have to do with their “make up”, upbringing, parents or a passionate desire to explore, to challenge the status quo, to break the rules, to question all and everything. Or maybe it has to do with an inner curiosity that does not let us accept what we are told by the elder, or our teachers, or the society at large? To us the “system” is the symbol of oppression, the foe to resist in almost any cause. To us, not understanding something is a challenge that motivates and inspires, it ignites our imagination, makes us restless until, if fortunate, we arrive at an answer, a climax, whether right or not.

To ignite, liberate and empower imagination to its fullest and most potent we need to open our minds to, and embrace, "gravity free and reality independent” thinking. Only then imagination transforms into a limitless, infinite state of a creative mind within which everything is attainable and nothing is unthinkable. Within it creativity roams free, unbounded by time, space, reality, logic, rules, dimension, mental or physical gravity or laws. In this inspiring state of mind imagination acts as a fuel for creativity, ideas, ground breaking innovative concepts or visions of what could be, but only if we dare. 

These days, when technology plays such a significant role in all aspects of our lives, and in much of what we do, there is a strong relationship between “IT” and our imagination: when they are not in balance, technology itself can overshadow imagination and seemingly become the ultimate answer to all. But when they are, technology empowers us, acting as our “magic wand”.

As a crusader for creative self-expression, empowerment and ideation inspired by imagination, I deem it to be the ideal medium for cross-cultural, cross-ideological communication propagating mutual respect, appreciation and understanding. It is a potent, sincere, emotional and, most importantly, physically non-violent platform for an evocative, enlightening and empowering dialogue. For an individual, it seeds, cultivates and shapes an artistic and creative voice for self-discovery, self-identity and self-expression. For humanity at large, as an antidote to aggressions, it can cultivate peaceful coexistence, at least amongst those who deem themselves open-minded.

Whatever the medium, creative expression represents a powerful, poetic, emotional and visual language understandable and felt by all. When fueled by a sincere and deeply felt personal expression such a language can turn into a potent herald of ideals, feelings, aspirations and hopes we all have. Each of us has a message—potent, deeply felt and meaningful ideas—and a great need to share them with others, to make a difference during own, much to brief a lifetime.

 

 

For some time now I have been promising myself a return to organic art. In my case this means line drawing. I love how line fluctuates, swings, cuts, curls, twists, envelopes, stubs, caresses, how it becomes a natural extension of an artist, how its creator can funnel into it the inner thoughts, passions, desires, frustrations or dreams. How such a simple entity can act a echo of the complex one who brings it to being. What a harmonious synergy and mutual dependency, one might say, till death us apart? It is amazing how it carries and projects such an amazing range of emotions, while maintaining its black and white purity and simplicity, even certain integrity, how it can challenge and drive its creator crazy. And so, I loved it back when it and I had such an emotionally fulfilling bond, and hence have been missing it ever since. Now, years later, my desire to rediscover and explore it once again has grown in intense, became eager to be unleashed.

Over the years, I kept on delaying and postponing. But in Japan, maybe due to the quality of calm and stability, of which I had spoken in all the previous reflections, even if for a limited period of time, I found it and regained it. Did I enjoy it? To the fullest! I felt motivated, vibrant and “spirited away” once again. It was amazing to see that the skill, the passion, desire to will a line, to unleash it to life, is not eternally gone. It is reliant on one’s state of mind, and time to reflect.

 

Over the last years I have observed our country, one that stands as the beaker of success, one to which most of the world looks up to, aspires to or wants to alike, change. Political correctness, fear of being painted as insensitive, a chauvinist, a racist, or being too this or too that, or “I’ll sue you”, in my personal view, is killing our free spirit, our sincere openness, ability to dialogue or differ with others on a deeper emotional level. As one who has, not so long ago, personally experienced a good old-Midwestern inquisition, I have strong feelings and beliefs on this topic.

Back to the last blog. It triggered a discussion on whether some restrain, a “black mask”, is called for. I felt that the images left untouched made a mighty statement against their authors, or artists who, in my view, misuse their talents for immoral, even sick, degenerate objectives. Furthermore, I felt that the presence of a “black cover up” actually attracts more attention and causes imagination to spin wild in all the wrong directions. But maybe that’s just me? I would welcome hearing back from those who read the blog. Do comment and share your opinion. Am I wrong?

And before I progress to the topic this blog is dedicated to, I wish to thank the reader who was kind enough to send me an email of appreciation for the series. I would welcome more thoughtful feedback. While praise is always cheered, criticism is helpful as well. Being new to this domain I have much to learn. So feel free to love me, thank me, applaud me, correct or challenge me, even tear me apart, as long as it is done in a civil and intelligent manner. Else a black mask!

I anticipate this may be the last blog in the series dedicated to Japan? In it I wish to pay homage to the complex delicacy, beauty, sensuality and unique simplicity, purity and sophistication of Japanese art, design, craftsmanship, old architecture of ancient temples, shrines, dragons as well as other real or imaginary creatures.

    

"Are you insane?” "Have you lost your mind?" "Are you not afraid?" "Don't you realize this is the worse time to go there?" This is just a sampling of the polite examples of reactions and comments my plans for a trip to Japan had triggered. And yet, based on my own life’s journey, I understood early on that, sometimes the worse time could be the best, the most raw, sincere, revealing and insightful.

As a father, I have always taught my daughters “you can not live in fear”, oh yes, and also “don’t let boys push you around”. Anyway, fear can be restrictive, even paralyzing. After 9/11 happened, I was asked to fly to Asia. Always eager and to travel and explore, I was thrilled to accept. My daughters panicked. "Please don't go", "what if something happens to you", "we love you". I never doubt their love for me. But how can I live in fear. What kind of an example would I be setting for them if I let it paralyze me by sacrificing my own aspirations in life? After all, we live once, at least in my belief. I do realize there are those who differ with these beliefs. An that is just fine, in fact it is great! How boring our humanity would be if we all thought, believed, acted and reacted in the same manner? Imagine that.