Reading Response 2

For my second reading response, I have chosen to write on the article “Sound, Art, Music?” by Aaron Ximm. I chose this article because I found it to be an interesting critique on an artist’s own abilities and ideas. To me, the most important aspect of creating any art is the ability to self-reflect while tweaking your craft. More specifically, I chose this article because I enjoyed rather thoroughly the comments the author made about the ideas of recorded and organized sound being music or otherwise.

In his article, Ximm discusses many things including who he is as an artist, what he does as an artist, and how he interprets the direction of his art, as well as the direction of sound art generally. Ximm points out that most commonly the work he does which receives an abundance of response is along the lines of musical. Though, he had previously stated that what he does is collect sounds from the world and present them (sometimes unedited, and sometimes manipulated), he openly admits that many of those are his own favorites as well.

Ximm’s section about the direction of his own art. He discusses the clichés of artistry in regards to instinct and vision. He seems to be saying that if one commits only to their own vision one loses many of the dialogue within the art itself they can have. This dialogue causes a growth of knowledge and education. Only through expanding the narrow realm of the artist’s own personal vision can true enlightenment through art take place.

In regards to my own artistry (sound art or otherwise) I find many of Ximm’s comments useful and intriguing. As much as I enjoy a good old fashioned soul search, I realize now the importance of looking outside of oneself for not only inspiration, but opportunity as well. I do not know what the future holds for me and sound art (musical and non) but I am aware that in any form of art these principals will stay true.