Philosophy & Art

Art Thoughts

2014-03-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

I recently was asked to contribute some tips to the magazine "3D Artist" on sci-fi environments and I thought it might be interesting to post them here just to share some of my thinking when I make my pieces.

"3D Artist" Sci-Fi Tips

Here are the 5 tips I contributeed to the article.

Leave Them Wanting More

In a lot of my work I try to create areas that imply the environment is bigger than what is seen. This could be just showing the bottom of a staircase or a slightly open door with light streaming through. This was a low-poly piece I was asked to do with a very strong contrast in lighting. I wanted to convey a sense of some comfort in the foreground with the bright warm light and create a sense of unease in the background with the red key light and cool ambient light. The sense of unease is heightened by the fact that the source for the red light is out of sight. Not knowing what is around the corner, but yet knowing something is probably there, builds tension in the scene.

Reading Your Shapes

When putting a scene together it helps every now and then to zoom out or squint at what you’re working on to make sure the shapes are readable. Typically it’s best to give the viewer areas of visual rest and not have detail cluttering every part of the scene. When you zoom out you should be able to see the shapes fairly clearly. This concept applies to textures and well as geometry. This is an example of modular tile pieces where I tried to create a good variation of sizes and level of detail in my shapes and create a good balance between the colors and the shapes they create.

Warm Colors Advance - Cool Colors Recede & Faking It

Also, in regards to lighting, warm colors advance and cool colors recede. In this image of an operating room, the blue light on the operating table would be the first thing the eye goes to because it’s the brightest, but immediately the eye is drawn towards the door where the warm light is. So, if you want to draw the eye towards something you might be better off using a warm light. An interesting note is that this principle is used a lot in interior design. If they want a room the feel larger they paint it with a cool color like blue or green. A room can feel more intimate and smaller by painting it a warm color like red or orange.

When lighting a scene, don’t be afraid to put lights in areas without a visible light source. Many would think that this is cheating, but in reality it works well in being able to enhance the composition by leading the eye to specific parts of the scene. Again, returning to the operating room scene, I lightmapped it externally and put inside Unity3d. If you look closely, the lighting doesn’t quite match up to the light sources, but for the sake of composition and where we wanted to lead the player this works well.

Find the Meaning

When making environments, one way to enhance them is to craft a story around it. This is an image I made about a homeless man who lived outside an exclusive community. The only one who was friendly to him was a shopkeeper who gave him some food and allowed him to sleep in front of his store. Even though there are no people in this scene the objects tell the story. The environment itself is the character.

Issue 62 of "3D Artist"

Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at: jasongodbey07@gmail.com.

Reconstruction

2011-04-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

Here's a new image I made for a book one of my former professors wrote on homelessness called "American Refugees". I will post a link to once it is released.

Hope everyone is having a good Spring!

"Reconstruction"

There's No Success Like Failure

2010-10-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I linked to a commencement speech by J.K. Rowling given at Harvard University on the importance of failure and imagination. I recently dug up an article that also references this speech and has some words of wisdom of its own. Even though it talks about failure from the view of a designer in the video game industry, it's applicable to all of life's goals. The article is here.

With this post I would like to include something Michelangelo once said, 'the greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark'. I think we are more capable than we realize in what we can achieve. Often when faced with the fear of failure there is a tendency to play it safe because of the pain that might be associated with it, but instead we shouldn't see failure as something to fear, but rather something that is essential and as a friend that shows the way to success.

-Jason

"New World" - Autumn Image

2010-09-26T21:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Autumn everyone! Here's a new piece I've been working on throughout the summer entitled 'New World'. The story behind the image is that there is this tree that has postcards instead of leaves. There are messages on each one that is intended for someone in the world concerning their destiny. These people have lost a sense of who they are and are directionless, but nature has decided to give guidance in a more direct way with this tree of postcards. I imagined that perhaps there was someone living nearby that tended to this tree and whose job was to deliver the postcards using the cart next to the fence. The idea for the postcard tree came from my good friend Mich.

"New World"

Hope you enjoy! Comments and other thoughts are welcome.

-Jason

Unlocking Truth

2010-03-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring everyone! Here is my latest image I created for an art show I had in San Diego:

Unlocking Truth

The truth within yourself is unlocked not by simply taking or doing something from some self-serving agenda, but the truth of who you are is revealed when you give yourself to others. When that truth within yourself is known, truth within those you give to will also be realized.

I also wrote a poem for this one:

Truth

It can come in a whisper or a mighty ocean's roar
It can come like a thief in the night, or in a package left at your door
It has a way of sneaking up on you unexpected
And will let you know immediately if anything has been neglected
It's not always pleasant, it's not always kind
It can be when it wants to, just depends on how much you're willing to try
To peer inside the looking glass and get real about what you see
It never comes with an easy answer, but there is a guarantee
That if you reach deep down and take a chance this thing will set you free
But there has to be a willingness to unearth
This mystery, this enigma, to understand life's total worth
This word-twister, this mind-bender, is often called Truth
And many today search for it in some kind of fountain of youth
Or call for it long-distance hoping to find it from some roadside phone booth
But the more you try to pin it down the more it gets lost
And no matter how far you seek it there's always another line to be crossed
It lacks a single name
Like a lion that can't be tamed
It refuses to be defined
And can't be bought with your and nickels and dimes
Never confined to a single lone space
And often comes in blinding moments of grace
It's not something that can be owned
But can be experienced, just depends what kind of seeds that are sown
Look for it in reflections
In the eyes of another
And you'll come across glimpses of perfection
And in yourself too, it will be uncovered
But this must be dispensed so that it can stay alive
You can't keep it to yourself, otherwise it spoils and rots, and gets twisted into a lie
That something that gets uncovered is what the world really needs
And sometimes it goes by what we call Truth with a capital T
Often you will hear it speak through the actions of the meek
The reality is the Truth within you is what people really seek

-Jason Godbey

As always your comments are welcome!

Autumn Image - Deliverance

2009-10-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I posted a new image on my website, Deliverance:

Other versions:

Hope you enjoy! Comments and critique are always welcome.

-Jason

Summer image and San Diego Art show in July

2009-06-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hello to anyone and everyone that comes across this post,

A new image, "Rischio", with alternate variations is now up on my website. I'm currently working on another image that will follow the theme of this image and an essay for both will soon follow.

I will also be part of another art show in San Diego on July 14th at Bar Basic. It starts at 7pm and goes until midnight. Come down and check it out if you're in the area!

410 TENTH AVENUE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101

As always, feedback and constructive critique on my artwork is always welcome. :)

-Jason

Art Show

2009-01-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from an art show I was in. It was a circus themed show and I entered my image "Eligo" which I actually sold.

Essay on the symbolism and meaning of Eligo

2009-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

This image symbolizes the choices we make as individuals and the effect it has on who we are. In particular, this has to do with the choices we make which affect our own identity. There are those in society who would shape and mold us in their own way and often this goes against our authentic nature. Often the institutions and structures of society are successful in molding us into something that is against our true individual nature and our identity is lost to us. We become sequestered from our authentic individuality.

Sequestration in this sense signifies a withdrawal into a false reality that is simply given. There are many aspects in society that can distract a person from the things that are essential to that individual’s wholeness and overall well-being. This can be a voluntary withdraw or it can be an involuntary act. In the case of voluntary sequestration, this comes in the various forms of entertainment seen in society such as in television and shopping malls. Being distracted by these things and by excessively engaging in these forms of entertainment an individual can miss out on the opportunities and possibilities that life has to offer. In turn, by being distracted by these forms of sequestration their sense of self is also neglected and the wholeness of the individual is never achieved. Involuntary sequestration comes in the form of restrictions that exist because of structures in society or relationships that can suppress a person’s individuality and creativity. Institutions such as schools that teach people what to think instead of how to think. In certain institutions a person’s individuality is restricted, discouraged, or isn’t even allowed to flourish at all. There may even be relationships where one person restricts or inhibits the growth of another’s character and identity.

The setting for this image is reminiscent of the entrance to a circus or some other entertainment spectacle. We see a ticket booth in the middle, a desolate section to the left, and a bright, inviting area to the right. Looking closer at the area on the left we see posters and objects you might expect to find at a circus. A cage for animals, juggling pins, banner flags, etc. There are trees that have lost all or most of their leaves giving this area an even more run-down and desolate feeling. One might even find the colors in this area to be stark and lifeless. Given what is seen at the entrance one might get an idea that what lies further to the left outside the picture is filled with more lifelessness and cold imagery. Looking at the right side of the image we see that it is strikingly different than the left side. Its look and feel is the polar opposite of the left. The colors are rich, the trees and vegetation are full and lush. It is much more inviting indicating that this area itself represents a form of life while the right side represents a form of death. On the right side the eye is drawn up the stairs and to a red door. This red door can be seen as a symbol of where one might find the life that exists in this area of the image.

The environment of a circus can capture the idea of sequestration. In a circus, people dress up in costumes and wear masks, hiding their identity, and perform stunts and tricks for show. There are two perspectives at a circus. One is the standpoint of the viewer who is just a passive observer of entertainment and those who are the performers who put on a scripted show for the audience. Both of these standpoints can be sequestrative. Those who are passive observers of the spectacle contribute nothing to the show itself. They take in what is given to them directly and have no say or control of what they witness. On the other side, the performers have control and they have the final say of what is shown to the audience. This is liberating in that a performance can be an expression of one’s true nature through creativity, but at a circus the performers must wear costumes, make-up, and masks that, in a more symbolic way, still hide their authentic nature from the viewers. The part that is sequestrative from the performers standpoint is that they must hide behind what it means to be the characters in a circus and conform to their given roles of a clown, lion tamer, ringmaster, etc. Even though there are some degrees of freedom, the true individual nature of the performers is still sequestered by the roles they must hide behind. These roles that are given to the circus performers are similar in that we are given rigid roles by others in society or in some cases we give ourselves roles. By simply accepting roles and conforming to them the true nature our individuality is lost.

Often we gravitate towards forms of sequestration because they constantly surround us and their nature is concrete. There is also an element of instant gratification in forms of voluntary sequestration. In the image the sunlight shines on the desolate area to the left making it stand out more than the area on the right. This indicates the nature of voluntary sequestration which stands out and begs for our attention in our daily lives.

The development of one’s true nature is often tedious, laborious, and very difficult. It is subjective in nature, it is individual, it can even seem elusive, and isn’t easily identified. It’s an ongoing process that has no concrete endpoint. In the image, the area on the right is somewhat hidden, it doesn’t standout as much as the desolate area on the left. This is similar to how the mysterious nature of the authentic self may appear for many in society. This area is in shadow, but is it full of life. There is a fruit tree at the bottom of the stairs and there are more vibrant and living plants in this area. This is symbolic of the rich life that comes with the true wholeness of an individual.

Choosing a lifestyle that is made up of primarily sequestrative elements is an easier path to take because of its concrete nature. However, this not only applies to the external elements, found in the media for example, but also in the roles that inhibit us. The roles that we take on are also concrete in nature. Within roles, there are specific things that are required and expected of us. In modern society there may be more deviation from those specific expectations, but the core element of the roles we are given still dominate our being. As stated earlier, at times we are given roles externally or we give ourselves strict roles to conform to. When we choose to conform to our roles it’s usually because it’s all we know or have known. It is something that is already defined and in a way this can be a comforting element. In contrast, the elusive and unknown nature of the authentic self is territory only the individual can define for himself or herself. Most would choose to remain in their day to day roles because it is something familiar and one might not see value in journeying beyond that. To journey towards one’s true being requires risk, the ability to question, and to honestly look upon one’s own self and see what needs to torn away and what needs to be taken on. This is a task that would be daunting for most because it’s a change in lifestyle that moves people away from what is familiar, it is a journey into something unknown.

The evolution of one’s true individual nature ties in with the goals and aspirations an individual sets up for himself or herself. In many cases, these goals and aspirations do not match those advertised and handed to the individual in a passive manner from outside sources such as in the media, but come from within. They are created and imagined and are often quite different than any ideal that might be advertised to the individual. The authentic nature of an individual lies in the ability to express one’s unique ideas to the fullest. These ideas are not as concrete because it is dependant on the individual to define and create one’s own goals for an ideal life. Expression of these ideas might be something as small as an idea to help promote a better and more efficient workflow on a project or as big as a goal that has a significant impact on one’s life.

The reason for choosing a lifestyle of authenticity over one that is sequestrative lies in how clearly one sees the depth and richness each lifestyle holds. A lifestyle that deals mainly in forms of sequestration can be satisfying and quite enjoyable, but the opportunities and possibilities are much shallower than what can be found in a lifestyle where one truly knows oneself and has the audacity to boldly pursue the goals one would set for oneself. In a sequestrative lifestyle one is essentially limited to what is already present, but an authentic lifestyle is rich with infinite possibilities and opportunities that spring from the creative source of the individual.

The actualization of ideas that come from the authentic nature of the individual is the highest form of expression one can achieve. Expressing an ideal that exclusively comes from outside one’s authentic nature, outside of one’s imagination and creativity, like taking part in an extravagant get-away that is advertised to the individual is less of an expression of one’s own nature, but rather an expression of those who have handed that idea to an individual. A pure expression of one’s authentic nature is a result of deliberate effort and concrete reason behind one’s action.

Those who have ideas and spend days coming up with ideas that can better their own lives and the lives of others are often called idealists or even dreamers. Those with a pessimistic view might dismiss these people and label them as idle dreamers who do nothing but speak of how great things might be. These people might say that it is better to be a practical achiever, one who is grounded in the reality of the way things are and strives to accomplish only what can truly be accomplished. Their viewpoint of idealists is true only to a degree. An idealist is only an idle dreamer when one doesn’t have foresight or put forth the energy to make those ideas a reality.

There is a downside in being too much on one side of this spectrum. A practical achiever who ignores idealists and dismisses them overlooks the opportunities and possibilities of a better life for themselves and for the world simply because of the pessimistic view that their ideas can never be achieved to the fullest. The idealist who spends all day coming up with ideas, but never takes the time or put forth the effort to translate them into reality never achieves anything great for themselves or for the world. The key is balancing the two personalities into one. Creating ideals and finding ways to achieve them, expressing one’s authentic nature, is not only the highest form of expression one can hope to achieve, but is also the liberating path an individual takes in achieving wholeness.

-Jason Godbey

eligo – from the Latin [to pick out, select, choose].

“The solution is to gradually become free of societal rewards and learn how to substitute for the rewards that are under one's own powers. This is not to say that we should abandon every goal endorsed by society; rather, it means that, in addition to or instead of the goals others use to bribe us with, we develop a set of our own.“

-Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, 1990

David Foster Wallace

2008-09-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

After reading my essay on the image "Invisible" my philosophy professor sent me a commencement speech David Foster Wallace gave at Kenyon College in 2005. (He also died just recently). It follows the same line of thought in my essay, but offers a slightly different perspective as well. I highly recommend it. You can read it here.

The Meaning and Symbolism of "Invisible" or The Value of Trust and Optimism

2008-09-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

This essay analyzes the meaning and symbolism of the image “Invisible”. The scene appears to be in a neighborhood just outside of a gated complex. We see a general store in the foreground with various goods for sale. We also see, opposite from the store, a makeshift bed with a food tray, a flower cart, and a sign with the word ‘invisible’ next to it. These things, along with the unorganized appearance of this area, can indicate that this might be a resting place for a homeless person.

Starting back at the store we see things that would draw a person in. There are signs welcoming visitors and the colors are vivid and warm also inviting the viewer’s eye to this area. The area behind the gates is also warm and inviting, but the gates are closed. People on the outside are restricted from entering this inviting place, it is only reserved for those behind the gates.

Looking closer we notice a very stark contrast between the warm, inviting, clean feel of the area behind the gates and the area in the foreground, especially around the makeshift bed. This is a contrast between the living conditions of those inside and outside of the gates.

As mentioned in previous essays, the concept of sequestration is when a person is closed off from a reality. This can be a voluntary process, in the case of the various forms of entertainment such as television and shopping malls. It can also be an involuntary process and in this case sequestration comes from an external source such as institutions that restrict a person’s individuality and creativity. In both cases, sequestration is when an individual is closed off from the essential in life and is instead confined to mundane distractions or is forced into an existence or way of thinking that goes against their true nature.

This image deals with a form of voluntary sequestration that stems from an attitude a person chooses to subscribe to consciously. Yet, at the same time this consciously chosen attitude can be a result of structures in society that most would be unaware of, thus also making this form of sequestration somewhat involuntary.

Looking around in contemporary society it’s easy to find a stark contrast between the neighborhoods people live in. At times, it even seems to be Marxian, where there are neighborhoods only reserved for the haves and the other neighborhoods are for the have-nots. Gated communities are examples of where the haves reside and the neighborhoods outside of those gates are reserved for the have-nots. In reality, it isn’t this black and white. It is a reality, however, that these structures separate us from others in society and through it there is a greater chance of becoming ignorant of the plight and situation of others. Ignorance can lead to a fearful and irrational way of thinking.

The plight of this ‘invisible’ man in the scene can often be misunderstood by most in society. Usually, most see the homeless as lazy and unwilling to work or find work. Their plight is of their own doing or some kind of negligence on their part. This way of thinking can lead to an exclusive belief that they deserve the situation they are in and in turn they are seen as less-than and are considered outcasts. Another way of putting it is that they made their bed and now must sleep in it. However, this is just an ignorant generalization of all those who live on the streets.

Certainly, there are those whose plight is of their own doing and there may be those don’t want to work, but there are others whose plight is a result of external circumstances beyond their control. These people might have been some of the hardest working people and now want to find work, but they were driven into their plight and are still currently in their situation through external circumstances.

This also goes beyond the homeless and their situation. This misunderstanding of an individual and their situation that stems from ignorance and irrational generalizations extends to everyone in every group in society. In psychology there is a term known as the fundamental attribution error. This is when we attribute an individual’s action based on their character, part of who they are, when in reality their behavior might be influenced by social or environmental circumstances beyond their control. Studies have show that the fundamental attribution error is made more often in cultures that focus more on the individual, individualistic societies, rather than those that focus on the group, collectivist societies.

These generalizations and irrational thoughts lead to a form of sequestration. When taking an exclusive attitude that others are less-than we close ourselves off to them because we deem them as unworthy of our attention or even acknowledgment. We want nothing to do with those who are not like us and they become invisible to us.

Another negative effect of these generalizations and unfounded thoughts is that it can lead a person to subscribe to an irrational distrusting attitude. This irrational distrusting attitude is another form of sequestration. Usually, a person that takes on this attitude closes oneself off from others out of fear. This can be attached to a fear of exploitation or simply a fear of being rejected, or harmed in some way, by those who trust is given to. In the case of exploitation, one might be hesitant to give their trust to someone they don’t know out of an unfounded fear that by giving their trust, they will be taken advantage of. This attitude can consume a person to the degree that they are hesitant to giving their trust to anyone at all based on irrational and unfounded thoughts. At a young age we are often taught to be distrusting of strangers, but this way of thinking can be carried into the life of a mature human being who is capable of distinguishing between reasonable, legitimate requests and opportunities and those that are questionable and might lead to a form of exploitation itself. Studies have shown that those who have a distrusting attitude of others are just as likely to be conned as those who have a trusting attitude. Those with a trusting attitude are still just as likely to pick up on when someone is trying the exploit them. This trust, of course, is not a naïve one that doesn’t question or weigh the legitimacy and consequences of a request or opportunity. This trust is also about giving someone the benefit of the doubt and trusting them until the other person has proven that they cannot be trusted. This can be seen as the highest form of trust, it is optimistic.

Some might question the need or benefit for taking this standpoint. A person that chooses not to take this standpoint is certainly within their right to do so, but as a consequence they miss out on opportunities and a more enriched life that can follow. The pessimistic attitude of constant distrust sequesters oneself from experiencing fulfilling and lasting relationships with other people.

Hesitation in giving trust to another person can also come from a fear of rejection or harm in some way. It is true that when opening up oneself to another person there is risk involved. However, in order to live life fully and experience everything it has to offer, taking risk is a necessity. Otherwise a person’s life would be confined to a mundane and lifeless routine. If you do what you’ve always done, then you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.

When there is a negative consequence after trust is given one can become even more hesitant in giving their trust again. However, it would be a mistake to use one instance of negative consequence to generalize all other possible consequences of trusting others. Again, this is a pessimistic view that sequesters oneself from the opportunities of a more enriched life. The pessimist would conclude that the risk of trusting is too great because of the suffering or loss that they might have to endure. Often in contemporary society we are taught that suffering is a bad thing and should be avoided at all costs. To avoid suffering at all costs would be to avoid living at all costs. Suffering is just as much a part of life as pleasure. Certainly, pain and suffering are not desirable, but it is through suffering that we grow as individuals. Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces a strong will and hope. And it is in this strength and hope that we are able to live more fully and completely.

The optimist sees that the abundant rewards of opening oneself to others brings about an experience of an enriched and fulfilling life that far outweighs any risk, pain, and suffering one might have to endure. The optimist looks for the good in every person and the best in every situation and it is through this attitude that an individual is free.

Going back to the image one notices that the standpoint of the viewer is not within the walls or behind the gates of the exclusive community, but is right in the middle of where things are taking place. There is a very open feel to the store. Goods are laid out all along the sidewalk and there are welcome signs in the shop window. This points to the inviting and open attitude of a person who is not fearful or overly cautious about opening their lives to others and even going so far as to share what they have.

The pessimist is sequestered by choosing to close themselves off from the opportunities that come from opening up to others. Whether it be because of the risk and work involved or because of the suffering and pain that one had to endure in the past, they become a prisoner to fear. In this fear one cannot truly live a full and enriched life and be able to experience all life has to offer. It is through this fear that one is likely to gather together a list of regrets and dream about how things might have been. It is the optimist that is not bound by fear, but embraces life with a fiery passion and lives without regret because it is from this standpoint that life is lived completely and to the fullest.

-Jason Godbey

Exodus

2008-08-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Another essay that's part of the Sequestration Series. This one was written to stand alone from the others in the series, so that's why there aren't any references to the other images.

Meaning and Symbolism of Exodus

This image is part of a series dealing with the concept of sequestration that can be found in contemporary society. Exodus symbolizes an escape from these forms of sequestration. Sequestration in this sense signifies a withdrawal into a false reality that is simply given. There are many aspects in contemporary society that can distract a person from the things that are essential to that individual’s character and wholeness. This can be a voluntary withdraw or it can be involuntary as a result of situations and circumstance beyond the individual’s control. In the case of voluntary sequestration, this comes in the various forms of entertainment advertised to the public such as in television and shopping malls. Through engaging excessively in forms of voluntary sequestration an individual can easily lose sight as to what is important and essential to the individual and thus fail to engage and experience life to the fullest. As a result their sense of self is also neglected. Involuntary sequestration can be the result of oppression and can manifest a fear of exploitation. It can also come about as a result of structures in society and certain institutions that focus on strict rules that can teach away a person’s authentic self and creativity. These institutions usually focus on teaching people what to think instead of teaching individuals how to think for themselves. It can even come in the form of certain situations people are driven into, through their own doing or external circumstances.

Looking at the image we see a building that looks very run down. The tombstones, dead grass, and the objects strewn about the courtyard give a sense of disorder. This disorder and signs of death symbolize the restricted and lifeless existence that exists within sequestration. The building and courtyard surrounding it represent sequestration itself while the area beyond the building and courtyard seem to represent something more redeeming, a life outside sequestration. There are bars and boards nailed across the windows and doors and towards the top of the building we see an open window and ladder leading down into the courtyard. Because the boards are nailed from the outside rather than the inside this indicates that the type of sequestration symbolized here is most likely involuntary. The ladder and open window both represent the exodus from sequestration while the red bicycle near the exit represents a vehicle or catalyst of freedom. The area beyond the courtyard and building has very rich colors. The blue sky, green trees and plants represent the experience of freedom outside of sequestration. There are two signs near the exit, one near the ground with the word “Eden” written on it and one above the exit with the word “Caeli”, which is translated as “heaven” in Latin. This goes further to indicate what this reality from sequestration is like. It is a paradise, symbolized as “Eden” or the Garden of Eden, or heaven.

A life outside of sequestration, whether voluntary or involuntary, an individual is free from any outside influence and is able to define who they truly are and achieve wholeness. Within this reality an individual knows themselves through and through. This individual is never content with where he or she is because this individual knows there is always more to see, achieve, and know and thus reaches even further towards, and beyond, the highest standards. The path outside of sequestration is one that is often less traveled because it is a difficult and laborious path, but the possibilities and opportunities that follow are infinite and its rewards are boundless.

-Jason Godbey

The Value of Failure and Imagination

2008-06-28T18:55:00.001-07:00

J.K. Rowling gave a very thought provoking commencement address to Harvard graduates earlier this month on the value of failure and imagination . It's entitled "The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination".

You can read it here.

An mp3 of the speech can be downloaded here.

-Jason

Do It To A Finish

2008-06-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Something worth checking out: an inspiring and motivating chapter in Orison Swett Marden's book "Pushing to the Front" called "Do it to a Finish".

You can read it here.

It goes from pages 183 to 195. Even if you may not need a bit of inspiration and motivation at the moment it's still worth reading.

Jason

Rebirth

2008-02-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Rebirth Essay

This essay analyzes the symbolism and meaning of the image “Rebirth”. The overall concept of this image deals with the idea of death of one’s self, of way of being, which leads to a renewed sense of self, or rebirth.

There are many objects in the room that have symbolic meaning. Starting from the right side of the image there are some objects in front of a mural. The mural is part of a painting by Pieter Brueghel the Elder call “Triumph of Death”. This can indicate a theme of death that is represented in some way in this area of the image. Looking at the objects in this area the viewer notices cages, a dead plant, and objects that are representative of institutions, such as schools (the podium, chalkboards, and books). These objects also reference another image, “The Cage”, which symbolizes the restricting, lifeless effects that strict institutions, and forms of sequestration can have on a person. Blindly accepting goals given from outside without question and without searching one’s soul to set goals according to the authentic self of the individual can squelch a person’s individuality and creative potential, thus making them dead to the world.

Moving to the left in the image, there are some steps, plants, a ladder, paint buckets, a mirror, and another mural that has a corner that is unfinished. This area of the image seems to contrast the right side of the image, perhaps indicating this side of the image represents life itself. The mural is part of a painting by Jan Brueghel, Pieter’s son, called “Paradise” which can point to a paradise that might be found in this area of the room. The paint buckets and painter’s case on the stool are tools of creation. Being creative can be part of self-expression, which points to the individuality of a person that is projected through the creative process. In this process of complete and honest expression, a person no longer deals with the strict, rigid, structures associated with restrictive institutions or forms of sequestration where the authentic self is neglected. The mirror in the image represents the constant growth of a person’s individuality that is refined and expressed again in a new way through one’s own self-reflection of who an individual is and who they want to be. Weaknesses and strengths, affections and aversions, failures and achievements are all analyzed and projected into something that is new and useful. This growth that is ongoing and never-ending of a whole individual is represented in the “Paradise” mural that is unfinished. The steps and the ladder in the image can represent the plateaus and even the obstacles themselves that must be overcome in order to achieve wholeness.

There are certain forms of thinking and ways of acting that may be inconsistent with who a person truly is. There may be a pull from someone outside or a draw from the mass in society that would rather shape a person against who they truly are. A person might have even become too content with where they are and no longer partake in that growth and productive nature of their authentic self. These are the obstacles and plateaus that a person might have to overcome on the path towards liberation.

In the center of the image the light shines on an object. This object is a compass rose, which symbolizes direction. A sense of direction is needed in order for a person’s purpose and destiny to be realized. Purpose is defined and destiny emerges with this sense of direction, which brings with it a deeper world of more possibilities and opportunities.

The far left of the image is where the eye is drawn. The most obvious objects in this corner are the telescopes, globes, maps, and books, which can point to some kind of exploration or start of a journey. These objects represent the opportunities that can exist with an unshakable belief in one’s authentic self. The richness and depth of all that an individual can achieve is more expansive and vast than the world that is represented on the maps.

On the right side of the window there is a red kite on the wall. The kite is symbolic of the cycle a person goes through in refining their individuality. Just as a kite rises and falls with the wind, the same can be said of a person when active in the ongoing process of searching for identity and purpose. There a constant tearing down and building up of the authentic self. This type of existence might seem laborious and difficult, but it is within this existence that a rich, higher reality can be experienced, and it leads to the realization of an individual’s contribution towards humanity.

Looking closely the viewer can see a dove on the windowsill. This dove looks out into the world of infinite possibilities. Traditionally, doves are a symbol of peace, thus indicating a peace of mind that one can take while exploring those infinite possibilities. Taking into account the image as a whole, this sense of peace seems to be a well-earned inner peace. The difficult path of transcending a restrictive existence where a person’s individuality and identity is neglected leads to a rebirth. This new existence that is rich, luminous and full of life, contrasts the restrictive and mundane existence of sequestration, fear, and obscure identity. Within this existence lies a higher reality that has a resolute foundation of a known purpose and destiny, which in itself is a path of freedom.

-Jason Godbey.

Summer's Past

2007-10-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Click for larger image

A quick analysis for this one. There are lots of hints in this scene referencing some of my interests. Music by Travis, Bob Dylan, Paul Weller, and The Beatles. Books on sociology and psychology, and art in general. Overall this image deals with two worlds. The rich, luminous worlds that exists within a person and outside of a person as well. That outside world is represented through the open window.

Jason Godbey

Static

2007-10-07T09:10:00.001-07:00

Analysis of the image "Static"

High resolution image can be found at my website.

This image portrays the concept of involuntary sequestration that can often be found in everyday life. Like the previous image, “The Cage,” this room shows signs of age and decay. The cracked paint, dusty floor and windows, and overall dilapidated feel of the room represent the lifeless effects that sequestration can have on a person. Involuntary sequestration can be the result of oppression and can manifest a fear of exploitation. It can also come about as a result of certain institutions that focus on strict rules that can teach away a person’s authentic self and creativity. It can even come in the form of certain situations people are driven into, through their own doing or outside circumstances.

A central focus in this image is the rocking chair with the wooden doll in it. Of course, dolls are static and can only be controlled by someone else. So, the doll represents someone who is sequestered involuntarily and the rocking chair represents the restricted space of the doll. The light shining through the windows draws the viewer’s attention to this image. As with “The Cage,” this draw towards the light represents the freedom one would have outside sequestration. However, in this scene there is no real contrast of being drawn into an existence outside sequestration and the draw towards a false reality that exists within sequestration. There are no open doors or exits symbolizing clear ways to escape. The reason for this is that in cases of involuntary sequestration an individual has no choice but to be sequestered. Unlike voluntary sequestration, there is nothing appealing which draws a person towards any form of involuntary sequestration. In this case the draw towards freedom is more of a dream-like fantasy one just imagines while being sequestered involuntarily.

There is a sign near the door and it has the word “Eden” written on it. This refers to the Garden of Eden which is usually seen as paradise. This sign can represent the idea that freedom from sequestration is paradise. This Eden that exists outside of being sequestered can come in the form of a physical place, a mental state, or both. Involuntary sequestration isn’t limited to being oppressed by someone, but a person can be sequestered by a state of mind. An example of this would be depression. A person who is depressed has a mood disorder which can disrupt their social functioning and daily activities thus sequestrating them involuntarily.

As stated earlier, involuntary sequestration can be a form of oppression or repression born out of fear. An example of this can be found in the story of Buddha as a child. Buddha, named Siddhartha as a child, was born to a king and queen and as a prince had everything he wanted. Siddhartha had no knowledge of what the world was really like. All he knew was the false reality within the palace, but he was curious about the world outside. His father wanted his son to one day be king, but he had a fear of his son becoming a monk if he saw the world as it really was, and acknowledged the true suffering that existed. Because of this, his father built a magnificent palace for his son, arranged for him to be married, and only allowed healthy and young people inside the palace. His father tried his best to distract Siddhartha and keep him disinterested in the outside world, but Siddhartha wasn’t content being a prince and yearned to know what life was like for others outside the palace. Eventually Siddhartha’s father let him travel to different towns and in his travels Siddhartha saw the suffering that surrounded people as he encountered an old man, a sick man, and a dead man. After seeing the world as it really was and discovering the suffering that he had not known about before, he decided he didn’t want to be a prince anymore and instead wanted to discover a way out of the suffering that he saw. So, he escaped his life of a prince and became a monk to find an answer.

This story has many similarities that can be found in every day life of many individuals who have to deal with those, perhaps even parents or a spouse, who might attempt to restrict the life that a person really wants to lead and in turn restrict who that person really is. Parents may be overprotective and try to dominate a child’s life and choose the direction in which the child’s life will progress. An example of this could be found in a parent choosing the university and career path of a child instead of letting the child explore and discover who they are and what they want to be. The parents may mean well, but in the end this overprotection, this sequestration, can lead to a repressed and false sense of self which discourages the child from discovering their true self and from walking their own path.

Also mentioned in the previous image, “The Cage,” involuntary sequestration can exist within institutions that teach away a person’s creativity and sense of self. These institutions usually focus on strict rules and often don’t allow room for individuality. There is a sense that everyone must conform to a pre-determined pattern. A person can be taught what to think and how to act. Their attitudes can be molded in a way that is against who they truly are. This teaching away of a person’s creativity and individuality can start at an early age, thus not even really stripping away a person’s individuality, but rather not even allowing it to be discovered in the first place. An example where you might find this is in schools or even broadcast through the media. In many ways, the media advertises to us what the ideal life is and often without realizing it most people accept the media’s standard as their own. In reality that “ideal” lifestyle might lead to the most dissatisfying existence an individual could have.

A person’s busy and demanding lifestyle can even strip away their individuality. When a person’s daily life is constantly focused on just getting things done, it’s easy to get into ruts or lifeless routines and drift throughout the day. Sometimes these routines go on for weeks and even months. This can be seen as a form of involuntary sequestration because the individual is not aware of what is happening. A person can become so focused on what they have to get done at the time that they never stop to question or make difficult choices.

It’s harder to escape this form of involuntary sequestration because something like the teaching away of a person’s creativity or individuality may have been going on for several years and to escape it requires the person to start looking at themselves honestly and it requires a new way of thinking.

As stated earlier, involuntary sequestration can come in the form of a mental state. However, unlike a mental disorder or illness, such as depression, a person can sequester themselves through a state of fear. This fear is not instinct that tells a person when there is danger nearby, but a condition that might become continuous and not attached to any specific threat in the environment. This state of fear keeps a person from living their life to the fullest. A common example is a fear of failure. An individual can be afraid to take risks for something they want for their own life because they are afraid things won’t work out. It is easier for some to stay sequestered because it is comfortable and this is where they feel safe. An example of this might be if someone dislikes their job and would rather pursue another career, but doesn’t because of the effort and risks involved. This person might have to go back to school to train for this other career and there might be a fear of not being able to provide for themselves or their family or they fear the lifestyle change they will have to make to achieve this goal. These fears can stop a person from pursuing a career that could vastly enrich their life, and possibly the lives of those around them as well. Escaping this type of sequestration also requires a new way of thinking, thus making it extremely difficult especially if this fear has been present within the individual for a long time.

In the end, no real progress and nothing great can come from a person being sequestered. In this case, life would be like treading water and to a certain degree the individual would be the equivalent of a dead person because there would be no growth or evolution of that individual’s character and no true achievements. There is a lack of individuality and a lost sense of self within such an existence. However, at times it can be beneficial to be sequestered, in order for a person to see who they aren’t so that once they escape they can start to discover who they truly are.

-Jason Godbey

"The Cage" Meaning and Symbolism

2007-08-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

The Cage

Meaning and Symbolism of The Cage

This image deals with the various forms of sequestration that characterize contemporary society. Sequestration, in this sense, signifies a withdrawal into a false reality that is simply given. There are many aspects of contemporary society that can distract people from the more essential aspects of life and many people intentionally wrap their lives up in these forms of voluntary sequestration. For example, things like television, shopping malls, and other forms of entertainment advertised to the public are all types of voluntary sequestration. Through engaging in forms of sequestration excessively a person can become detached from the world and can fail to develop as an individual. A person can turn into a cold distant observer in life rather than an active participant that can make a meaningful contribution.

There is a sense of lifelessness that comes with sequestration. In this image this is symbolized through the dirty textures, peeling paint, dead plants, and overall run down feel of this image. The room is run down, but not abandoned. It seems abandoned because of the run down feel it has, but there are a lot of objects in the room that can be used, which can indicate that the room is occupied in some sense. The contrast between the abandoned, lifeless feel of the scene and the reality that it’s still in use, or “alive”, can be true of humans as well when sequestered. They are alive, yet dead at the same time. When sequestered intentionally, the potential and ability within a person is ignored and the individual becomes dead to the world around them.

In order for a person to sequester themselves willingly, there must be some sort of appeal that draws them to it. This appeal can be found in all forms of voluntary sequestration that exist in society and are advertised to the public. In the image, this draw towards sequestration is symbolized through the pictures on the wall. For some, these pictures would be appealing in that they are pleasant to look at and a person’s time can be absorbed in observing them all day. Yet, unless the viewer is the artist, they are not the viewer’s own creation. Similarly, forms of sequestration are simply given and most who willingly sequestrate themselves are content to just accept them as they are and move to other forms of sequestration when one form loses its appeal.

There are forms of sequestration that can be involuntary. This scene is reminiscent of a school classroom. The podium, chairs, and chalkboards represent an ordered structure or restrictive institution that can be found in some places such as schools. Institutions that focus on order and structure based on societal norms can “teach away” a person’s creativity and individuality because the focus is not on encouraging individuality, but rather the primary focus is on enforcing the rules that are given for all to follow. In this way, people can be molded into something other than who they are. Usually, when these things are taught away it is allowed to happen unintentionally and unconsciously, which in a sense makes it involuntary. The symbolism of ordered structures also represents the strict structures and bad routines people can drive themselves into that can strip away their individuality. This form of sequestration can be harder to escape because the loss of one’s creativity and individuality can be something that has gone on for several years. Escaping it requires an individual to think in a new way and to be reflexive of who they want to be. The mirror in this scene symbolizes this reflexivity, which is simply a reflection of a person’s true self.

There are many ways to escape forms of sequestration and because of this the path of liberation will be different for everyone. In this image there are exits which represent different means of escape. The doorway, staircase, and open window are these exits. The light comes in from these exits which draw our eyes towards them when looking at the image. This symbolizes another kind of draw. It is a draw away from these forms of sequestration into a life, an existence, rich with meaning, feeling, direction, and a purpose. The pull of sequestration through its appeal and the pull towards humanity is another contrast commonly felt in everyday life.

There is a fourth exit in the image, the easel and the unfinished painting. Painting can be creative work. Through the process of creation a person no longer deals with something prepackaged, something that is simply given, but instead actively engages in producing something unique that can convey meaning and affect others who observe it. A process such as painting a picture for hours may seem to be another form of sequestration, but it really isn’t. A person can be in isolation when in the creating process, but the difference is that this creative process can have an effect that can vastly enrich a person’s life in some way. This creative process has an ability to affect the painter and someone else who might see meaning and value behind it. This can be an immediate or distant effect, and with this effect a person isn’t sequestered, but becomes an active participant that can contribute to humanity.

The painting is unfinished, a work in progress, which can be said the same of any active creative process. An artist never really arrives at a certain place, but is always in a state of becoming. The true artist is never content with where he or she is because the true artist knows there is always more to see, know, and do. There is always a deeper meaning to be found and a deeper level of understanding that can be reached. This view of a true artist can be said of anyone that isn’t sequestered. They are active participants that constantly engage in life and constantly change in a world around them that constantly changes. Life can be seen as being essentially the same as any creative work, in that it is always in the making and always being expanded upon.

Finally, the cages in this image represent various forms of sequestration that can cage a person with false realities. In this scene however, all the cages are empty representing an escape from these forms of sequestration.

That is not to say that just because something can be sequestering means that it has a negative effect. Something like watching a television program, reading a book, or viewing art can be very inspiring and relaxing. There is a need for balance between actively engaging in the world and isolating oneself from it. It seems in contemporary society however it is easier to be distracted by forms of sequestration in which there are more now than ever before. It also seems as a result of this most people have a hard time finding a balance and such that the focus of their lives is caught up in these forms of sequestration. Although for some, the main goal in life deals with these forms of voluntary sequestration. Instead of transcending given realities and realizing their true potential they sequester themselves willingly and treating life as if it goes on forever.

-Jason Godbey

(My philosophy teacher says she sees this as an image of transcendence. Feel free to comment on what this means to you.)

(A larger version of the image can be seen here.)