About ... "Standing Still"

Within the next hour I am going to post a video of a performance art piece that I did Sunday. I will not explain what the piece means. Art is supposed to mean something different to everyone. However I will say this.

About 10 minutes into it, just after I had to stop the video, due to youtube time limits, children walked up to me. After 10 minutes of people walking by during which I and the person filming could hear people whispering to themselves, "Why is that guy standing there?". Children walked right up to me and asked "What is here? And why are you here?" I had to fight the smile with all my might. It took all my strength to try and remain in character. They continued to ask. "So I don't get it? What does it mean? Why are you standing here?". It was at this point that I wanted to reward the children for being so curious. Not to mention showing courage. As grown ups, seeing something out of the ordinary decided to stray away. (not seen in the video is people going around so that they did not have to walk near me. And adults by the coffee shop and easter bunny growing more and more worried. Talking amongst themselves and pointing to me. It is because of this that I consider the piece to be a great success.)

It was children, that saw something that was different in the world, for just a moment and not being scared to question it, with boldness and eagerness. Wanting to learn something, to get some insight.

The goal of my art is to get someone to just take a moment and think. That is all. There is no great mystery or hidden meaning to it. If you see it and it makes you think (if only for a moment) then it was a success. But when the children not only think, but question! Well... I think we could all learn something from children.

The world is not a scary place. It is a beautiful playground full of wonder and mystery.

I was going to lean over and tell the children "Exactly! you should always question the world around you. Never stop. When you get older and you see something that seems not right, never be scared to go right up to it and start asking questions about it. As you age do not forget this magic and wonder that is inside all of us. The magic, of seeking answers."

Sadly before I could, security showed up and made us leave. Apparently adults had become scared of a man standing still and reading a book. THINK OF THE CHILDREN! Is what people today cry out. well....

I was.

I really enjoyed performing this for you, even if it made no sense to you at all.