art

There is something beyond …

By Dave English

“The attainment of proficiency, the pushing of your skill with attention to the most delicate shades of excellence, is a matter of vital concern. Efficiency of a practically flawless kind may be reached naturally in the struggle for bread. But there is something beyond — a higher point, a subtle and unmistakable touch of love and pride beyond mere skill; almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art — which IS art.” Joseph Conrad, The Mirror of the Sea, 1906. Fascinating observations from the peak of perfection of the age of sail.

Ludvig on practicing art

By Dave English

Flying feels like making music! And note the forced hard work of digging deep, it’s not enough to just practice the fun simple bits a couple times. “Fahre fort, übe nicht allein die Kunst, sondern dringe auch in ihr Inneres; sie verdient es, denn nur die Kunst und die Wissenschaft erhöhen den Menschen bis zur Gottheit.” Beethoven in letter to Emilie, July 17, 1812. Quoted in Musical news, Vol. 3 (1892), p. 627.

Gesamtkunstwerk

By Dave English

Gesamtkunstwerk: a German word (did you guess?!) means ‘total work of art’ or ‘synthesis of the arts’. Wagner’s artistic credo translates for us as smoothly integrating stick, rudder, thrust, gravity, wind, weather, crew, everything— into a flying whole. . (Original airshow photo by Gabriel Gusmao on Unsplash)