These are transcribed notes from my studio log about a storytelling event that I organized with my collaborator Evan/Eve Greensweig last week. It went well, and we are planning to continue it as a series. I’ve been writing in my studio log for over a year with reflections about my studio practice, as well as my curation and publication practices. I find it to be really helpful to distinguish this from my sketches and my personal journal. This helps me maintain this practice for purely what it is, reflecting on my art making.
Reflection on “Read Aloud” 2/22/25 6-9 pm at Chimaera Gallery
We began with a brief introduction about how we came to this idea and why we chose stories as a material to share. I started with my story - my version of Rapunzel, “A Story About the Time Between Night and Day” (which I share above in a recording, and is also available in a zine format, just reply to this email for info). Then Eve read a Hanukkah Demon story, and then Natalie shared a reading from the declassified C.I.A. Manual on Sabotage. We moved our attention to whomever wanted to go next. Most people volunteered with a murmur, looking around the room and/or raising their hand casually. There were a couple folks whom I knew had a story to share which needed a bit more time or cajoling. At one point it did become difficult to hear so we introduced a microphone, which people at first seemed resistant to, although I think it did help with audio and ambiance. I think introducing the microphone helped me relax as an organizer AND participant because then I felt like it was definitely being heard by everyone. Kim read Kafka, about a man trying to reach “the Law” and never being able to - the man’s special door to the law closing when he died. Monk read a Robinhood story about “lusty priests” who Robin robbed without the use of his broad sword, on quick wit alone. These stories and readers are listed out of order just as a remember them. Ras read a wonderfully written story they wrote about Philadelphia and the city’s brutal changes. KT was inspired by that to then share their poem about peoplehood and connection and then a song they learned in the Phillipines about revolution, which I accompanied them on with a cowbell.
There was an air of gathering warmly and cozily, yet somehow defiantly. Sharing space and sharing stories and sharing information through them. At one point one of the attendees who I did not know leaned towards me and whispered “It’s all so timely.” Which I thought was interesting. A few of the stories were more contemporary, some of them from the 20th, 19th, 18th centuries. Some of them transcriptions of retellings of very old tales built on many stories before. Zoe read the oldest story, from this SUPER ancient broken tablet the Enuma Elish- the Babylonian creation myth. Zane read a creation poem of sorts about Coyote, by Simon J. Ortiz. Suzanne read a Baba Yaga story “Vasilisa the Brave” (a story that was one of the inspirations behind organizing the event and the flyer I designed for it… can you spot Baba Yaga in it?), Russle read a story from a children’s book that I remember reading as a child titled “Thunder Cake”. Both of these stories were about bravery and trust and involved an elder. Jim read William Blake. Brent read science fiction story premises by A.I. The last story before the event officially ended was read by Evan called “Fire” by Isaac Singer which was about the cruelty of fate and the failure of family in the life of this poor schlimazel (who- among MANY other misfortunes, got blamed for a fire which he saved his brother from and promptly was beaten and run out of town… he was so ANGRY and wanted to burn his brother’s house down, but when he arrived it was ALREADY on fire!)… Evan’s style of reading was so entertaining I found myself laughing on the floor! In fact, a lot of the stories were quite funny at times. People strayed loosely around the theme of folk tales, but all of them had that same whispered energy, of a smaller story telling a bigger one, of one remaining unknown, question or mystery.
The space had dim lighting (which did make it difficult for me to read but nobody else reported having trouble), and plenty of chairs and blankets on the floor. Next time I think pillows and cushions would be nice. We also had SO many cookies and other snacks and also offered tea which was lovely I think. I would say most people participated - even some people who did not necessarily come prepared to read found or produced a story that fit. I really liked that model. I think it’s a good idea to have a few readers and leave it loose and safe feeling for others to jump in - that way there’s not that much pressure or dead air. I had an impulse to record it. But then I felt that, no, this is for the moment and the space and the memories inside. Lena read a story about not writing any more stories which was difficult for me to hear, but I really enjoyed. I was/am so grateful for all the readers showing up and reading something they carried into the space and presenting it in exactly their own way.
Interestingly, although depending on the story and the way it was written, my attention did rove at times between and around the words but my memory of the event feels so clear. I can almost place myself back into that room, at that time, with those people and stories.
If you were at the event, and would also like to share your reflections, please leave a comment.
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