magazine. If there is a theme to this issue, I
might suggest movement – the forward
movement of peoples’ lives that collectively
forge a history. And by consequence, an
examination of how that concept influences
events.
Euclid noted long ago a point is both individually and singularly contained and neither touches nor relies upon another point; and yet many points somehow become joined or conjoined in collective need and commitment as the arc of a line is drawn through, across, or over those singular points. Could it be there is a parallel a person could draw in society?
It is a question for which answers might be forged as we examine the work and thinking of many individuals and organizations profiled in this issue of the magazine. A person can think of the work of Antony Gormley and Magdalene Odundo, presented at Houghton Hall, the home of Sir Robert Waldpole, Britain’s first prime minister, where these present-day artists comment on the wrappings and trappings of 18th-century privilege to move our understanding of and remedies for prejudice forward. It can be seen in the contrasts between the craft of wheelwright Greg Rowland who makes and refurbishes wooden wheels of carriages and cannons for still working models, so he may carry his family heritage born in the 1300s forward into the present day. It can be seen the craft of Horacio Pagani, founder of Pagani Automobili, who creates carbon fiber hypercars capable of moving the dreams of the rich and famous forward at speeds of 200 miles per hour or more.
It can also be seen in the coming together of various creatives and makers who participated in Making In/24, an event in Fartha, Ireland bringing together people who protect and build upon skills learned and techniques developed to move what is past into the present and beyond – people like ceramicists, woodworkers, sculptors, gardeners, weavers, and fashion designers, among others. It can be seen in the work of Henry Moore, who found a way to express what he saw in Nature to his modern-day contemporaries. And, yes, it can even be seen in the results of America’s last presidential election, where the question of moving the country forward was decided by people who thought the best way forward was to move the country backwards in retreat of progressive ideals.
Understanding such certainly raises the question of why we cannot collectively realize a time in which we choose to embrace uniqueness (a point amongst other points) while we create a means (a line) that we move us along in collective respect and responsibility as free people not against but for others? Only a free people moving progressively forward – like a turning wheel – can bring us closer to justice, a time in which our present becomes both past and future, moving us forward as we wish and our forebearers wished it to be, both promised and promising, one building upon the other. A future built upon confidence and promise, not fear and anger.
Enjoy!
Wil
In this Issue .
..
dig.ni.fy
William Paul Wanker
Founder
dig.ni.fy magazine
is produced in partnership with Human Dignity Projects.
London, England
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