Donna Haraway and David Hume in Conversation

Donna Haraway cognitive thinking process’ of speculative fabulation and string figures are used to analyze the world around us. To inspect the stories that tell stories. These cognitive tools are very good at revealing “truths” and examining the complex webs of culture in our world.

David Hume has been proven by neurobiology to be correct; That the emotions are the seat of what compels us to action or in action. That human beings exist as a complex system of sensations filtered through emotional habits that have been explained only later by reason.

These emotional habits create basis as well as maladaptive habits. They are like a base story that we as individuals then try to reason out from. When our base story is problematic the reasoning from it is weak. For instance maladaptive habit was to believe that I was useless.

Donna Haraway’s speculative fabulation and string figures can be turned inward. They can be used as cognitive thinking structures that make an intuitive process of self examination. The story can not be erased but it can be changed. Emotions once hidden by “reason” can be re-exposed to rationalized again with a new goal (story) in mind.

Neuroplasticity of the brain allows the brain to reconnect and grow stronger connections to a version that is more beneficial and useful to us.

Wanting to continue to use an intuitive method I adapted SF to be dynamic imagery.  I borrowed from Jungian thought of archetypes and combined it with Donna’s story telling.

I claimed and retold the story of Pysche to be a goddess of growth in the mind.  I combined her with Medusa and Athena. In my mind Athena and Medusa is the same being with two faces just like a coin.

Interview with Bill Dawson

Interview with Bill Dawson a metal artist. I learned that creating a good exhibit has a lot to do with getting the right group together.

In comparison to what I have been through. If I got another chance at doing a gallery exhibit I would do it differently.

#1. I would be more micro-managing ( I would also have to learn how to do this politely)

#2 I would push myself to be more active in the running of the gallery.

#3 I would be okay with advertising and bragging “creating buzz”.

#4 I would try to make sure all the artwork is finished before the gallery.