“Physical
symbols, whether secular or sacred, are intended to convey intangible truths,
moral values, and spiritual values.” David
McKenna
Culture
(Atmosphere-Part One)
Last week we looked at the ability to
communicate person to person. Language and communication within world settings
will have a strong influence on the emotional safety or danger for our
characters. This is often communicated in and through culture as well where a
vast array of influence from the arts: crafts, food, clothing, holidays,
celebrations, mores, etc. develop attitudes toward the art expressed, and those
who create it. These arts portray the public expression of the people. Music
and/or art can become a mirror, reflecting a spiritual alliance. It translates
the character’s soul landscape for him. It can also become a bridge of
communication across cultures. Sometimes responses come in action,
sometimes in desire or longing, sometimes in a symbol. These images often find
a ‘voice’ through music or art. When we listen to, or build, our worlds we
often find its heart expressed through its art culture.
Or its absence. When we look at our
own world history (across cultures) we see evidence of regimes that chose to
destroy artistic expression such as slashed paintings, burned books, smashed
sculptures, and destroyed architecture.
Exercise: Choose one
activity and explain it to someone who has never seen it before.
Share: What was
the most difficult to explain?
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