Mallory Baker
These are most of the words I have written over a number of years (excluding writing for school); there is not much. Most times I attempt to write creatively, I become extremely frustrated. However, when I am in motion and can feel the symmetrical vibrations of machines like buses or the pressures of winds or something like this, and am nowhere near a piano or a computer, I frantically try to capture a feeling in a few words so I that may try and pick it back up later musically.
By no means do I see the art forms as hierarchical, or music as a more refined means of expression than writing. I am constantly mystified by other’s writing-I have many times felt overwhelmingly understood by words, many times transported to another world. Language is invaluable. I am in awe each day at how humanity likely created language and music simultaneously; it is highly plausible that our language and our first music came from the same places in our bodies and brains. The affection I feel for this is indescribable... However, I have always found a blank page far scarier than the canvas of time-it confronts me, glares at me. I get increasingly uncomfortable and dissatisfied filling it up, yearning to just say what I mean through my hands with no words.
I believe music is impossible to fully understand in other forms outside of itself, but I feel that the principles of circuitry come the closest-I can use electricity much better than write when it comes to my feeling of music... In a simple circuit with a light emitting diode, you must have a few things. A voltage source, let’s use an AA battery. A resistor to make sure too much current doesn’t pass through the circuit and ruin your components. Your LED. And some wires to hook them up. Once you have connected these components correctly, your LED will produce light for a reason I find astounding: the electrons need to use light to overcome the barrier inside your diode and flow through the circuit.
This strange force of nature, that we can meld beautifully and frighteningly, assures me that magic does exist. I believe it dances within every person. During this time, I keep going for two reasons. I believe I owe my presence to the betterment of the collective consciousness. And I simply hope that someday, with the right balance of discipline and strength, I will reach out and whatever needs to be freed from inside me will use light to overcome my hands.