Page 21 - Studio International - April 1974

the energy potential in a system may be (3) The accumulative dispositions in matter at every pulsation of light . . . I return in every
observed to be initiated: internally and the level of molecular intra-structures are baby born." 4
externally. Internally, the energy begins at aided, if not prompted, by those adjacent to The dynamics of existence and non-existence
some unseen point within a given pre-formation them, revealing an active commitment between are reflected in the fluctuations of the earth's
and, through the exertion of radiating forces the parts. This suggests the existence of similar terrain. The cycle is accessible to us through
working in concert, expands outwardly, dramatic activity at a sub-molecular level, as the fluctuations comprising it as much as the
transforming the visible surface and ultimately well as at the broadest level of the macrocosm. fixed image witnessed at a given moment.
the spaces and attendant formations beyond it. (4) The 'link' in the cycle is bridged, not by an Deviations from a predictable regularity
The dichotomy of force-patterns is completed infinite continuation of the demonstrable in rhythm-cycles are as important as the
when a reversal occurs with the initiary changes that preceded it, but by the original persistence of the rhythm. In nature, most life-
shifting (though not necessarily compelled by and self-perpetuating, generative force, cycles border upon symmetry, while the objects
conscious intent) to the flux of forms and causing a reversal, with the potential that new comprising the tools, or 'hardware,' of these
spaces outside the one considered, contracting cycles may develop (re-birth). movements are, in themselves, rarely
in upon it and, again, effecting a subsequent (5) 'Forward progress' in a linear direction symmetrical. The mind can grasp the dynamic
formation. Self-knowledge and the necessary from one fixed point to another is an illusion symmetry only if it can envision the underlying
modalities for effectively applying it can be conflicting with the reality of returning anew. forces behind the world of objects. But when the
obtained from the crescendo-like rhythm of (6) The plane/volume cycle evolves as an mind concentrates on the self as matter only, or
ripples on the surface of water, or the expansive transformation from the initial plane the world as matter only, along with numerous
metamorphosis of a plane into a mountain. to a state of localized, or focal, singularity, then symbols and objects accumulated to signify a
Many kinds of transmutational rhythms to one characterized by plurality in the set parameter to its being, it easily loses contact
result from the activity of energy as seen in the integral form, and finally to a condition of with the very forces that brought it into
transactions within and between entities. The universal singularity obtained through union existence and that will carry it beyond itself.
earth's strata is another obvious case to cite. with that which is external to it. The final As suggested earlier, perception is a means of
Important changes in this system include a condition is also the initial condition, for new locating ourselves in an array of influences and
perpetual increase and diminishing of volume forms may be born through its existence. barriers, but without vision of the undisclosed
accompanied by internal modifications in Being and non-being are complementary reality our perceptions are limited to
density and molecular bond. The completion of levels of reality. Each cannot exist without the observations without insight. It has been well
surface strata-cycles (such as other. Life turns into death (non-being) as documented that a painter must effectively
plane-- hill, etc.) usually involves a return to death turns into life for others (being). Each is concern himself as much with space or with void
the form in which the materials of the cycle the culmination of the other, as are the as with things. There are discreet presences
originally appeared, even though the tertiary stages within them. The patterns of that the artist can continue to confront but
molecular composition may be altered: being and non-being continually expand and which are not directly perceived when the
contract in over-lapping ways, respectively sensory modes are, in themselves, used as finite
through an incipient joining of at least two lines devices to explore a definitive view of the
of energy at one point in space, cellular world. What often appears to be a chaotic
multiplication, expansion of external awareness, universe is a composite of energy and
cellular shrinkage, eventual decomposition, directional movements that makes things what
and rebirth in new forms. they are by transforming them into dynamic
and actualized wholes bearing meaning beyond
themselves.15 On these grounds, the premise
of dynamic symmetry that I propose is
significantly different from the concept of
`golden rule' aesthetic order in which
symmetry is thought to always be static and
meaning is presumed to be absolute.16 The old
theory of stasis was based upon the insistence
that objects are the dominant particles in what
has popularly come to be known as 'hard-core'
reality. Man was to exercise complete control
At least six additional principles are over the world of objects, and, in so doing,
engendered by the above process : prove his dominance in a hostile environment.
(i) The individual cycle visibly begins and But now that the world has been 'tamed' by
ends in terms of a plane, but is internally those with the power and motivation to do so,
featured by a volumetric life-pattern with no the real barriers have proven to be in the mind
specific apex or nadir. What is `up,' down,' and spirit, and not in the world of things at all.
`out,' or 'in' depends upon where one is in Perhaps Alan Watts stated the above more
relation to it. Similarly, unless held by another, effectively: 'thus as my sensation of "I-ness," III
we are horizontal at birth, struggle from this of being alive, once came into being without Certain forms seem to reflect the dynamics of
position into the verticle 'living' posture, then conscious memory or intent, so it will arise cycles as I have presented them here. The
return to the supine plane at death. Within again and again, as the "central" self — the IT — mound form, in particular, has been germane
this cycle, too, are numerous internal and appears as the self/other situation in its myriads to my thinking, not only in its significance
co-extensive cycles including rest/activity, of pulsating forms — always the same and always regarding what I have described to be the
chemical and muscular rhythms, memory new, a here in the midst of a there, a now in the cyclical imperative of form, but also in its
cycles, circadian rhythms, etc.13 midst of then, and a one in the midst of many innate physical nature as well. It may not be
(2) The same forces that dissolve mountains . . . And if I forget how many times I have been possible to say, with any degree of definitiveness,
also build similar forms, such as sand dunes here, and in how many shapes, this forgetting what precisely causes one to respond to
and snow drifts. is the necessary interval of darkness between specific forms, although certain properties and
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