By Ruby Harkness
Score
find a friend
and something to write with
take a walk together
avoid all distractions
observe your surroundings
find something that interests you
draw it
your friend will do the same
repeat this 3 times
create a story
your drawings are performing
Author’s Note
Walking Pictures is a Yoko Ono esc set of instructions meant to promote observation, storytelling, and connections with others. The goal of Walking Pictures is for the user to completely rid themselves of all distractions and focus in on their senses. I feel that in today’s world people overload themselves with distraction, whether it be their phone, outside sources of stress, or even something as harmless as listening to music. Somewhat inspired by the Happenings we enacted in class, this score urges the user to rid themselves of distractions and be completely one with the moment for the duration of the score, which may challenge the user. Being able to draw your surroundings is also a very beneficial skill to have. I believe that visual artists are some of the most in tune with the world and observational people out there, and these skills can be developed through observational drawing, which is what Walking Pictures promotes. Not only is Walking Pictures a commentary on modern day distraction, but also it is a vessel to promote creativity and connecting with others. The entire score is done with a “friend,” who could be whoever the user wants. The storytelling aspect of the score is also a collaborative piece, with two people working together to use their observed drawings and make something more of it. It is a lesson in creativity and human connection.
The language used in Walking Pictures is heavily inspired by Yoko Ono’s work in Grapefruit. I thought the simplicity and obscurity of the text was very interesting, and wanted to implement that into my own score. I liked the artistic nature of Ono’s writing, and when making a score somewhat focused on art, she was a perfect inspiration.
Play test Images
