Common Discourse is a project designed to help others (and ourselves) think through creativity, focus, and intentional work—from Alex Tan & Alice Otieno.
Every Tuesday we share words from a few ideas, a quote from somebody else, and links worth sharing. On Fridays we invite a guest to share images from their camera roll and a sound that resonates with them. Words from the journal will come at least twice a month.
David Powers is a photographer living and working in Los Angeles, California. I met David when I was 19 years old, still living in Columbus and trying to figure it out. Mackenzie always says I have a unique ability to maintain friendship over extended periods of time no matter the distance or difficulty, but I find it easy. When I like somebody, I want to talk to them.
There are specific things you get out of relationships that only come after knowing somebody for a long period of time. I’ve only stayed close to a few people for the last 8 years, but I’m glad David is one of them.
— Alex
Sights —
here’s 10 images from a folder I’ve been adding to for the last two years, from times where I was alone or felt solitude. I’m interested in the difference between being alone vs. feeling lonely, how one is perceived, and how one perceives.
Sounds —
I’ve been creating these little audio recordings whenever I want to remember how a place felt; the photo reminds me of the memory but the sound often feels more like the place and time.
Thanks for consuming!
ABOUT
ℹ️ Read more about Common Discourse here.
📬 If you like this newsletter, please consider sharing with others who might enjoy it as well.
🗂 Here is every Common Discourse weekly briefing to date.
COMMUNITY
🐤 We have a Twitter feed where we populate things that resonate.
⭐ We use Are.na as a tool to archive specific aspects of this project.
🗣 This project is more fun when there is dialogue amongst those who are reading. Use the comment feature at the bottom of this article to start a conversation, we’ll use your ideas for future briefings and food for thought.
Love the image in the diner, incredible light. I've been wondering about capturing snippets of sound now for quite some time, I just haven't really looked into the practical side of it ... it's a great idea though - really does evoke a place ...