

Discover more from Common Discourse
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.
Sights & Sounds: David Powers
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 ...