GLFCAM: Is it alright to make joyful art while the world burns?

(click to read full article on New Music Box, a publication of New Music USA)

https://newmusicusa.org/nmbx/glfcam-is-it-alright-to-make-joyful-art-while-the-world-burns/

As the parent of a toddler, I love watching him learn about the world. He seems to be happiest when he’s outside. He runs his hands through soil, holds up leaves to the sky, rolls in grass, and loves to eat fruit straight off the tree. He loves silly music, and finds trash and street cleaning days thrilling, running to the window to watch the trucks. He can’t speak in full sentences yet, but we understand that he has lots of questions, and the list of things he wants to know about is only growing. He loves to help and be helped, and he doesn’t have a concept for what it means to be talented, accomplished, or even proficient. He just asks, then tries.