Sunday, September 18, 2011

Inspirations and Homages.

I decided to do a small little blog post about various inspirations. These people are not only inspirations in doing what I love, but active people whom show the path to becoming everything I can possibly be and to be who I truly am. These people can be fictional or non-fictional. Enjoy.

                                                          Buckethead (1969-Present)
       The epitome of music and art. He is my sole inspiration to move forward with music. Although he's very eccentric and downright bizarre at times, his music reveals the path to his heart and soul without words. To move a certain way and to embody an emotion is one thing, but to truly express yourself is another. It's so difficult to do so, and he expresses every range of his persona. It's like listening to the Acoustic Shards of his very heart and soul. This touches me greatly, and if not for his music, I wouldn't be half the person I am today, or even alive for that matter.


                                                Emma Goldman  (1869-1940)




           Emma Goldman is one of my most treasured writers. I began to question my values after a bad breakup with a terribly abusive ex with quasi-conservative values, such as marriage and avocation of a religion (wicca) as superior to every other religion. Emma brought forth a new understanding of the meanings of love and kindness, and taught me freedom above all is everyone's right and that everyone has a "...right to radiant beautiful things." She has also been the source of refinement I had in my politic ideology and has been the final straw in my movement towards Anarchism. She is truly a wonderful woman and will be missed.


                                                  Alan Moore (1953- Present)
        
           Quite possibly the coolest hobo ever (just kidding), this man is actually the most brilliant writers of modern time, effectively transforming the comic book medium into something virtually unheard of through revolutionary works like V for Vendetta, Watchmen and so forth. He has such a profound way of expressing his thoughts and ideas and using his characters as effective thought experiments. He is responsible for my steps towards anarchism, as well as completely changing my views on religion, gender roles, sexuality and pornography, and perhaps most of all Magick and love (see Valerie Page below).



         
                                Yuki Kajiura (1965-Present)
              
       This is Kajiura Yuki (westernized as Yuki Kajiura). She is a brilliant composer for animes and various other media. Although, usually very humble, her playing expresses the unique and often exotic ideas she has. She is a believer in fiction as a moving way to tell a story and to change a person, and her music reflects that atmospheric necessities to make the impact more powerful. Her beautiful piano playing and unsurpassed grace make her one of my greatest inspirations for composing music, as well as a strong push to create my own style and push the boundaries of contemporary music.  

                                        
                                                        Valerie Page (fictional)
                            
           Valerie Page is a supporting character in Alan Moore's V for Vendetta comic and consequentially the film adaptation. While she doesn't have a large role with much screen time or a long appearance, her brief but POWERFUL presence ruminates and thrives in the foundation of the human soul. Her heart breaking "auto-biography" is transformative even in the non-fiction world. She teaches us about life, integrity and unconditional love for every single person in existence living or dead. Her character is immortal through her love, and she has an affinity for Violet (Scarlet in the movie) Carson Roses. Roses then become the symbol of retribution for V, and then become a true symbol for love and freedom. She is the foundation my personal character and beliefs are based on. She is the inspiration for the title of this blog : A World with Roses. 
                            "I hope the world turns and people have roses again."-Valerie Page
                                    " I'm going to give the world what Valerie wanted it to have. Roses."-V.

                                                                        V (fictional)



         V is the titular character in Alan Moore's V for Vendetta. He is a romantic anarchist with extreme ideas and a loving but vengeful heart. He is sparked my fascination with Anarchism and personal freedom, showing me that true freedom was. He in a way "freed my mind" and inspired me to become just as bit as crazy as he is. But he also was a pivotal person in showing me what it means to be one's self as well as how difficult it can be to remain true to one's principles. He was my first step to understanding the importance if Values and Principles that are fundamental to the Human Spirit. 

                                          Grandmaster Ip Man (1893-1972)
               This is Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man. He is my most respected master. Reading his biography and watching his biopics starring Donnie Yen has changed my views on Chinese Philosophy and Martial Arts. He's so amazing and my greatest regret is not being around to see him fight. He has revolutionized the Wing Chun system and is the teacher of Bruce Lee. I find his biography to be so interesting. His humility and Taoist principles are awe inspiring and his dignity and integrity inspire me to become an honorable person and live a righteous and quiet life while valuing my family and living in the way of Wing Chun. He truly is deserving of the title grandmaster and he will always be remembered throughout my Wing Chun life. Honorable mention to actor Donnie Yen for doing such a wonderful job portraying the Grandmaster.

                                                     Everlin Kadar (Welther)
       Last, but not least, my lover Everlin. I have learned so much with her it's incredible. She has accepted me and seen me at my lowest. She has been through so much with me and there's no doubt in my mind, that her and my family will always be there for me. The family we share is forever, and despite all the scrutiny we face from the western world, we honestly don't give a crap. We are advocates of free love, and our love is free. She taught me that the world isn't such a bad place, and that if you let people in and trust them enough, you're inviting love into your life. She has inspired me to become a better person and to take up Kung fu just to master myself enough to be deserving of her love. We fight, and we have a differences at times, but we love each other so much, and nothing would mean more to me than opening myself up completely to her and her doing the same. You're my hero, Ever. Thank you :)

         Honorable Mention goes out to my 9th Grade Algebra teacher Mrs. Garvalosa. She is a wonderful individual with the most exotic and spontaneous personality I've ever encountered, and she's a great teacher who is deserving of my upmost respect. Although I tease her for various quarks in her persona, she is nothing short but a true rose to me and the world around her. If you're reading this, keep teaching about love and individualism to your students and keep making learning mathematics an unforgettable experience! Much love and roses: Seiji.