book one redone - Coldbacon

tone.html
Why is it that nothing ever seems as good when you show it to someone
else as it did when you were alone? There may, in fact, be several
answers to this overwhelming question. But perhaps it has something to
do with tone. You see, really to get the most out of a piece of art, you’ve
got to match your tone with that of the work as you perceive it—be one
with it as it were. When you’re alone, your emotions are supple, and
ready to adjust and be adjusted.
The artist is hurting? I remember when I was hurting. The artist is bitter?
No problem. This is why people come out of an art exhibit saying they’re
one way or another. If you come out of a show saying you’re confused,
probably so was the artist.
But when you’re with other people, some portion of your attention must
go toward them, wondering what they are thinking, knowing their
experience is in part your responsibility—or perhaps it is even worse than
that—you dirty dog. Anyway, with all this excitement going off in your
head, it’s no wonder your favorite song has come up a bit…limp?
That’s why we always tend to make new discoveries in works of art when
we’re alone. And God punishes us by making us instantly want to share
them with someone else.
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