Unfortunately I don't have a definitive answer here. But the purpose of this website is to be my online portfolio and a place for me to explore my technological creativity. But hey, I'll keep you posted if I find the definitive purpose of life.
The Three Body Problem (2008, translated 2014) by Liu Cixin (English translation by Ken Liu) is the most scientific science fiction book I've already read, drawing from quantum mechanics and math in a detailed and believable (to a chemist) way to construct an unforseeable future. Exploring ancient history, 20th century Chinese revolutions and their influence on academia, immersive video games, stewardship of the environment, and the unknowability of the universe, this first installment of Liu's trilogy slowly unfolds at the beginning and builds in pace as you continue.
My lastest a cappella cover is Endlessly by Muse. Arranged, performed, and mixed by me, it took me quite a while, but I am very proud of it. I worked on my range at the top end but especially at the low end in order to actually sing my arrangement. I thought I was picking the "simplest" song by Muse, but I managed to make it exceedingly complex. If a group wanted to sing this arrangement, I would have to rework it for sure to make it more streamlined and...possible to sing live. After countless hours of mixing, it is complete!
Anna Perkins Self Portrait Still Life, 2020 11" x 14"
I continue my fascination with mirrors and patterned fabrics with my most recent painting, creatively named "Self Portrait Still Life." In college, the professors always made us do at least one self portrait per year, making my portfolio a bit narcissistic. I didn't do a self-portrait in 2019, so I thought I would do one this year, mainly because painting faces is my truest interest. It was nice to have the art deparment's models and my college friends around to sit for me. Alas, in 2020, my only model is me.
I started this painting in February and finished in October. I certainly got distracted by other projects (music) along the way. At least I finished it in the same year!
Anna Perkins Misty Day at Golden, 2020 A photo to set the mood
Being good is laced with sacrifice and guilt
The rain beats down on the windows
The sound is too close
Like the water is inside
Drenching all my possessions
Bacteria and mold growing
Stains forming
I check every time
Only to find everything is dry
My ears at odds with reality
Thunder rolling
Neighbors stomping
Cars passing by
How can I be truly generous
When I see the bad before the good?
When I see shallowness and stupidity in the stranger?
When I anticipate hurt and loss?
My senses feed filtered information to my brain
How then, to give wholeheartedly?
Interrupt my alluring inner world
Pitter-patter on my window
Walk across my ceiling and remind me
You have a whole life
Without fully understanding you
If the game of life is to be heard
And to be understood
It’s a losing game
But we must play nonetheless.
