Friday, December 30, 2011

THE BOAT OF HEAVEN: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I was glad to have had my camera with me at twilight down town yesterday.  Twilight -- not the kind that has ladies gasping for a love bite, but that fleeting moment when violet meets blue, when only silhouettes are permitted in the waning light.  Twilight, when we glimpse the boat of heaven sailing through the deep indigo sky.  It was this precise moment when I parked the car and took pictures overhead.  The timing seemed apt, somehow, reflecting the year drawing to a close.

The Boat of Heaven at twilight
amidst a winter latticework of leaves and branches

The ancient civilization of Sumer, prior to the rise of Mesopotamia, referred to the moon as the "Boat of Heaven".  (Click here for some of the translation of these oldest of cuneiform poetry.)  Without this celestial vessel, the Goddess Inanna would not have been able to transport the gifts of culture and civilization to the world.  Where would art, music, poetry, works of masons and metal workers, justice and compassion, wisdom, truth ... and so on ... be without the crescent moon?

So, as we say good-bye to 2011 and greet 2012, I thought to celebrate the Boat of Heaven and her gifts to Civilization as we know it.

Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" (1st Movement here) through the fingers of Wilhelm Kempff, an auditory gift.



Georges Méliès' innovatively surreal film from 1902: "Le Voyage dans la Lune", inspired by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.  Many of you might be familiar with the image of the man in the moon with a spaceship lodged in his eye!

I find the pioneers of photography and the birth of cinema fascinating.  It was with wondrous surprise that I discovered Martin Scorcese's latest film, "Hugo," to be a visual love poem -- dedicated to the magic of cinema, literature and invention.  Georges Méliès features greatly in it.  "Hugo" is shot masterfully, as one would expect from an ode to cinema.  I also assume Scorcese's use of 3D was a salute to the spirit of innovation in film which began with the Lumière Brothers and carried to greater heights by Méliès.




Wishing you all a wonderful 2012!  I am still officially on vacation for another week, but hope to visit your blogs soon.  Enjoy New Year's Eve festivities, and follow the words of Edward Lear:

They danced by the light of the moon
       The moon
       The moon
They danced by the light of the moon.
                     -- from Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussycat"








17 comments:

  1. ALWAYS wonderful and magic.
    I hope this 2012 all your dreams brecome true.
    A year rich in all the things that cannot be bought with money.
    HAPPY NEW YEARRRRRRRRRRRR
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  2. magical photo!
    that was a beautiful read yet again from you..have a blast this year..may art and poetry enrich your life further!

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  3. Super photo and excellent clips - how well chosen! Thanks for your nice comments on my blog and your interesting posts. Have a lovely New Year and all the best for 2012.

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  4. Wonderful post and description of twilight. You reminded me I used to play the Moonlight Sonata - wish I kept up the piano - Happy New Year to you and all the best for 2012! xx

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  5. Oh my goodness, I haven't seen that film from 1902 in years! Last time I saw it was when I was watching a documentary on Jules Verne when I was really young, perhaps 6. Thanks for reintroducing me to it!

    Happy New Year!

    xo
    Maria Elyse
    First Impressions
    Flying Ships Vintage

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  6. Happy New Year darling!
    Keep up the inspiration!

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  7. Hope your holidays have been great! And that you have a fantastic New Years! See you in 2012.

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  8. The boat of heaven, I have always been fascinated by that mesopothamyc culture! Have a great 2012!

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  9. Happy New Year. Hope you had a blast bringin in 2012 and that this year is your best yet!

    Diego
    www.howtozipyourfly.com

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  10. Happy 2012. Wishing you love, happiness and success this year. Xxxx

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  11. Beautiful post :) I wish a very Happy Year! It's been a pleasure reading your blog! Enjoy your holidays:)

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  12. What a beautiful photograph. Happy New Year too you too!

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  13. What a treat - not only a breathtaking image, but also the learning of something new. I had no idea about the Sumerian reference to the 'boat of heaven'. What a perfect mode of transport for art!

    I haven't yet seen the Hugo film (my mum and brother have and loved it), but I have read the book on which it is based: Hugo Cabret. Although 'read' is not entirely the whole picture (as it were) as the story unfolds as much through the exquisite drawings as it does through the text. If you haven't yet seen the book it is worth discovering.

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  14. the photo of the moon is amazing! :D Happy New Year

    xx

    www.sickbytrend.com

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  15. Aaah, the Moonlight Sonata is such a beautiful piece of music. Wishing you a happy, healthy and wonderful 2012! xoxo

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  16. Ah dear Aesthete: I am taking a blogger's break but felt I must sneak in and check on your blog. I love your spirit, your approach to style, and your kind words as well as your dancer's poise. Here's to wishing you a most incredible 2012!

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Dear Fellow Aesthetes, I love hearing your thoughts. I think the other readers find them valuable too! Much love xxx

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