Don't Lose the Symbolic Message: A Journey into Creative Ambiguity in Music, Photography and Film

Jesse shared his creative journey, discussing his struggles with dyslexia and his love for music and film. Karen and Jesse delved into the complex topic of symbolism in art and music, discussing how it can create a narrative and resonate with audiences. They explored the balance between technical skill and symbolism, and the dangers of losing the symbolic message in pursuit of technical perfection and also touched on the idea that beauty can be hard to define and appreciate, and the importance of authenticity in art. Additionally, they discussed the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its deeply romantic and symbolic paintings, contrasting them with the formulaic plots of modern rom-coms. Jesse is concerned that people have become addicted to the certainty and predictability in music and stories, and how this has led to a trap of authenticity where people want to feel like they are having an authentic experience rather than embracing uncertainty. He suggested that artists and creators should try to find new ways to bring back ambiguity and develop new paths, rather than continually subverting expectations, delving into the personal and societal implications of coping with uncertainty and novelty. They explored how it affects engagement with art and entertainment, and how intentional desensitization can impact audiences. Going deeper, they talked about the concept of carrying burdens and the importance of recognizing one's limitations. They referenced the movie "The Mission" and Jesse's track "The Place of No Return" as examples of this idea. They also touched on the idea of meeting the transcendent at the limits of one's knowledge and the importance of acknowledging one's need. They talked about the idea that it is possible to idolize the call to adventure or the leap of faith and the danger of reducing the size of God by bringing the transcendent down to a level that can be grasped.