Martha Jane Settler, 365 Mornings
Two years ago my fascination for the morning starts. Every morning I take a picture of myself to capture the moment. The exact moment that the sun rises is such a magical time of the day. You’re still completely pure, a blank sheet of paper, like a child. Not yet influenced by the impressions of the day. Back to my childhood and at the same time the sudden dawning of maturity.
For 365 days I capture the morning in pictures, videos and of course, in music. Every day when the sun rises, I take my picture and write fragments of music, pieces of lyrics, themes or melodies. At least one song to capture the morning. To save it. To freeze the moment. An attempt of ruthless introspection and uncensored self-reflection. An attempt to both reflect on and openly share every aspect of my being.
The collection of moments is starting to become extensive when a friend calls to ask whether I’m currently working on something. He’s looking for a professional and artistically interesting concept for a large, multi-media project. A CD will be recorded at an internationally acclaimed studio and art school students will photograph and video the entire process.
This is not only a unique chance for me to record the songs, but the documentary that the students produce will allow ‘365 mornings’ to develop into a multi-media diary. Every day of recording is being immortalised in film, photo and word (see www.thasfmornings.hyves.nl). ‘365 mornings’ is transforming into more than just a project. By consequently portraying my life in ‘365 mornings’, ‘365 mornings’ is becoming my life.
I could never have predicted that ‘365 mornings’ would have such a profound influence on every aspect of my life. Whilst my life ends up in a whirlpool of change, nothing remains as it was. The objective of naked self-reflection and my choice to share this process through my music has run in parallel with the changes in my life and causes that I cannot hide myself any longer. It’s time for the truth.
Marrije
Martha