9 Comments
User's avatar
D.M. Jorgenson's avatar

Great bit of insight and reminder here. It's making me wonder myself whether there is a priority in the senses, more than just a preference but an absolute priority. Perhaps our dissolution of touch in favor of (especially) sight is part of why we feel so disconnected from our world and ourselves.

Expand full comment
Michael Spicher (ARL)'s avatar

I'm hesitant to think there is any 'absolute' priority. But it's an interesting question. And in some contexts, a priority seems fairly clear. Seeing is prioritized for paintings, and hearing for music.

I wholeheartedly agree that touch may become more important as the digital world is currently limited to seeing and hearing.

Expand full comment
D.M. Jorgenson's avatar

Your post kicked off some strange thoughts for me which I just posted. Would love your thoughts on my observations if you’ve the mind. Thanks again so much for your thoughtful essay! https://open.substack.com/pub/ashandart/p/making-non-sense-of-sense?r=5jnoa5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Expand full comment
Brian Hagood's avatar

I’m glad you explored this under-appreciated side of aesthetics. Very interesting!

Expand full comment
Michael Spicher (ARL)'s avatar

I thought I was taking a break to get lost in a movie, and then this connection with aesthetics of touch became apparent... (Aesthetics never sleeps!).

Expand full comment
Satanic Fragment's avatar

I love this essay so much.

Expand full comment
Michael Spicher (ARL)'s avatar

Thank you for reading and letting me know you enjoyed it!

Expand full comment
Satanic Fragment's avatar

The story of buying your first bass was an near identical conversation I had getting into DJing, audio, and lighting. It brought back some happy memories.

Also, your newsletter is helping me learn to connect better with my partner, who has two visual arts degrees, and another friend who has an incredible love of fashion. Your work means a lot to me. Now I just need to get working again so I can give you so $$$.

Expand full comment
Michael Spicher (ARL)'s avatar

People commonly roll their eyes at me when I say I don't like Fender basses. I can see that others make them sound good, but I do not like the way they feel (the head is way too heavy!).

Thanks again for your incredibly kind words! Analytics can tell me that people are opening these newsletters, but it's so meaningful to hear directly that people are enjoying them!! Thank you!

Expand full comment