"I like what I hear as a resulting combination of these two strands... something of a combination of familiarity and, for lack of a better word, strangeness"
About this Quote
The quote by Alex North perfectly records the intricate balance in between the recognized and the unidentified. When North refers to "a resulting combination of these two strands", he appears to be describing an interaction or fusion of components that might at first seem diverse or contrasting. This could pertain to concepts, music, narratives, or any kind of art and expression where familiar components are linked with new, unforeseen, or odd components.
The idea of "familiarity" recommends comfort, acknowledgment, and something that resonates with our past experiences or understanding. Familiar things typically evoke feelings of fond memories or ease, as they align with what we currently understand or anticipate. On the other hand, the component of "strangeness" presents novelty, surprise, and maybe even a little bit of pain or intrigue. This strangeness challenges our perceptions and presses boundaries, motivating us to explore beyond the confines of our established ideas.
North's appreciation of the interplay in between familiarity and strangeness mean a creative tension that is both stimulating and satisfying. It's like listening to a piece of music that utilizes a popular tune but interrupts it with novel rhythms or harmonies, captivating the listener by bridging the gap between the expected and the uncommon. This duality can provoke interest and welcome deeper engagement, as the mind looks for to reconcile the new with the old.
The idea of comfort colliding with the unfamiliar is an effective tool in art and life. It allows for development, growth, and transformation. By merging the recognized with the alien, creators can craft experiences that are abundant, complex, and exceptionally impactful. North's words advise us that true development often lies in this delicate balance, where the heat of the recognized dances with the allure of the new, developing a tapestry that is as bewitching as it is thought-provoking.
