I Remember by S. Sondheim

Calvin Ray S.

• Artist Statement

  I heard this song originally while slowly working my way through the expansive and immaculate portfolio of Stephen Sondheim. It was from one of the last Sondheim projects I discovered, "Evening Primrose," a TV special about a man who discovered a community of people who live in a department store, pretending to be lifeless dummies during the day and coming out at night. He falls in love with a girl named Ella who has been longing to see the world outside the department store, but who is not allowed to leave for fear she'd reveal their secret. It's one of Sondheim's most romantic and emotional scores, and this song instantly made an impression on me for its beautiful leaping melodies, its yearning harmonies, and its message of feeling disconnected from the world and relying on metaphors and fantasies to conjure up a life worth living.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity's both a skill I use in life-to solve problems efficiently, lead people effectively, or understand new perspectives-and in disengaging with life when it's overwhelming or unfulfilling. I turn to art as an audience member or creator to process and release my internalized state of being.