Concluding Questions
Reconstruct, reimagine, reignite: consider the works of David Irvine as examples of how new art can be made from old things, even those found in thrift stores. Will the future be built from bits of the past, or from materials we haven’t even imagined yet? What would you prefer to see?
Toronto-based artist David Irvine has always had a fondness for old prints found at thrift shops: 'There's a certain nostalgia to them and I really like the old-style frames,' he says. 'You just don't see these in department stores any more.' He used buy them to paint over and reuse as blank canvases, then one day started painting on the pictures themselves. Five years on, he has upcycled hundreds of paintings, adding incongruous pop culture figures such as Darth Vader and Pac-Man to conventional scenes. 'Usually it's a vision that comes to me almost immediately,' he explains, 'whether it's a flying saucer or a piece of steak'. His works combine both a feeling of nostalgia and also offer a fresh take on creativity, showing that creativity can reignite the flames.
Listen to the song “Section 52 (Morning Sun, I Built the Stairs)” by the Polyphonic Spree, and then consider whether it feels more like a song about beginnings, endings, or starting over again. Is it optimistic about what comes next? Are you?
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The Polyphonic Spree is an American choral rock band from Dallas, Texas that was formed in 2000 by singer/songwriter Tim DeLaughter. The band's pop and rock songs are augmented by a large vocal choir, and numerous instruments, including flute, trumpet, french horn, trombone, violin, viola, cello, percussion, piano, guitars, bass, drums, electronic keyboards, and EWI. DeLaughter's previous group, Tripping Daisy, came to an abrupt end in 1999 when guitarist Wes Berggren died of a drug overdose. The Polyphonic Spree was formed, in part, in reaction to Berggren's death. The band faced many struggles, such as being dropped by their label and low record sales. but have survived and become popular at music festivals. They are known for their signature white robes during performance.
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"(Section 52) Morning Sun, I Built the Stairs" by The Polyphonic Spree carries a theme of renewal, personal growth, and the beauty found in both life's challenges and triumphs. The lyrics present a rich tapestry of imagery and
metaphor. References to the "morning sun" symbolize a new beginning or fresh perspective, suggesting a time of clarity and warmth after darkness. The fire "born in the sky" evokes the idea of transformation and passion, hinting at the powerful energies that influence our lives. Lines like "I built the stairs" signify effort and personal investment in reaching one's goals, while "smiling at the goddess of evil" introduces a sense of irony and resilience, acknowledging that challenges are part of the journey. The mention of seasons highlights the cyclical nature of life and the continuous opportunity for growth and change.
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Work with your team to imagine yourselves reuniting in 20 years; you can even use AI tools online to create images of what you’ll like in the future. What kind of world will you be living in, and what sorts of people will you become? Which of your dreams, if any, do you think will need reigniting?
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Twenty years later, we hope we can all look back at WSC as a fond memory of exciting and awkward times and friendship in this amazing community of scholars, locally and globally. Honestly, twenty years is a long time, and coupled with the nearing-exponential growth of technology as well as the looming force of climate change, we don't think we could fathom what the future brings in store for us (let's just hope alpacas don't become extinct). But what I do know is that WSC has given us the curiosity and appreciation to reignite our passions for learning.
- Penelope, Marcello, and Maurizio
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