TV

Last night, before watching the latest episode of Flash Forward, Chris said, "Remind me how the last one ended."

My reply: "The guy from Coupling who was in the girl from Lost's flash forward got a call from Charlie from Lost saying something about them being responsible, and the Shakespeare guy told his coworker to call the hacker."

Oddly enough, he understood me.

Engaging in art starts in areas close to home. As you learn how to construct meaning with the artist, you can expand into more unfamiliar circles to stretch and develop.

1. Your favorite TV show: What do you enjoy about this show? How is it unique? How do the writing, camera angles, colors, dialogue, etc. work together? What is the premise and what does that premise say about humanity? What does it say about the world? How do the characters develop and grow? Do you see yourself in them?
   For example, Pushing Daisies uses bright colors to show grace and joy in second chances. The premise of Dexter takes the hero--Batman, Superman, or the western vigilante--and puts a twist on it.
2. This weekend's movie: As you watch a movie this weekend, consider how the storyline develops, the motivations, ethics, and development of the characters, and the images used in the movie. Pay attention to how the director framed the world of the movie. What is the subject of the movie? What does the movie say about that subject? As you did with your TV shows, think about what that says about humanity and the world. Do you agree or disagree with this? Would you act differently than the characters? Why or why not?
   For example, Chocolat shows the risk of joy and grace in a controlled environment. It contrasts rich colors of reds and oranges against the dreary grays of the town, structures the story along the liturgical calendar of Lent to Easter, and uses chocolate as a sacrament. It also forces the townspeople to find joy and grace in unexpected characters. Sweeney Todd shows the depravity of humanity through one man's story of revenge. In this singular purpose, Sweeney destroys life rather than rediscovering it.
3. A local gallery: After taking in the whole exhibit, find one or two pieces in the gallery to engage with and spend time with them. How does the artist use colors, lines, and spaces? Is it abstract or traditional? What emotions does it invoke? How does the title relate to the piece? Does it make you think of another artist's work? What is the subject matter of the piece? How does that relate to your life?
4. A concert: This can be symphonic or popular music. Before going, learn about the composer or singer/songwriter. If going to a symphony orchestra, read about the piece they will be playing--the influences, musical themes, styles, structure etc. When there, see if you can pick out the themes. Close your eyes and enter into the music, following it like a roller coaster. Does it conjure images or colors? What emotions do you feel? If going to a popular concert, consider how the lyrics and music work together. How does the artist deviate from typical songs? Are there places that surprise you? How do the lyrics relate to your life?

These are a few ideas to get you started in engaging art. As you think about the art created around you, think of ways that you can respond through your own art and life, whether by choosing an art form (e.g. painting, poetry, sewing, journaling, collaging) or incorporating your response in your life (e.g. your job, household chores).

Dear Writers,

Thank you for giving me a brilliant, thought-provoking show for three and a half years. I realize the difficulty of keeping up the wow factor after an extended period of time and appreciate your dilemna. That being said, the last half of season four, including the finale, disappointed me. The shortcuts you did not allow yourself to take for three and a half years accumulated in the finale.

LOS ANGELES—Cable network Animal Planet announced its most ambitious foray into reality-TV programming yet Monday with The Zoo, a weekly, hourlong show in which members of a diverse, all-animal cast square off in a single 3,200-square-foot home in the San Fernando Valley.

For those of you who are Lost fans and haven't watched last night's season finale episode yet, STOP RIGHT HERE!