A sea creature is in flight above the world, a refugee from Earth’s many perils. He appears larger than the continents superimposed over his body. In texture and color, the background could be his skin. He is of the Earth, and it is of him. His urgency echoes the predicament of the many refugees fleeing for safety from climate, political, and personal dangers across the globe, as well as diasporas throughout time.

The sea creature is restless within a tightly confined space. One of a pair exploring stillness and dynamism.

The sea creature is in frantic motion within his bubble. One of a pair exploring stillness and dynamism.

This work, part of NCWCA’s “Composing the Future” member exhibition, celebrates collaborative creative resilience. During pandemic isolation, artists have been making things and are poised to have a significant impact on how society regroups. I asked composer friends to contribute their work for a combined collage. I am grateful to: Melanie DeMore (vocal music), Myra Melford (improvisational jazz pianist), Rodney Franklin (jazz fusion piano and keyboards), Jake Heggie (opera), and Shelley Doty (rock guitar). They make this work so much bigger than myself!