Art is the ‘fingerprint’ of the soul, says Stuart Mitchell

Within the harmonic structure of our fragile existence, lies a symphonic connection that often unites us all under the vibrant shade of a ‘singular’ melody. And, it is through this discovery that artistes have time and again sought solace within the sonic realms of melodies and notes. While exploring the unknown depths of compassion and expression, Scottish pianist and composer Stuart Mitchell, too, stumbled upon the transformative power of music and the beauty of its simplicity. With melody deeply ingrained in his soul, the artiste sincerely believes that through music mankind has discovered the power of true connection and unconditional love.

Unearthing the hidden music locked in DNA sequences and discovering a motley assortment of melodies in medieval structures, this revolutionary artiste has dedicated his entire life to harmonising the endless shades of distinction between art and science. In 2005, a collaborative project with his father led the music composer to unravel a secret musical code hidden in the intricate carvings of the Rosslyn Chapel (whose unusual structures and masonic symbolism played a significant role in the novel The Da Vinci Code). By matching the Chladni patterns on the carvings with musical notes corresponding to the same frequencies, the father-and-son team produced the hauntingly beautiful Rosslyn Motet. Thereby, introducing music’s Holy Grail to humanity.

With The Song of Eve and The Human Genome Project not only did Stuart manage to extract strings of ancestral melodies that defined our identity but he also realised that vibrations and waves were largely responsible for our existence. In fact, the project provided an extraordinary opportunity for musicians and artistes to express our ancestral mitochondrial DNA data in music, sound and emotion.

In an interview conducted a few years ago, Mitchell also accentuated on the fact that working with the music in a DNA sequence is an education unto its own. He said, “Although I am purely a musician, I have found myself understanding a great deal about genetics and the mechanisms that make it work. I felt that I was working with a musical score and the amino acids were the orchestra. It really is a symphony of life in its truest sense. DNA music is a new form and medium of music that will be greatly appreciated by musicians, artistes and scientists alike. Moreover, it is highly beneficial for education by combining two disciplines together that is educative and creative at the same time.”

As a part of A Question at a Time, Stuart Mitchell shares with us his thoughts on our current human identity, the morality of existence and the transcendental power of art. 

Excerpts from the interview…

1. Most people give up on their dreams because they have their doubts on whether or not they could achieve something. Science tells us that every man is born with an empty slate. Do you think people are gifted with an in-born talent OR are the choices that people make define who they are?

I believe everyone is born as an artist. It is either developed or forgotten as life unfolds through personal choices and decision, parental and environmental circumstances or unfortunately just against many wrong factors that encumber the development of those potentials. Art is always looked upon as a bit of a ‘gamble’; nothing is guaranteed about this career at all. But the real drive is the love that a person has for art and how much they want to be a part of this language. Art is fundamentally a language of complex and wide ranging expression of the artist and his world. It cannot be compared to anything materialistic. It has to come from the heart of a person, or the dream fades into a distant wish that once held occupancy in your heart and mind. To be an artist, or not to be an artist, that is the inner question that will only be answered by your heart. An artist follows his or hers heart every day.

2. Could you elaborate on the statement ‘Everybody has an artist in him’? 

It is absolutely true! We are drawn to leaving our creative experiences here in the physical realm after we depart. It is important for us to enable humanity, create new goals, expressions, feelings and bonding. Art is the glue that holds the spirit of humanity to the physical universe eternally.

3. Do you think self-doubt is the only thing that stands between a person and what he wants to achieve?

Not essentially. For example, before I perform anywhere, hours before I begin, I have a little self-doubt in myself about whether I can pull this performance off. But the inner battle of confidence and doubt is always won by an inner belief that all that matters is you and the music, your dance with it and your enjoyment of creating it. Self-doubt is something conquered by a balance of inner knowing and technical confidence mixed with a little nerves, which is always good for an electrically charged performance. Eventually every musician and artist will say, “Ok, let’s just go for it. No room for self-doubt now. We are flying.”

4. Being a universal language that speaks so strongly against demarcations with respect to caste, creed, race, religion, etc, do you think art instills a sense of hope in mankind or do you think it opens up a whole new dimension of escapism?

I think art is a bridge between the creative, spiritual and physical realm. ‘Escape’ has its context yes, but the expression of our world in geometry, colors, sound and creative perceptions carries more value to the human race than today’s society can comprehend. It is a foundation to our collective voice. Michelangelo could express the voice of millions who lived and died during his existence; because those ‘million voices’ and nature in his time, inspired him to paint his art. So, the duality continues throughout time until it is suspended by social and material commercialism. 

5. People believe that competition is necessary for innovation but it seems like people who have been working or contributing substantially to humanity have been doing so not for competing with other people but for the love of doing whatever they do. Do you think the competitive spirit that whole of humanity swears by helps push one’s true potential or limits it?

I believe in competitiveness but compassion carries a brighter candle in my world.

6. Do you think any kind of creative greatness is a gift or is it something that comes with a person evolving constantly as a human being? 

Not really, I feel it is a part of a plan that is already established as a part of your life matrix. Everyone comes here for this brief time with a plan. These misconceptions of ‘gift’, ‘genius’ are us looking at something we all collectively planned to make our reality interesting and exciting. I am you and you are me.

7. Today, we often find ourselves tangled in mindless indulgence that leads to a meaningless existence. Our incessant obsession with stupidity has led us to believe that anything that is important or even remotely intellectual is reserved for the older generation. And, being young is often confused as acting stupid? Your thoughts…

I have a son of 15, Lewis, who hangs out with other kids. He brings his friends home and I play Mozart on the piano to them. They stand back in awe and sincerely ask, ‘How the heck do you do that? I want to be able to do that.’ Is there any reason for them not being able to do it? In my opinion, it is the lack of education and exploration of every potential in an individual which breeds this ignorance. We need to embrace and understand the importance of exploring our inner minds as in Sufi and Vedic teachings. Our Western education is a ‘dumbing down’ system that constantly discourages young potentials from experiencing themselves and what ‘hidden’ talents they may have. The root of what you are asking is in the failure of education to give children the full scope of potential and teachings that have worked and existed for centuries. We are run by a censorship system that results in a society of ‘could have beens’. This is because of bad educational principals and a total disregard of the power and beauty of what art can bring to an individual’s life.

8. Do you think religion is necessary for moral conduct? Do you think the presence of a higher governing body is the only way that people that will accept and appreciate the virtues of life?

Perhaps, religion is the ‘spanner in the works’ that confuses something already known to the individual. I don’t agree with religious belief systems on earth unless it was one whole ‘collective’ agreement that resembled the truth the way I perceive it.

9. Jiddu Krishnamurti once said, “It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Your thoughts on the same? 

If you ask an ‘insane’ person in an asylum how he feels about the doctors and nurses ‘caring for him’, he will tell you they are ‘crazy’.

10. Do you think mankind will ever find peace in this lifetime? 

I would love to believe it. But it will take an extreme re-evaluation of the factors concerned with a collective agreement to overcome the obstacles that have been placed before us by covert and manipulative egos in power and holding onto all the wealth.

11. Do you think "the identity of a being" has a certain amount of creative or non-creative influence in any art form OR do you think as an artiste it is important for one to dissolve their identity and connect with all beings sans any preconceived notions?

 I believe art is the ‘fingerprint’ of the soul. That’s why after three or four notes of Mozart, you can recognise the music as Mozart’s. It’s such a brilliant and enjoyable way to embed your personality into an eternal art form.

12. Do you think a talent or any sill can be nurtured for a lifetime?

Humanity is drawn to the expression of its individual talent. Every living organism wants to be ‘different’, bold and creative. Artists fundamentally nurture themselves through their own personal journey in art and by learning from other great artists who pushed the boundaries of the form. 

13. Alberto Giacometti once said, "The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity." Your thoughts on the same…

Art is a mirror of reality, a measure and vision of how one see’s the universe we live in. It is as important today as has been since the very dawn of time. Only the value of its perception and substance has fluctuated due to commerciality and exploitation of what is real art and what is superficially abstract. The importance of maintaining the correct values in Art are comparable to maintaining of a healthy and vibrant physical body. It is a nutrient of life.

14. As an artist what are you trying to achieve in your life through your art form? 

Art in general is a duality to me, a way of discovering yourself and a potential to open the hearts and minds of others sharing this reality with me. It is to me, the ultimate communication, the endless language that connects all life and matter, as one. Nature is art and our art is a reflection of such beauty. My goal as a spiritual artist is the evocation of beauty from the realms of the spiritual to enhance and communicate with all of nature and the physical plane. Although my music approaches feelings and depths I never even knew existed in me until I realized I had composed it. So music is really showing me the unknown depths of my heart, mind and soul in ways I never realized, nor was even aware of. Music is teaching me awareness, compassion and a whole multitude of emotions and realizations. It is my spiritual teacher, my guru.

15. What do you think is the root cause of all the problems in the society? 

The want of money through greed and personal gain is what will destroy us all. The concept of selfish material gain is the greatest drawback to humanity progressing and developing as a species. The money concept is the stumbling block, pure and simple.

16. What is it about music that intrigues you the most?

Music is a silver thread, a life line that gives me hope to cling on to, in an ocean of confusion. Art and music are a rock in my life that keeps my sanity and ethics in place. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once said, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” And, when I was learning piano at the age of five, there was a silence to fill; a potential without distraction that beckoned my attention. In a world with no mobile phones, computers or internet, there were much less distractions in my world to pull me away or become an excuse to ignore my practice and the music. 

So we must also look upon ‘noise’ as not just merely sound, but anything in the world that contributes to a distraction from the now. Even our own thoughts are polluted by outside influences and subsequently distract us from our main focus. 

In a sense, silence is a paradox since it is charged with both positive and negative energy. You often hear the phrase ‘you could cut the atmosphere with knife’ brought about usually by a ‘shocking’ or sometimes a sad but respectful moment of silence. On the other hand, the moment before a pianist begins a recital, there is a ‘charged’ momentary pause as the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and excitement for what is about to come. If silence can be both positive and negatively charged, it is only altered by we make it. Silence is what we make it, ever listening, ever reacting to our feelings and freely providing an atmosphere appropriate to the moment. Perhaps silence is that moment when anything is possible. Life/silence is what we make it.  

17. As an artiste what exactly are you trying to achieve in your life through music?

I would say it amounts to a clearer, highly personal and communicative understanding with me and the world around me. I am also very interested in the acoustic properties of sound and where it leads in nature. It seems both silence and sounds are sacred on this planet. So, my new research is actually into the realms of silence and its deeper meaning and influence upon sound. Ultimately, I would like to understand how music works, its effects upon us all and how we can employ its principals to an even greater value for the benefit of all mankind and their future?

18. If we are all matter and energy vibrating at a particular frequency, according to you how does music really fit in, in our existence?  

Nature employs musical principals in order to define the forms and structure we see around us. All life is a frequency, and a frequency produces a lattice of geometric patterns (cymatics). From this understanding, I perceive the universe to be wholly made up of resonance and vibratory patterns that define and add the forms and structures to all we see from butterflies to nebulae.

19. Any upcoming projects we need to look forward to? 

My Human Genome Music Project has really touched the hearts of many people and I hope to have this recorded and released by the end of the year along with my first Symphony.

I have just completed a motion picture soundtrack that is about the connection of humanity to earth. Grounded was created for the founder of Earthing Institute, Clint Ober. It basically documents one man’s journey to re-establish a long held belief that the earth provides an abundant and natural source of therapeutic and health giving properties. 

My biggest desire is to use cinema as a means of social change, says Shekhar Kapur

Establishing a subliminal relationship with mankind, cinema has always been the epitome of exploration, discovery and acceptance. The transformation of characters and transcendence of expressions on screen have evoked powerful emotions that often mirror our reaction to the current social landscape.

While exploring the various dimensions of depth and revealing to the world the raw-rustic nature of mankind; filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has always experimented with the concept of ‘human reality’ in his films. Be it Masoom – a gut wrenching tale of infidelity and family bond or Bandit Queen -- a thought provoking epic based on the life of Phoolan Devi (Indian dacoit turned politician) that also depicted the dark side of rural India -- his movies have had an intrinsic appeal to Indian audiences. Though the unvarnished nature of his subjects have often been questioned by various sections of the society, the filmmaker’s bold attempt at tackling fundamental problems plaguing mankind is laudable.

Excerpts from the interview…

1. At what point did you realise that cinema would be your medium of expression?

I always wanted to be a filmmaker. And, my inspiration or desire to pursue cinema came from cinema itself. In fact, I drew my inspiration from films I watched as a kid in huge theatre halls that could seat at least 3,000 people. A film is all about getting people to laugh, act and emote. To me, it was one of the greatest experiences watching those films.

2. Can cinema be used as a powerful tool for bringing about a massive social change?

Well, as you make films and pass through various phases of life, different aspects of cinema intrigue you differently at each time. There was a time when I was enticed by the idea of creating films around Indian mythology for the international market. Currently, my biggest intrigue or rather my desire is to use cinema as a means of social change. Yes, it can be done and that’s what I am fascinated with right now.

3. As an artiste, how would you describe your relationship with an art form like cinema?

Well, I am passionate about what I do otherwise I do not do it. I have always been an environmentalist. So, my next venture ‘Paani’ comes from the love for the environment. There are concerns that need to be addressed! I believe passion always comes from where you are with your life at a given point. For example, if you are desperately in love, you will write a passionate love story. And, it doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘serious’. For instance, some of the best comedies are extremely passionate. Look at Charlie Chaplin’s work! His comic sense was phenomenal and he was incredibly serious about what he did. Right now, in India, things are changing and I think that we are all becoming increasingly aware of our responsibilities.

4. Tell us about your next film ‘Paani’.

‘Paani’ is a simple story about a futuristic world where people have migrated to mega cities; and the rural areas have completely died out. The infrastructure in the mega cities that now hold 30 to 40 million people is despicable. And, the water in the city has run out. Soon, the city divides itself into those who have water (which is about ten to fifteen percent of the people) and those who don’t. Eventually, the rich use water as a weapon of political and social control. So, the concept of democracy has now become simpler — you give us votes we will give you water. It is a very simple equation. Because water has been privatised, it goes to areas that offer the best price and not areas that need it the most. It is being used for profit. This kills the whole world as water is the fundamental resource required to sustain life.

5. Currently, the identity of Indian cinema is fluctuating between melodramatic pop cultures to a seemingly bitter taste of Indian reality, with the former getting far more attention. Your thoughts on the same?

Cinema is pop culture. Anybody who denies that will be living on the fringes of cinema. It is the pop art of our century and it will continue to be so. Well, I think internet will take over soon but in the last 60-70 years, cinema has been the most pop or popular culture as it expresses itself in many ways and a large part of this expression is young, restless, dramatic, melodramatic and over dramatic. It largely adapts itself from folk art forms like nautanki. A sense of great stories that are drenched in morality is essentially underlying these art forms. And, that’s the essence of Indian cinema. At times, in a constantly evolving society, we are always looking for change and wanting to experiment with changing values. The transition from old society values to new ones is where we are as a society today; and that is how Indian cinema is behaving at the moment.

6. Do you think cinema instills a sense of hope in mankind or has it opened up new dimensions of escapism today?

Cinema is escapism. All mythology is escapism. In Ramayana, ultimately Ram wins. All story telling has a fundamental ‘moral base’. And, this is how the society understands morality. Henceforth, the elder brother must get the throne and the younger brother is expected to make certain sacrifices. This is a societal moral. The wife must give up and is expected to be an idol of purity. This is a societal embrace of the morality. And, therefore our mythology and cinema have represented that. There are many filmmakers who will try and subvert that to get a larger subtext (like what I did with ‘Bandit Queen’). For instance, there could be people questioning the fact that Sita had to undergo a test of faith. So, there are many ways in which people can explore story telling. In India, cinema is derived from mythology. And, mythology has always been a higher definition of the morals of the society. Well, one could say that cinema accentuates and keeps those moralities alive long after they have any relevance.

7. Do you think there’s more freedom in making experimental  cinema in the west rather than India?

Absolutely. And, that freedom is not defined by the source to make films but by how the finance comes. There is greater finance for experimental cinema in the west. And I am absolutely sure that if that finance was available in India, Indian filmmakers would wake up. But, somehow the financial sector refuses to believe that the audiences are ready. And, till the financial sector believes that they are ready, the creative sector has their hands tied down.

8. Do you think the fear of failure is one of the driving factors of us settling with the illusion of freedom we have today?

Well, I don’t think it is the fear rather the inertia that drives people towards certain behaviour. It is easier to accept and then behave within the realms of acceptance of the lack of freedom. Therefore, inertia settles in. Once this inertia sets in a society, it really needs shaking up. It needs individuals who would come forward to remind you that you are failing. Or, it needs a threat. And, I think that currently in our society what we call corruption is so immense in people’s lives that they see it as a larger threat than the inertia. And, it takes some kind of threat to shake you out of your beliefs. So you see, it is not the threat but rather the inertia that is drawn by the lack of hope. And, the ruling classes recognise the fact that at one point people will lose hope and give up.

9. What aspect of acting intrigues you the most?

I think acting can be very therapeutic. From the moment actors take the idea of being those parts and living that moment, it is an exhilarating experience. And, that’s why it is such an addictive profession. The problem with acting is that it is often associated with narcissism and vanity. And as long as you don’t allow these two elements to take over, it is fine. But, the moment narcissism and vanity take control, the fear of ageing increases at a massive scale.

10. You mentioned once that an ego less state could lead to craziness. Have you ever experienced peace amidst all the chaos?

Craziness is the representation of acting beyond the very structures of the inertia. If you act beyond the prescribed box, then people will call you crazy. So, if your actions do not comply with the traditional norms, then you are defined crazy. Well, I never use the word peace. When you come out and face the beginnings of trying to find a zone, the entire process is quite turbulent. And, the journey towards that zone is the greatest, most traumatic and frightening adventure you can ever have because you are facing your inner demons. And, when that happens, you are not peaceful at all. You are in absolute turmoil. If you want peace, take a pill.

‘Everybody is creative in one way or the other’: Jatin Das

"Life is more important than art. Everything and everyone has the ability to bring about change. A lot of people are caught up in the material world and they don't notice the beauty around them," said artist Jatin Das. With the ability to caress and transform the unconventional through visual imagery, poetry and art; the artist has found a way to fundamentally connect with each mortal soul thriving on this planet.

Filled with intensity and passion, his eccentric ways of sketching human figures, relationships and emotional tension have brought forth new dimensions in the contemporary Indian art spectrum.

Most of his paintings represent a certain amount of liberation and sincerity. The fluid textures, passionate expressions and linearity of his images reveal an intrinsic beauty lurking beneath his paintings. In conversation with City Express, the artist spoke about his love for art and spirituality.

Born in the princely state of Mayurbhanj,  Jatin Das's tryst with art began at a very young age. "I grew up in a traditional Hindu family. However, I am neither a religious person nor an atheist. I stand alone. When I look back now, I realise that I had an extremely holistic and sensitive upbringing. I had a beautiful little garden which I looked after and would spend all my time there. In fact, I nurtured the garden and that constitutes a major part of my upbringing and creativity. And, I grew up looking at period architecture and visiting libraries," said Das.

With dreams in his eyes and hope in his heart, Jatin Das came to Mumbai to study art at the age of 17. In fact, he believes that he had another holistic upbringing in Bombay by way of exposure to different art forms. "In order to save money, I would sketch and walk all the way to my hostel. So, I went through that kind of hardship, self-imposed discipline and never compromised on my work at all. And, that journey of ethics and involvement still continues. When you are talking about creativity, I feel everybody is creative in some way or the other. I think it is important for a person to weed out all unnecessary things in life and get into the deeper aspects. This will make you intense and passionate. Your creativity has to be coupled with spirituality. It is your own journey. Frankly, to be an artist you need many lives. One life is not enough," said the artist who further added that the entire creative process is much more enriching than the final product.

One summer afternoon, 27 years ago, Jatin Das saw a friend sitting depressed in his studio in Nizamuddin. The artist picked up a pankha (hand fan) and candidly said, "Let me stir the still air." And, thus began his journey of collecting pankhas. Today, his collection boasts of over 6,500 traditional fans that haven been painstakingly procured from all over the world. The artist feels that traditional crafts have survived in India because rural folk still make and use them. He would often ask chowkidars, cooks and peons for hand fans because they are people who are still connected to our tradition. "Despite having a rich cultural background, Indians are not really concerned about their roots. It is not a part of our living. It is not a part of our curriculum. Indians have alienated themselves from their culture and simply aping Western paradigms," said Das whose latest project involves painting a mural for the Bangalore International Airport.

According to the artist, there are very few people in our country who live like artists. It is important for every individual to choose his or her own path of enlightenment.

"Don't do anything that is not meaningful. Don't read a book for the sake of passing time. Read a poem which will enlighten you. Look at a painting that will elevate you. It is a fantastic challenge when you don't know what you are going to do next. There is an inner discipline, an inner flow of energy which then becomes your guiding force," he said.