"It took me years to discover what I call my tunneling process, by which I tell the past by installments, as I have a need for it. But you cannot do this sort of thing consciously.” -- Virginia Woolf
Author Virginia Woolf used what she referred to as her “tunneling process” to get to her story via her subconscious. This exercise helps you play with your own tunneling process through sound and music.
Tools: Your computer with Youtube access and earbuds or headphones.
Paper and pens ( you will be drawing and writing).
Read through all three elements before you begin.
(element one) READ these thoughts about VW’s diaries -- some in her own words.
In her diaries, Virginia Woolf talks about the four dimensions of writing - I, Not I, Outer, Inner.
I being her voice, Not I being the characters, Outer being the setting and characters as they appear on the surface, and Inner being, obviously, the character’s interior world -- her most famous perspective.
Additional VW quotes about her writing process:
“I think writing; my writing is a species of mediumship.”
“I dig out beautiful caves behind my characters: I think that gives exactly what I want: humanity, humor, depth. The idea is that the caves shall connect, and each comes to daylight at the perfect moment.”
“It took me years to discover what I call my tunneling process, by which I tell the past by installments, as I have a need for it. But you cannot do this sort of thing consciously.”
(element two) LISTEN: Dean Hurley: Anthology Resource Vol. 1 (almost 40 minutes)
Find a quiet place to listen to this haunting music and sounds. Then . . .
(element three) WRITE & DRAW: Have your pad of paper on your lap, ready to write or draw. Write and draw with your eyes closed for 40 minutes and see what appears. Use several pages, if needed.
I hope you find V. Woolf & The Tunneling Process a compelling At Home Art Date.
I curate provocative art dates for you to enjoy solo or with others in your own home. Many of these art dates have online elements combined with supplemental reading, listening, and a variety of activities you can do at home to enhance how you express and experience art. Feel free to forward these art dates to others. Remember to check out the bonus material below.
These art dates are free of charge. However, they do take time, energy, and a lifetime of artistic experience to put together. If you’d like to buy me a cup of tea as a bit of thanks, I’d appreciate your generosity.
Yours,
Pattie
Bonus Material: