I dare you (and myself): be vulnerable to magic of affection. Let in the sweetness.

Working and reworking the kawaii power presentation has gifted me the opportunity to reflect on many subjects close to my heart. Magic, vulnerability, belief, sincerity. All the cheesy words I repeat. Ah, and cynicism. Always lurking in my shadow. So this talk was just as much a sharing of my spirit and passion and hope as it was a mantra to myself:

Be vulnerable to the magic of affection. Let in the sweetness.

We all need reminders to soften. To notice we might be clenching our fists, distancing from those we love or whom love us, hiding behind our masks. I know I do. I’m on a continuous journey to reconnect with my capacity for warmth. And it’s really hard sometimes. But we have so many hidden treasures and friends around to help us: Totoro, Kiki, music, cats, cupcakes, sushi, a waft of fresh forest air, a silly random endearing connection with something, somewhere, anywhere.

Perhaps, as we grow older and often more suspicious, doubtful/skeptical, and distanced, we need to re-open our hearts to vulnerability, softness, and tenderness. Perhaps cuteness can be one of the sounds of empathy and sincerity. 

So here’s to more sweetness to share.

Not overpowering, not excessive, hopefully just the right amount to bring out all the magical flavors of life~ soft and fluffy, Japanese cheesecake style.

Nom nom nom,

xoxo,

Skye.pianist

For details/archive/script of the presentation, go here!

« a love & embrace of cuteness: reigniting hope, innocence, and vulnerability within the cynic »
— skye.pianist
Tong Wang

Tong Wang is a Canadian artist leading innovative initiatives across areas of performance, research, and community engagement. Her projects explore the role of art in relation to identity, culture, and current social-political issues. As a soloist and chamber musician, Tong has performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, and ensembles across North America and Europe. As a multidisciplinary artist, she has written the libretto of a new opera, “Labyrinth of Tears”, funded by the Canada Council, FRQSC, and SSHRC, participated in the Napoule Arts Foundation Residency in France, and published an award-winning photo-essay in the literary magazine Carte Blanche. Her other projects include the creative performances “Song of Praise”, “Ghiblilane”, “Once Upon a Pumpkin”, and research on the aesthetic of “cuteness” in popular and classical music. Tong recently toured a recital on multiculturalism, “我们Us” in Lunenburg, Montreal, Basel, and presented the interactive concerts “We’re Not Really Strangers” and “My Neighbours Totoro and Claude!” at the Verbier Festival. In 2022, Tong launched the Windwood Music Festival in Airdrie, Alberta to engage with and support rural farming communities through classical chamber music. In 2023, Tong will be touring with Duo Perdendosi across eastern US & Canada, as well as with Duo Incarnadine in Turkey and China to premiere a new commission by Alice Ho, Four Impressions of China. Using diverse mediums, Tong aims to share the power of art to reach across time, languages, borders, and cultures to connect people and kindle a shared understanding.

https://tong-wang.com
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<3: Pumpkin magic preparations well underway!