DiJoseph's SynapTIC Adventure Blog

Academy Awards DAY: a Local artist

2012-02-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today, on the the morn of The Academy Awards I am featuring a fellow artist.
From time to time I will feature a 'Synaptic Adventure' of unique and unusual
folks and their creative offerings to the world on a local level. Today's artist will tell
you about his unique approach to accessible art.

DAVE Gerbstadt

Greetings to all. I have painted a 56 foot long mural in Berwyn this pastAugust (2011)
with fellow painter Geoffrey Partridge.
The mural is located behind 800 east lancaster ave berwyn,
(behind the Betsy Daily dance school in berwyn)
Geoffrey is on face book too-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/1-Art-Request/104812936228423?ref=ts

I am selling my art for $1 by mail - so far mailed art to England, Scotland, and
15 states in the USA! Here is a face book page for this project-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/1-Art-Request/104812936228423?ref=ts
Mail me a self addressed stamped envelope and $1
and I will mail back a piece of art to you.

Selling my art from my home for $1 as well.
There are over 20 wooden sculpture in my yard all $1 each.
Paintings, drawings, etc. $1

Speaking and doing workshops at schools are in the works.

Thank you Stephen for contacting me.

My email is davidgerbstadt@gmail.com
or just message me here on face book.

COMPULSION....

2012-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed. I haven't blogged for MONTHS. And yet it feels like only WEEKS! Fortunately, I HAVE been doing! I'm working on a movie about my
Synaptic Adventure, Tourettes. So my lack of Synaptic Adventure Blog posts is NOT representative of a lack of ...well...DOING! I'm starting a new trend, though. Today's blog marks the start of what will be a weekly event.

That said, How have you been? What are you up to? What do you WANT to be up to? If you were up to THAT thing you wanted to be up to, WHERE would you be up to it at? Geographically, philosophically, economically, AND.. anatomically? No need to answer those questions, unless you feel you must. Have to. Feel...COMPELLED to! Compulsion. It's a force. Of nature. HUMAN nature.
Or is it? ONLY human? Instinct is NOT Compulsion. Instinct is survival Compulsion is more akin to..DESIRE. Consequently, arguably human.

So by all means, feel..free...ANSWER the questions!

WHATs Happening!!??

2011-08-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hello fine folks!

I just got back from a fantastic "Jam Band " festival called Jam at the Grove and let me tell you, these band where TOP NOTCH awesome! Video below...

I have been searching for fresh musical talent (to my ears) to bring into my movie project and I have MORE-than found that! An excellent guitar wiz/one-man-band-type dude is Keith Kenny (video below) ..a band named Papadosio. SO...the script for A SynapTIC Adventure: Tourettes and Beyond expands as there will be cameo-type appearances by some of these awesome musical comrades.

ALSO I met a camera person...who has Tourettes! Haha...I hope that doesn't... shake... you up! LOL...Quite honestly, there is a strong focus-abiltiy quality about this fine brain anomaly that enables incredible concentration. In one of his books titled 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat' , author/physician Oliver Sacks tells the story of a brain surgeon in British Columbia who has TS. This surgeon would tic and tic-swear and tic-throw things at the 'fridge when at home. His wife explains to Sacks that "this is where he can cut loose"! A BRAIN SURGEON!... can you imagine?! woah! "nurse?...scalpel...oops!...replacement nurse?... scalpel...oops! new replacement nurse?..." Seriously though, he is excellent and steady of hand during procedures. Amazing brain. However, I'm quite sure he had to work to gain the confidence of his follow surgeons...and patients.

It has been my experience that explanation followed by demonstration is
crucial to the brain's ability to comprehend in a holospheric manner. So,
here's some video:
Oliver Sacks

Keith Kenny

Papadosio

It worked!

2011-07-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

So...the last time I wrote, I told you all about my raising funds
through this cool site called Kickstarter. Well, it worked! At least
for some basic funds for producing a short film. This will be my first
25 minute film. Very exciting ..very captivating..very...hard to edit down
to that time length! And why , you might ask, am I limiting the running time?

It all began, 14 years ago when a couple friends and I began to talk about
my Tourette experience as an adventure and I began to think of it as a ..collaborative energy that strongly affects my artistic experience. Out of this rose the phrase 'SynapTIC Adventure'. I've earned the name 'Captain SynapTIC' just because I feel like I'm sailing a ship over 'twitch-erous' waters! And yet, seemingly effortlessly at times. I suppose once you know your "vehicle" you handle it better. For the most part.

Now , how all this relates to the film length is..I have alot to say. Or Por-tray...well...BOTH! SO...this twenty five minutes is just the beginning.
The story here is universal. How do we deal with urges, overwhelming desires, inordinate drives and ritualistic...uhm...inclinations? This is the subject matter I want to approach with this movie.

Listen, Im not just talikn' ticcy here! It's the human dimension of this experience that I'm compelled to belch..I mean.. broast..I-I mean to BROACH.(dam!)..
This movie (and book too!) will be about much more than the symptomology of a specific disorder.

As it is for me, it will be nerve-racking, fun, funny, curious, thought-provoking,
and a rather personal accounting of "A SynapTIC Adventure: Tourettes AND Beyond" !

the ULTIMATE SYNAPTIC ADVENTURE!!!....

2011-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

This just may be the
ULTIMATE SYNAPTIC ADVENTURE BLOG to date!

I'm SO excited!!!!
Recently I decided to pitch the idea of a movie and soundtrack
to the web-based arts fundraising platform, kickstarter.com.
I have been thinking about this project for several years. Its tells an autobiographical, yet universal, story of growing up (and being) noticeably..."different". Sometimes that "difference" seems so close to "normal" that others don't know what to make of it.

The project has been "accepted" and is now 6 days into it's 45-day
into the campaign for funding! yea! It's called "A SynapTIC Adventure". In my case, the emphasis is on.. TIC. I've created a 5+ minute video that will give the viewer a reasonably good idea of what I'm planning to do: A movie/soundtrack with songs, tales, tangents, trials, triumphs and some kinda revelation ; ) Created: cause I GOTTA! ; ) Intended: to entertain, inform and inspire and have a hell of a lot of fun doing so!!

I have been thinking about this project for several years. 'A SynapTIC Adventure' tells an autobiographical, yet universal, story of adaptation, determination and collaboration: a story about growing up (and being) noticeably..."different".Sometimes that difference seems so close to "normal" that others don't know what to make of it. For me that "noticeable" difference is Tourettes Syndrome. I'm going to tell this story from an emotional/ experiential point of view. Fact and fantasy will be wrapped in a colorful, animated, real/surreal, musical, challenging and comedic journey. There are many talented people that I'm very excited to work with in the process

As the story "unfolds", plots thicken and cameras capture, I will
most certainly share steps along the way with you here on my SA blog. Here ya go....

CROWdSOURCING.....

2011-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

As someone who finds organization a challenge, I am beginning to more deeply appreciate things like paper clips, rubber bands and...Tweetdeck.

On Sat March 19, I attended the COMMUNITY BLOG expo hosted by The Daily Local and the Daily Times: two wonderfully active papers in "Crowd sourcing" and social networking. Crowd sourcing: say you're somewhere a reporter is not and you want to share something that the public-at-large should see: you can upload a video or pic to responsive papers who will then make it "airborne" public information! Instant to-the-minute news. Social Media expert/speaker Bob Garrett mentioned that, because of Social Media, he heard of Japan's plight within 8 minutes of the first happening of recent disasters there.
Another story of Bob's was of one "SM pro" who has 2500 active profiles .....I'm dizzy. Of course, you need to watch out for the self-appointed-paparazzi-type- iphone-welding-starved-to-be-famous...hey wait..that's ME!.....Anyways, the good news is ADD-types like my self can find some pretty spiffy ways to manage their "social presence" more efficiently such as Tweetdeck, Hootsuite and Ping.

If reaching lots of humans planet-wide (without spending lots-o-bucks) is your goal... you live in the right times.

it's VALENTINES

2011-02-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's weekend. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14
to honour St. Valentine. Today, I have three videos to share. Last Valentines,
I made a silly love song about a fellow who was rather ... zealous.. with his
love-at-first-sight experience. He get's "stung" but, never the less, remains
determined that's he's found his true love.

This year, something different happened. Now, as you know, I have a strong affinity
for those who are "different" in society both visibly and "invisibly". I combine that
with a sense of humor and the result seems to keep me wondering and laughing
simultaneously (hey i didn't need spell-check for that word!..lol). The creation of a
"new" kind of, shall we say, "dating" site is the end result. My room mate Tom and I
created this and , as always, we take our laughing seriously ; )

enjoy....

I Love You I Do

DreamLover AD

INTRODUCING www.15seconddreamlover.com

Growing talent...

2011-01-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

I had a great experience sharing my music at the Waldorf School of River Valley, Bucks County PA on Dec 11. It was WSRV's annual WINTERFAIR and there was featured some pretty fine young talent that day. Talent in music AND in food... At both the Schools (Bucks and Chester Co...Kimberton PA) there is clearly a knack for the preparation and presentation of ..dam great deserts! FORGET picking one and sticking with it in this place: there were just too many palette-pleasers to settle for such a limit!

I have to say that I don't remember ever experiencing such food at the schools I attended. I DO, however, identify with the support for talent, as I was fortunate enough to have lots in that department while in that formative time.

In High school I had access to a 9-foot Steinway Grand! Yes THAT was a good thing! That ALONE was inspiration enough to stay in school! In my senior year I had 15 study halls a week..ALL of which were spent playing that piano!!

Unlearning.

2011-01-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

I've recently had the great pleasure of attending a meeting for the bloggers
on the Daily Local News of West Chester's 'Blogtown', of which I am the newest member . The day before this meeting, I watched the video below: Sir Ken Robinson regarding a "new" educational paradigm. The correlation for me between the two is the amazing spirit of unity between the "empowered" individual and the "health" of the community on a local level ( and beyond).

As a person with a visible "difference" myself (and among those who, in the classroom setting, had a substantially challenging time),I am considerably blown away by this video and Sir Ken!! Major kudos, Sir Kenneth! I can't help but feel I've found the Holy Grail of Validation, in the sense that I have (and probably MILLIONS of others!) felt this way innately as a child and thereafter for years hence.

I feel very grateful for Sir Ken's work and feel that it is part of my own "effort" when I create, perform and pursue what is most precious to me: individual, creative expression/learning tailored to suit my 'style': my 'way'... as part of the rich community of life on Earth...and beyond.

And a Happy.... New ....Year...

2010-12-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

And a Happy.... New ....Year...

How many times have you heard these words..and what do they mean ?
With each new year we resolve to make a change, a commitment, a move...
or... not. I mean we may NOT go for anything specific. We may actually avoid
the enter event and carry on as we always have.

I have done both, as I imagine many folks have. I now feel, personally, that each moment asks of me the same thing really. No matter what the current event, season or situation:
Am I happy or not? If I'm happy, why change? If I'm not, THAT's why! Of course this way of thinking can create many questions. I hope you all will post your thoughts on this. Happy Hollandaise and ..enjoy the view...see you on the "other" side : )

best wishes
Stephen DiJoseph

And So this is Christmas

2010-12-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

.... A time of endings and beginnings for me.
My first European performance was Dec 2. My first time to Boston was Dec 5. Michael Hedges (my favorite acoustic guitarist) died Dec 5. John Lennon (my childhood inspiration) was murdered on Dec 8. My first record deal was Dec 12 (so was my last one...lol). My first instrument came on Dec 24.

This DEC 4 and 5, I had the privilege of showcasing my new CD at The Prallsville Mill Annual Holiday Craft Show in Stockton, NJ. In the video below, I'm going to feature just a few of the amazing artisans I got to know. They are true masters of their craft and inspire anyone who sees their work! They certainly inspired me to tell you about them! And... one of the high moments for me was: On Sunday the 5th in the AM there was a plumbing problem at my place so, I was detained from my arrival to the Fair. When I arrived, all the vendors told me how they were missing hearing my music. A great way to start my day for sure : )

Music from The Snow is Dancing and Urban Celtic

2010-12-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

Refering back to Blog 1, beginnings, I'll continue with the story of the "Dan's" but first, I need to mention that I showed symptoms of Tourettes Syndrome between age 6-7: One year before the Magnus organ, the same year I started drum lessons. It seemed like Kind-of a blue-plate special: "one order of musical drive with a heaping side order of Tourette's please!"

In the April 13, 2010 edition of the Washington Post I read " [TS] is also associated with creative personalities: Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, writer Samuel Johnson and jazz great Thelonious Monk may have had it."
Well... I for one, will not argue with that possibility since being creative has been an obsessive urgency with me ever since I popped out! I mean.... I clapped out a rhythm while the delivery doctor slapped my hand-sized posterior! ....now at age 5, I FORCE-FED my parents ( and ALL who came across the threshold of our front door) a veritable variety show in which I played MC ( dressed like Mitch Miller including the diablo-like Go-tee ) and performer (lip-syncing to recordings.. playing air guitar and air keyboard).

OK so, back to Dan no. 2..Desiderio. He was very wise in that he demanded I practice what he gave me. You see..well..I kept getting ideas for compositions every time I would work on a piece of music, a piece of course that I DID requested, but NEVER-THE-LESS I COULDN'T resist what I heard! I did however still manage to learn the pieces. Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Mendelssohn, Liszt.IN fact, I was seriously working towards the classical concert stage...with frequent foray's into
creative urgency's mind you. Dan and I would/argue about whether or not a successful pianist could ALSO be a composer. He was thinking classical, while I was thinking Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. My thinking won out. I felt that there were enough classical pianists in the world but there was only one me...
besides... I couldn't stop the ideas! :)o

Here is a video I quickly put together in order to share my first recording titled
'Journey of A Soul' JOAS was recorded on a reel to reel 4 track at 15ips
in one take. It's a bit dramatic, but hey...hope you get a kick... as I did!

THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

One thanksgiving i drove my father's father
to be with my father's..brother, Louis, in Darien CONN.
Born in 1928 in Philadelphia, Louis Dijoseph was a graduate of
the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. After graduating,
he headed to NYC to embark on what became a highly successful
career as an art director in advertising.

Now Louis (and Aunt Nancy's) house was like an aftermath of props
from all the commercials he was involved with: Dr. Pepper, Eastern
Airlines, Japan Airlines, AT&T International, 7-11 Stores, General Foods,
Kentucky Fried Chicken and Adidas athletic shoes to name a few.

I was really so awe-struck by this man who seemed to be doing exactly
what he wanted to be doing. He told me stories of working with
Paul McCartney and Bill Cosby. Larger-than-life to me really at that time.

What I'm thankful for today is what Louis once said to me:
"I always listen to your music, Stephen. It brings me peace.
Keep doing it... because you love it."

INFLUENCES...

2010-11-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

INFLUENCES

My earliest musical recollection is that of a music box in my grandmother's house.
Seems like I spent hours... listening....absorbed in that... mysterious..forlorn...intriguing...captivating
sound-of-a-distant-land melody.

Twenty five years back, I began writing a composition that was eventually called.... RECOLLECTION.
I started writing it while learning (or immediately thereafter) Chopin's Preludes in Eminor and Bminor and, in my mind, I always made an association with those pieces as the primary influence of Recollection. AHHHH...not SO grasshopper!

I inherited that music box when my grandmom passed. Kept it around for years. It wouldn't work so it became
a visual reminder of an amazing woman and a special time. Last week, while blogging about influences, I decided to try and see if it might not ...sing to me again. To my amazement, it...awoke!
Its plaintive, bell-toned melody rang from it's underside and I was drawn right back to that ...feeling...and there is was right before my eyes: the TRUE inspiration of Recollection. Thus the final title .....I have no doubt.

a beginning...

2010-09-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings Daily Local Folks and all other visitors!

I'm Stephen DiJoseph and I'm honored to be asked to share my blog with you all. I call it " DiJoseph's Synaptic Adventure." You see, everybody's got one. No, not a DiJoseph! A Synaptic Adventure! It's what's going on in one's head: where life is REALLY lived. This then, is how it works for me: music - videos - humor - STICKING OUT in a crowd even when you don't want to - social and "private" experiences - PUBLIC EXPOSURE (Ahh!... That got your attention!) and Tourette Syndrome.

Uh huh. I have Tourette's Syndrome. Can you imagine? I find it fascinatingly bizarre to have such a "visible" uhm.."unusual-ness" and be a concert performer. But ironically, I'm driven to do so! Have you ever had the feeling you just had to do something? The question is never should you, but how will you.

Doesn't everyone have something these days? How 'bout you? Say if you want. You're in good company! I often think of the times before the "labels" came (ADD, ADHD, OCD, AUTISM, ASPERGERS to name a few) when people were just normal or "nuts". I'm glad, in some ways, for the labels.

I've personally come to experience TS as a collaborative energy over the years, but it didn't start out that way.

When I was six, a strange simultaneity occurred. Tourette's showed up and I decided my life's calling/career/purpose/vocation/must-do-this/obsessive-compulsive/tic-driven/urg-a-lomaniacal dream was to be a musician. You know your standard garden variety kiddie-type desires.

I began with drum lessons. I definitely liked it, but something else was calling. Like for instance, the Beatles! They blew my wittle mind out in a car! In my dad's car. On the radio. And I wanted to "be that" when I grew up. My "partner" Tourettes showed up 'one day' as the OCD-ish urge to "test" a Christmas ball to see how hard I could squeeze it without braking it. Hmm. My "limit" test failed and It broke. and I bled. I think that "limit" test also showed up in my music as a stand-outish quality that pushed me to experiment, explore and compose.. I think the drums were a good choice for that time, that beginning of strange uncontrollable urges and rhythmic... pulse-ations.

3 years later...
Christmas. snow-bound at Aunt Pinky (nickname: I still don't know her real name) and Uncle Joe's in South Philly. We were trading presents and my parents pulled out a big box and handed it to me. I was spellbound with anticipation as I tore into the wrapping: A Magnus air-powered Organ!! Ahhhhhhhh!
Truly I say unto you, I did not get off that thing all night (even after they unplugged it.) I found my true love.
I was in a blurting phase with TS, so the combination of the instrument and my "vocalizing" was quite a test for family ties.

3 MORE years later...

I'd been bugging Mom and Dad for a professional organ for two years and 350 days . I wanted a real one with pedals and two manuals. (took two weeks to wear out the Magnus ) I actually cried
until they believed I was serious. One day I returned home from school and headed to the basement for my after-school music-listening session. And there it was! A brand spanking new ORGAN...with p-p-pedals! a-and...t-t-two manuals! Woohoo! Once again, I don't get off it for days and play until I drop.

Enter my first "real" music lessons...

My tutor worked for Wurlitzer in Center City, Philadelphia where we bought my organ. I don't remember her name, rank or serial number, but, let me tell you,
she ruled her gestapo-inspired teaching sessions with an iron fist....and a wooden ruler! yyy-ouch!! I gotta use those hands your wackin' wit 'dat ruler, lady! Fortunately for me and just in time, along came...the DANS. (to be continued)

LIVE at the Wiffledust studio...

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more music,videos,downloads,FREE mp3's and upcoming performances VISIT www.stephendijoseph.com