Month One: In Conclusion.

Well, that was an interesting and mostly satisfying month of learning. My real life is full of learningness right now, so I didn't have a ton of time to devote to Ms. Ono, but I'm still happy to be working (well, "working") on this project. I have a much better idea of what Yoko Ono was about, and I want to get a book or two of her art.

The most surprising and probably long-lasting thing to come out of this was my appreciation of her music. I like the screeching! I like the pop songs! Blessings upon my friend Carol for loaning me her cd of Walking on Thin Ice. We're in agreement: it's good goofy fun.

Ultimately, I doubt Yoko Ono would've been noticed by anyone if she hadn't pursued John Lennon, which is a bummer, but she seems to have been quite a character (and I'm sure she still is.) I'm looking forward to learning even more about her, but rules is rules and starting next month (i.e. tomorrow) I'll start a new topic.

I was looking forward to reading this book until I saw that the sections were titled BEFORE JOHN, JOHN AND YOKO, AFTER JOHN, then lastly, ART AND MUSIC. What a bummer. Then I read some reviews and got even more bummed out. Glancing at the writing gave me a case of the horrors. I'm returning the book to the library unread; maybe I should've given it more of a chance, but I also feel like I don't have time right now for poorly written crap. (Unless it's coming from me.)

Death of Samantha

Several interpretations out there of the meaning of this song. I think I'll subscribe to the the theory that it's at least partly about the miscarriages she suffered thru, but really it could be about lots of things.

Yoko Ono the Graphic Novelette

Eric Kostiuk Williams has illustrated a "mini zine" of Yoko Ono's life/art. I like this panel the most.

BottomsBottomsBottoms. (Here's the video.)

image via flobberlob.

"Yoko is the most famous unknown artist in the world. Everyone knows who she is, but nobody knows what she does."
- John Lennon

Listening to a full album of Yoko Ono music for the first time in my life. Whoa. (On so many levels.)

Yoko Ono - Cut Piece, 1965

Nervewracking and pretty wonderful. She performed this in silence, so watch with your speakers turned off if you like, but the music doesn't detract, in my opinion.

Yoko Ono - Cut Piece. She sits in silence as audience members come up and cut away pieces of her clothing.

Starting with a video that links Yoko with John, but in a lovely way. The ending totally gives me the giggles.

MONTH ONE! YOKO ONO!

Saw her giving a brief soundbite in a George Harrison documentary and realized, "Huh, I don't really know anything about this lady."

I know who she is, yes. But really, try and learn much about her and you'll find it quickly gets drowned out in "JohnJohnJohn."
My goals are to learn about her as a person and an artist, while determining how tied up her life actually was with John Lennon's. I suspect an awful lot, but let's explore, shall we?