I am also an artist/photographer (at which I do not make a living!). My
photography explores themes of self/non-self, and the how individuals
relate to an ambiguous, dynamic reality.
My interest in learning organizations arises out of the belief that, with
human culture the dominant force for change in the world, and with this
change occurring rapidly for the forseeable future, organizations of all
sizes and, not least, individuals, must be capable of constant adaptation
and learning. Change, learning, and diversity, ought to become highly
valued. A world of learning organizations would not only be much safer
than the world in which we now live, but much more fun and fulfilling, as
well.
Although I have long been interested in "organizations which learn," my
first formal exposure to "learning organizations" and systems theory was
"The Fifth Discipline" by Peter Senge, which I read recently.
As an artist, I am interested in creating art forms which mediate
participation in complex, dynamic systems, both directly and didactically.
Such forms will be necessary to engage people with each other, and for
human beings to maintain an evolving participation in the many communities
of which we are members (for example, families, towns, cities, societies,
natural ecology, the universe).
I have been following this list for some months. There have been many
times when, submerged in anxieties and petty aggravations, I have been
grateful not only for the many deep and wonderful thoughts, but the
refreshment of spirit I invariably find in the dialog conducted here.
-- Michael Scudder