"My eyes have gone out over the whole universe, I'm not really there but I'm there. I've been reduced in a beautiful way, I'm really grateful, thank you for giving me something beautiful ." Duncan Bridgeman

 I met Duncan at a small gathering where he performed with Simon Lewis from Amanaska and guest singer Monique Lewis. Duncan played my favourite songs from the latest1 Giant Leap album, it was extraordinary to watch this multi-talented artist and musician play live. Having traveled the world with co-creator Jamie Catto recording music from a variety of cultures then masterly producing recordings of the collected music. Their music sends a message of interconnectedness, that deep down we all have the same needs of love, peace and happiness and they explore how we can come together through meeting these universal needs.

The new film "What about Me?" is a lovingly crafted explosion of music and philosophy, Bono describes Duncan and Jamie as "two genius film makers.."

In an impromptu and magical moment befitting the philosophy of 1 Giant Leap it was suggested that a short film about my art be played during intermission at this private gig. Duncan felt a connection with my work and asked if I would paint him. We organized to meet at my  art studio and for many hours Duncan performed for us with his hand-made, well traveled guitar. The experience was exhilarating, all about being in the moment, feeling the music and connecting with each other. During their session together Sean immersed himself into his music, feeling the power and beauty of his message.

1 Giant Leap "What About Me"

Over the past four years, 1 Giant leap has been a great source of creative inspiration for me. "What About Me"offers a visual, musical and poetic experience, the stunning imagery reminds me of how connected the human race is.

The story telling comes from an alchemy of events that is thought provoking and beautiful to watch. I love the film because it allows you to create your own visual experience, and for me the creative ideas for making art are endless. Art is about sharing a dream, the message is simply that to give is also to receive.

The creators of the film, Duncan Bridgman and Jamie Catto, are visionary musical explorers discovering new ways in communicating goodwill through music. They fuse words, sounds, rhythms and images from over 25 locations in 20 countries. The films celebrate the diversity of musicians, storytellers, authors, filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers from many different cultures.

The film stars Michael Stripe, Stephen Fry, Carlos Santana, Tom Robbins, Alanis Morissette, Noam Chomsky, Maxi Jazz, Susan Sarandon, Lila Downs, Billy Connelly, Daniel Lanois, Stewart Copeland, Tom Robbins, Gabrielle Roth, KD Lang,Deepak Chopra,Zap Mama, Nearle Donald Walsh, Michael Franti, Marianne Williamson, Frank Skinner,Bob Geldof, DJ Swamp, Oumou Sangare, Yungchenlhamo and many more.

One world Music is organizing the Australian screenings of "What About Me" - also check out their excellent site  "What About Me TV" if you want to discover new sounds from around the world to inspire your own art like the music of "Amanaska" by Simon Lewis. Fresh from the Paris Buddha Bar, Amanaska 's last CD, "Circles" is a cultural feast of eclectic music for lovers of world fusion. The music encapsulates a mood of sophistication and innovation in the global fusion genre.The music of Amanaska an be found on many compilations around the world, including the new Buddha Bar, Klassic Lounge, and Zen Connection releases.

 Well Travelled Guitar  99 x130cm -  Acrylic on canvas. 2009  Front Page Stories

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