In 2012 Danspace Project presented two historic Platforms, Parallels and Judson Now. In 2013 we continue to explore artistic constellations and lineages. What web of connections do new generations of artists trace? Who are their influences? This season we will ask each artist to share a significant artistic influence. Below is Jean Butler’s response:

Jean Butler: My most significant artistic influence is not singular.
I am inspired by the continuum of the work of the maker and the maturation process of the performer.
If I could borrow the words of another, this is what I would say:

10 RULES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM JOHN CAGE

Rule 1:    Find a place you trust,and then try trusting it for awhile.
Rule 2:    (General Duties as a Student)
Pull everything out of your teacher.
Pull everything out of your fellow students.
Rule 3:    (General Duties as a Teacher)
Pull everything out of your students.
Rule 4:    Consider everything an experiment.
Rule 5:    Be Self Disciplined. This means finding someone wise or smart and choosing  to follow  them. To be disciplined is to follow in a good way. To be self disciplined is to follow in a better way.
Rule 6:    Follow the leader. Nothing is a mistake. There is no win and no fail. There is only make.
Rule 7:    The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It is the  people  who do all the work all the time who eventually catch onto things. You can fool the fans–but not the players.
Rule 8:    Do not try to create and analyze at the same time. They are different processes.
Rule 9:     Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It is lighter than you think.
Rule 10:   We are breaking all the rules even our own rules and how do we do  that? By leaving plenty of room for “x” qualities.

Helpful Hints:

Always Be Around.
Come or go to everything.
Always go to classes.
Read everything you can get your hands on.
Look at movies carefully and often.
SAVE EVERYTHING. It may come in handy later.

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Jean Butler’s hurry runs March 7-9, 2013 at Danspace Project