In the Making: How We Make Our Lives, with Yo-Yo Ma
“I used to think that art and life were separate, and does one reflect the other? I now think that living life is the ultimate art form—that every person’s life is actually their own unique art.”
The renowned, award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma has said that the best thinking comes when your head, heart, and hands are engaged, or when our emotions, intellect, and actions are aligned. Last winter, he joined us to discuss how these elements have served as a pathway to creativity and artistic expression, and a conscious approach to life, as part of In the Making, our series of public programs that brings voices and perspectives from different fields.
Guests
- Yo-Yo Ma, award-winning American cellist and humanitarian
- Jennifer Chen PT ’20, PA ’21, NBSS alumna and piano technician
- Sarah Turner, NBSS President
- Kristen Odle, NBSS staff member
Watch a few moments from the inspiring event below.
“I used to think that art and life were separate, and does one reflect the other? I now think that living life is the ultimate art form: that every person’s life is actually their own unique art form. We know every individual is unique; we know that 7.9 billion people are unique—but we’re all part of the same species. So we’re both a universal part of something much bigger than ourselves (another artistic principle), but while being something totally unique. Because even if you were identical twins, your experiences in life will differentiate you from your identical twin.”
“Our survival—our thriving survival for our species—will depend on how we find the equilibrium in ourselves between head, heart, and hands. And life’s equilibrium is balanced in our acceptance and understanding of our being part of the natural world: the ecosystem. And we’re not separate from that ecosystem, it’s the one ecosystem that we live in.
“I believe that all makers already have that wisdom. [It’s in] the fact that making is the best. Whether you’re cooking, or whether you’re making something for somebody, that’s the deepest wealth that keeps generating. And that’s something that I feel that your institution can play a huge part: in disseminating this information, and disseminating the skills to help others do that.
“So keep doing it, spread it, and save the world.”
“In the Making” is a public programs series where we connect with a range of new voices, fields, and perspectives. Learn more and view a full list of events on the series homepage.
With thanks to our underwriters
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Adams + Beasley Associates
BOND
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Eaton Vance
Columbia Contracting Corp.
First Republic Bank
F.H. Perry Builder
Firestone & Parson Inc.
Inland Underwriters Insurance Agency
Muecke, Inc.
Sequoia Custom Builders, Inc.
