Bill Witrow was vroeger lid van de PGI (Pyrotechnics Guild International). Hij is gestorven in 1992. Op zijn begrafenis heeft eens van zijn vuurwerkvrienden onderstaand stukje voorgedragen. Dit wilde ik jullie niet onthouden.
“I often use the word “joy” when describing fireworks.
It is a considered word, deliberate in choice. Not just amusement, entertainment, or astonishment, but joy.
Our art makes us all into children again for awhile. We become one in our experience for the moment, lost in the sound and color and light.
We see large forces, stronger than we could ever be, yet beautiful in their effects. Sometimes violent, sometimes restrained. Delicate beyond imagination at times, coarse and rude at others.
Deadly force, dangerous, dirty stuff. Crafted with sweat. Controlled by the artist. Bringing joy to many. Bringing joy.
To me the art encompasses all of life. Pain and work, plan and mistake, joy and tragedy.
For all the pain, injury and failure we suffer, our efforts bring the joy – the magic – to thousands.
Not a bad return.
Though very few ever recognize the effort, nearly all remember the result, and all have, for a few moments, the Joy.
The world is better for an instant. What more could one want?”
–Reflections by Bill Withrow 9/15/92 11:47 PM
“I often use the word “joy” when describing fireworks.
It is a considered word, deliberate in choice. Not just amusement, entertainment, or astonishment, but joy.
Our art makes us all into children again for awhile. We become one in our experience for the moment, lost in the sound and color and light.
We see large forces, stronger than we could ever be, yet beautiful in their effects. Sometimes violent, sometimes restrained. Delicate beyond imagination at times, coarse and rude at others.
Deadly force, dangerous, dirty stuff. Crafted with sweat. Controlled by the artist. Bringing joy to many. Bringing joy.
To me the art encompasses all of life. Pain and work, plan and mistake, joy and tragedy.
For all the pain, injury and failure we suffer, our efforts bring the joy – the magic – to thousands.
Not a bad return.
Though very few ever recognize the effort, nearly all remember the result, and all have, for a few moments, the Joy.
The world is better for an instant. What more could one want?”
–Reflections by Bill Withrow 9/15/92 11:47 PM
