It is an annual ritual in my family to argue over which networks coverage of The Rose Parade to watch. Bleary-eyed from the previous evening’s countdown, hoarse from our over-zealous renditions of “auld lang syne,” we gather to view the spectacle. Each year we giggle at the same inanity, while marveling at the creative ingenuity the floral masterpieces represent. The ephemeral nature of the pageant is striking, with the color palette drawn from products whose shelf life is measured in hours — not days, weeks or months.

The analogy is apt; it is as if the past year is reflected in the floral compositions. The purple hibiscuses, for example, on “ Sweet Dreams,” Honda’s Rose Parade float. In their prime, they are so impressive, fragrant yet fragile. And now they lie composting — stored only in memory and, thankfully, in multimedia archives.

For us the holiday festivities are over, the confetti barely swept up. The sounds of popping champagne corks are a fond memory. Somewhat hung over, our credit cards maxed out, we prepare to write the next compendium in the Annus Americanus series.

We are bombarded annually by the year-end reviews. The 10 best and worst (in myriad categories) are debated and analyzed. Each “year in memoriam” commemorates those who have passed on. I am always struck by the degree to which those on the list contributed to the culture that defined the world we know. We add those close to us to the list, dear ones “famous” in our inner circles, no less significant than the luminaries.

As those icons of our existence fade from the scene, they leave a legacy to be added to by generations to come. The list of the famous born in 2011 is not yet composed; but they, too, will leave their mark on future generations.

The transient nature of our realities aside, we marvel at the one true constant: From ancient cave illustrators to moviemakers, stone carvers to bloggers, chanting monks to urban rappers, history chronicles our need to create. It is for this reason we kick off the year with a magazine devoted (albeit with a DAVID twist) to arts and culture. For all the impending disaster, we can rely on this truth: humans will do and make incredible things.

It is our hope that 2012 will be defined more by what man’s creative zeal can inspire rather than the alternative. Sadly, we know that other script all too well. It’s time to focus on the arts. May the individuals highlighted in this issue inspire your creativity. My new year’s resolution is to dance; oh, how I will dance.

 

Max Friedland

max@davidlv.com