In a world where filters reign supreme, there’s a refreshing honesty in embracing life without the facade of perfection. From social media selfies adorned with the hashtag #nofilter to the raw, unfiltered melodies of self-expression, there’s a growing appreciation for authenticity in its purest form.

For many, the notion of living “no filter” extends beyond the digital realm—it’s a mindset, a philosophy of embracing imperfection and celebrating the beauty found in the unpolished moments of life. In the track “Self Portrait,” artist Rick Sehome invites listeners into a sonic journey of vulnerability and self-discovery, offering a glimpse into the raw emotions and unfiltered creativity that define his musical expression.

As Rick candidly shares his journey with Parkinson’s disease, he invites us to confront our own perceptions of imperfection and challenge the societal pressures to present a flawless facade to the world. Through his music, he finds solace in the act of self-expression, transcending the limitations of his condition to create melodies that resonate with authenticity and depth.

In a world that often prizes perfection above all else, Rick’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty found in embracing imperfection. His willingness to share his struggles and vulnerabilities with honesty and transparency is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity—the ability to connect with others on a deeper level by simply being true to oneself.

As we listen to “Self Portrait,” we’re reminded that true beauty lies not in flawless execution or polished presentation, but in the raw, unfiltered essence of the human experience. Each note, each chord, is a testament to Rick’s resilience and unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms—a reminder that imperfection is not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but something to be celebrated and embraced.

So the next time you find yourself tempted to apply a digital filter or mask your imperfections, take a moment to reflect on the profound beauty found in authenticity. Embrace your flaws, celebrate your uniqueness, and remember that true beauty lies in the unfiltered moments—the raw, unedited snapshots of life that make us who we are.

In a world of filters and facades, be bold enough to live “no filter”—to embrace imperfection and celebrate the beauty of authenticity in all its forms.

Art Credit: Georg Friedrich Schmidt: Self-Portrait Sketching, 1752
Public Domain, National Gallery of Art

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Disclaimer: The podcast episode summaries of “Upstaged” found on this site are fully machine-generated, beginning with a machine transcription from my improvised audio file, which is fed into ChatGPT 3.5 utilizing the following prompt:

“Please read this and come up with a four paragraph article which adds none of your knowledge, but simply summarizes his thoughts about awareness. Do not reference the closing tags at the end about his website, listening to the music file, etc. Speak in the third person, and at a high school reading level.”

As many website designers move into fully writing posts through AI, I think it’s important that we tread lightly and explain the usage when it appears. I have spoken before about the “Brains vs. Hands Dilemma” and argue that my usage for this purpose is a case of more hands (i.e. I could have written a summary if I’d wished to) and not one of more brains (i.e. if I asked the machine to do something my own brain weren’t capable of).  In this case, my acceptance of the tool is not one of deception but of convenience, in the name of taking less time on this routine part of presenting my stories to a wider audience. The transcripts are available for greater accessibility.

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