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Ken Burns: Seeing, Searching, Being - William Segal DVD

$24.99
Item #: WB6502
William Segal (1904 - 2000) was a philosopher, publisher, writer and painter who searched relentlessly and compassionately for meaning in the 20th century. The student of such diverse masters as G.I. Gurdjieff and D.T. Suzuki, Segal helped bring Eastern and Western spiritual traditions together, always stressing what connected humanity rather than what differentiated it. In the last decade of his ... More
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William Segal (1904 - 2000) was a philosopher, publisher, writer and painter who searched relentlessly and compassionately for meaning in the 20th century. The student of such diverse masters as G.I. Gurdjieff and D.T. Suzuki, Segal helped bring Eastern and Western spiritual traditions together, always stressing what connected humanity rather than what differentiated it. In the last decade of his life, Segal befriended the documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and the two collaborated on this trilogy.

William Segal - The first documentary in the trilogy is filmed in Segal's art studio and garden. The film focuses on Mr. Segal as he paints and discusses the creative process and the intimate personal and spiritual relationship between the artist and the work of art.

Vézelay - The magnificent basilica at Vézelay in France has lured pilgrims from around the world for centuries. Its magnetism and serene beauty inspired Segal and Burns to examine the expansive question of search. Vézelay joyously probes the eternal question of individual identity and the obstacles and exhilarations of seeing, searching and being.

In the Marketplace - This documentary was shot throughout the streets of Paris and follows Segal's everyday life. The film visits the painter working in his studio and in a gallery as he prepares an exhibition of his lithographs. In his on-camera interviews, Segal talks about his life and the practices he uses to live in the moment, embracing all that is around him.

"We see our own reflections countless times a day…and we are curious, pleased, critical, vain. But we rarely have the courage William Segal had, the courage of self-portraiture, to ask with each fleeting glimpse of oneself: Who am I?" - Ken Burns

Subtitles are in English (SDH).

Producer: Ken Burns
Production Year: 2010
Copyright Year: 2002
Rating: TV-G
Talent: Wiliam Segal
Number of Discs: 1
Length: 80 minutes
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 4x3 Full Screen

4 Reviews
M
Miche
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Mindful Film
Review by Miche on 07/17/20 review stating Mindful Film
Initially, I used this film in my writing course as an educator to bring a unique guest into our college classroom, one who my students probably might not meet in their day to day lives. Later, though, I gave this film as a gift to friends when they want to reflect upon their own day to day lives. I also use this film as a mini refresher course for myself to remember what it means to be mindful and to own ones focus with ones chosen work. This is an excellent film. Mr. Segal reminds me that one can age with grace and dignity. Ken Burns is an outstanding film maker.
T
T.C.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Beautiful way of being, looking, seeing.
Review by T.C. on 07/17/20 review stating Beautiful way of being, looking, seeing.
I purchased this for friends clients after enjoying it both visually philosophically.
S
Still L.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
power of observation
Review by Still L. on 07/17/20 review stating power of observation
I am grateful for way-showers like Segal. Also, this documentary woke me up to the contribution Ken Burns is making to our society.
S
Sandara
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
07/17/20
meditative viewing
Review by Sandara on 07/17/20 review stating meditative viewing
I purchased this CD for use in my university classes on Buddhism and Asian art. It did not disappoint. Segal is a riveting figure whose life eloquently represents his philosophy. I hope the students can appreciate its low key profundity.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


power of observation
Review by Still L. review stating power of observation
I am grateful for way-showers like Segal. Also, this documentary woke me up to the contribution Ken Burns is making to our society.
Beautiful way of being, looking, seeing.
Review by T.C. review stating Beautiful way of being, looking, seeing.
I purchased this for friends clients after enjoying it both visually philosophically.
Mindful Film
Review by Miche review stating Mindful Film
Initially, I used this film in my writing course as an educator to bring a unique guest into our college classroom, one who my students probably might not meet in their day to day lives. Later, though, I gave this film as a gift to friends when they want to reflect upon their own day to day lives. I also use this film as a mini refresher course for myself to remember what it means to be mindful and to own ones focus with ones chosen work. This is an excellent film. Mr. Segal reminds me that one can age with grace and dignity. Ken Burns is an outstanding film maker.

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