BURLAP & BUBBLEGUM TICKLE ME PINK

When commencing upon a new art work, the thought of it's final value is the farthest notion from my mind. Though we live in very real economic times, there are many factors perilous to artists at large. Our society has been conditioned against the idea that art offers a viable living. Art thus has become marginalized, leading to a belief it's  no more than a hobby or the realm of a tormented soul. Unfortunately we have movies from the 1950's that perpetuated this bleak philistine pathway. The crux even goes far deeper than that, we actually live in a culture that is a visually illiterate society. Much of popular culture and it's hyper-reality are the industrial way to sell us consistent mediocrity. These Emperors new clothes are really no more than a deep fried fast food wrapper.

Artists are the aeronauts of their own voyage, and like taking flight it requires knowledge, skill and always adequate preparation.  Typically on the way down the runways countless voice are all too quick to shout "You're gonna crash!" No adventure would ever have been undertaken without naysayers, so pay them no heed. Fearless and undaunted two bicycle mechanics took flight, though I do like the previous form of dropping sandbags on their heads from a balloon.  All in all it takes vision, guts, determination and perseverance.

Art is an adventure that doesn't begin in the unknown. Craftsmanship and studying so as to constantly improve are a matter of due diligence. The entirety of arts history can be the charts to guide ones voyage to the stars. Definitely the phrase "Those that don't know history are doomed to repeat its mistakes." can and also does apply to the seasoned artist or journeyman and not just warmongers. Thinkng of art as anything less than a never ending battle may also help...learn to stand up for yourself and the right to a full creative life that includes wealth & prosperity.

With bounteous cheer,
Gothic Hangman


Above image "OFF THE CUFF" a portrait of Houdini by Gothic Hangman for The Elusive Key Show @ Gristle Tattoo+Art Gallery

Medium: Oil on panel
Straight Jacket Frame in Leather, Metal, Wood & Canvas 
14 X 14 Inches