Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 13:30:05 EST
Subject: Re: PUPT: Pillers of Light


When I was a child, art and literature had the power to transform me...if it 
wasn't for creation, I probably wouldn't be here today.
The problem isn't with some artists expressing themselves in relation to 
their disorders, disabilities & problems.  Just because someone has a 
neurological disorder, physical disabilities, medical problems or even 
psychiatric disorder doesn't mean that person fits the category of being nuts 
& in disarray.  The problem is really how our society reacts to people who 
are different, who think differently, look differently & dress differently & 
marginalises them.
I have learned over the years to put my energies into my puppets, masks, 
paintings & illustrations to understand myself & my relationship with this 
earth.  I am no longer that angry, unhappy child & have become a mature & 
well adjusted adult that has had to deal with more things than the 'average' 
person my age.  I've learned to give back & have spent my adult life helping 
others.  Trauma occurs all the time - not just in these times of strife & 
war.  Just the 'average' person is often blind to what's going on.  Do you 
look at people's faces on the subway, overhear stories, see a mother grip her 
child a bit too hard and swear at him & wonder what is going on?

Artists (all media), philosophers, writers, & healers often see beyond... it 
is not about being tormented, but recognising suffering exists all around and 
transforming pain & ugliness into beauty.  But I imagine the average public 
would like to live in their coocoons of comfort until one day reality hits 
them in the face.  And that when society 'wakes up' and finally realises how 
arts can be intense & healing.  
So for me, it's not about living tormented...however, if I'm able to express 
pain, sadness, frustration or pure joy in my work, I think it's much more 
powerful than something is very much on the surface (and so much mediocre 
work is surface & ego).

I'm not even into the stereotype of an artist living in abject poverty...that 
is a modern, western concept.  Heck, I'd be even happier getting a steady 
income in something I love, not draining & making money. :-)

Wayong


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