Chapter Five

Artist and Artist's Image

Image is something I think people work their whole lives toward perfecting. The risk takers in the art world used to be lepers where as in today's modern society the more outlandish your artwork is the more attention the public eye gives you. Self-image is definitely something that I have struggled with. From my life I can tell you that I get to the point of feeling worthy of being on this planet and then it's like a huge asteroid hits my world and I am knocked down. It takes me a while to get back onto my feet, but eventually I get to the point where everything is falling into place, and again something comes along to destroy it. I think this is how someone has to struggle in order to find their self-image either by what they see in the mirror or through their art. Life is a rollercoaster and most of the time you just have to hang on and try to enjoy the ride. If you take life's ups and downs and use it to your advantage in putting that emotion and discovery into your art I believe that the image you are trying to portray through that art will show on its own without trying to force it down everyone's throat.