I've been doing art for quite some time now. Someday I'll tell you the story, but not today. Today, a little rant. Or maybe an explanation? We'll see...
In my many years of showing my work, I've come into this situation countless times. I've been doing art markets and fleas a lot now that I live in New York City and it's something that happens in so many interactions. I have to admit that it's a little frustrating and it's kind of wearing thin...
"Whoa, I want some of what you're on..."
"Damn. Can I smoke with you? That shit's intense."
"So, you do these under the influence, right?"
...and so many variations on this...
I've gotten to the point where I just lazy-eyed smile, half chuckle/half sigh back at them.
I find so much fault in what they are saying to me. I try not to take offense. The whole implication is just so thoroughly unthought and is so much more a comment on their unexamined, untapped, unimaginative mind than anything going on with me. Now don't get me wrong - I'm not some puritanical, prude, straight-edge, whatever-word-you-want-to-throw-into-this-space person. I just want them to wake up. Wake the fuck up.
Under the influence. What a messed up notion. What a completely subjective idea. Any substance that you put into your body changes your chemistry - banana, potato, coffee, soda... Anything you're exposed to - city air, fresh air, your cat... Everything plays with your system. Everything causes chemical reactions. Beyond that --- influence --- everything around you, everything you experience --- see, hear, touch, taste, smell... Everything is in some way influencing you. You don't even know it's happening, but you're making constant, countless decisions based on your experience - or reacting to influence.
So yes, I do everything "under the influence". I'm on a constant cocktail of chemicals. I'm fucking high all the fucking time. So what the fuck is wrong with you that you're not having this much fucking fun?
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