Sunday, September 21, 2008

A Perfect Fit...

Last week was spent dog sitting for some friends who live on the mighty Mississippi river. Their place is like living in a Van Gogh painting with a really great dog. Included were fabulous moonrises, intense sunrises and fresh raspberries any time of the day. It was just what I needed. Refreshing and sparking a memory or two...


Hanging on one of their walls was a mask I had made years ago. It was one of a few dozen handmade, one of a kind, made in an attempt to cash in on some Mardi Gras green- masks. Working with a dear friend, we worked for weeks trying to out-do each other with unique creativity and then would hit the streets hawking them to folks that were out celebrating Mardi Gras - St. Louie style. My apartment had become covered with confetti, glitter and feathers - everywhere, giving the look of an intense morning after (well, at least in my world).

Many masks and cascarones (confetti filled party favors) were made and sold, a few were given away; and not a lot of money was made. It was in fact, however, one of the best times I spent with my friend Nancy. She was an amazingly creative soul who believed that above all else you should laugh. Laugh hard and dance well. 

Then, today, while still reflecting on those days, I thought of how hard it seems to be for folks to laugh these days. Most the laughter I hear is directed towards comments made about the powers that are and will be controlling our country. There is a laughter but it's out of fear. We laugh out of disbelief and we laugh out of frustration. But it's not funny. Folks are getting angry. It is certainly one of the scariest times ever. 


Then I suddenly laughed a hard Nancy-laugh as I noticed the one mask I have left over works directly with the other in creating a rather remarkable statement. I quickly pulled together some digital scraps and the help from a couple of scrappy guys to help punctuate my point.

The result represents these grey days of decisions...  and it's a good fit guys!


1 comment:

boomsixty said...

HA! Love it, love it, LOVE IT!
I don't know which look I like best - Johnny's or Barry's?