the artist as shaman

iN our modern world we have lost the tribe. We stand alone and naked and empty. The tribe provided warmth and comfort for the soul and it is in our DNA to be a part of something greater than ourselves. We need to belong, need to be needed. The ills of modern life spring from the emptiness we all feel. We reach for creature comforts to fill our holes. The artist is the shaman, the crazy fool who provides us with a glimpse into "what was" he walks a lonely path a brings back fire and stories. sometimes he is killed and crucified on a cross of resentment. The artist shows us worlds that exist within but we have lost the ability to see. Our third eye has gone blind. Artists, good ones, put their neck out and face horrible obstacles in their search for wisdom. But in their finer moments, when the secret world opens her door and shares her light. the artist has moments of glory and peace and joy that few will ever understand.