Flesh and Bone

It is this contrast against the nature of being a human animal that I spike my body with metal. Like an anchor it ties me to the reality of humanity while the world spins about me anchored on some stud in my exterior being. It is my need for modern tribalism that comes out expressing itself on the canvas of my body. My cultural out cry. A desire to externalize part of my being. A flag waving in the wind.

Culture, the united states culture, is something you are a part of wether you like it or not (if you live in the states). All of the subcultures that make up our society, the thinkers, the ravers, the hicks, the hip hop gurus, the hippies, and 9-5 laymen or women are all apart of a large system of existence. In our modern popular culture we express ourself through the style of capitalism and commodity. Our style is sold to us. Most of us bare the flag of another. Shoes that are currently in style, pants from the most popular of designers, etc... These things are transient properties of self-sold expression.

To carve out your skin. To mar your flesh, is a remaining, never ending voice of this is me and paths I have traveled. I think about people who have had tattoos removed or covered them up. I think about people that pick their fleshy markings from a wall of designs. You know, clipart for the flesh. But, how many choose something with purpose? What marks I bare I bare for life. There are more of us than you think, but less than we need.

As if my body is a record of my own personal history. Be careful of what you choose to paint on the canvas of your flesh. Lovers you thought you would love for ever, dreams that have changed into something else, interests that no longer hold your attention are just a few of the facts of how we evolve as a person. But, perhaps I am incorrect. Some things are set in stone and some things are sand in the wind.

Art is language. My body will always be with me. The writings on the parchment of myself will be as well. The tools have evolved, the inks have gotten brighter, the metal more perfected, but the meaning remains the same. Without words we talk to one another through external self image and motion. Dance your way into life knowing that new steps are always going to be made.