Suicide

We lost another artist this week.
It is always tragic when these beautiful lights go out, but there is something significantly different this time.

Usually when someone takes their own life there is the tragic shaking of the head, that grim flat mouth and the obligatory "what a shame"; but it is too often followed by something else, blame.
Our society so often blames the afflicted for not being able to conquer their illness.
I'm not hearing as much blame this time.
Maybe it's that Mr. Williams was so loved and adored, maybe it's because we always knew he was "a little touched" but maybe, just maybe, we are changing.

Perhaps our society is finally willing to see mental illness for what it is, a debilitating, all too often fatal disease.
Perhaps we can become more tolerant of the those who suffer so silently, so shamefully.

Robin Williams was loved and admired by millions but this horrible disease made it impossible for him to feel that love. That is the tragedy of depression. It robs you of your ability to see or feel the support that may be standing right in front of you. We can only hope that the tragic end to Mr. Williams amazing life can open the doors wider and help our society remove the shame so closely related to depression.

Why didn't I think of this

I think I know what someone is getting for his Birthday.........................


http://twistedsifter.com/2014/07/thrift-store-painting-remixes-by-david-irvine/

This Guy Paints Random Characters Into Old Thrift Store Paintings

David Irvine is the talented artist behind the Gnarled Branch. The self-professed illustrator and crafter is known for his whimsical furniture, his Gothic sculptures and what he describes as ‘Re-Directed Paintings’.

Featured below is his ongoing series of re-directed paintings where Irvine finds old and/or discarded thrift store paintings and revives them by adding a recognizable character or two. The artist sells the paintings along with prints of the pieces on Etsy, Society 6 and Red Bubble.

The artist is also always available for commissions and you can see much more of his artwork on his Facebook page. To keep up with the latest, be sure to check out David at the online links below.

DAVID IRVINE / THE GNARLED BRANCH

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

The arm beneath your head!

It is some dream that on the deck,

You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

But I with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.