I have a theory about the collective consciousness of the country, the planet. I believe that human beings, especially creative human beings, are very susceptible to the current climate. The vibes. Artist are observant. Artists are sensitive. Artists are aware of the safety of their surroundings. I’m using the term artist very loosely, meaning anyone who is creative, who’s open, who’s generative. I’ve been feeling like there is a cultural recession happening. There is less being made, created. Photographers are struggling. Artists are struggling. The art markets are in the shitter. Social media is in decline (for many reasons) For the first time in over a decade, Burning Man hasn’t sold out. There’s been this feeling for the last eight years, this anticipation of doom. The country is so divided. There is so much anger and hate in the air. We’ve lived under a criminal as a president and through a global pandemic. There are brutal conflicts happening around the planet. And we are connected now in a way that we never have been. The 24hr news cycle, instant global communication. We are more aware of the moments at hand than ever before. We’re fucking tired.
Thinking back to when things felt good, hopeful, positive. For me and many of the people I know it was the Obama years. I have a distinct memory of watching the inauguration in the kitchen of the ranch house I was living in, on a thirteen inch TV. Tears of relief and gratitude streaming down my face. It felt like forward momentum. That good could triumph over evil, that progress was possible, beating back regression. That we as a country could at least begin to look at the roots of oppression and inequality that have plagued us since our inception. Things really felt like they were on the upswing. The vibes were good. Creating from a place of positivity and optimism is very different than creating from a place of desperation and fear.
There’s been a lot of recognition in the past years about the subtle differences and acceptance of human beings. Someone might be on the spectrum or non gender conforming, or neurodivergent. We’re waking up to these nuances that are still kinda stigmatized, but what if our subtle differences are what make us modern humans? Creative individuals may fall in these categories or may be categories all their own. Creativity, artistry, ingenuity are the engines that drive society. That push us forward. They’re the minds that ask, what if? When we feel oppressed, we don’t create freely. When we don’t feel safe, we don’t stick out our necks. I firmly believe this downturn we’re experiencing is a direct outcome of the politics we’ve been living under.
And now, sitting here, with a sense of quiet optimism. The momentum of Kamala Harris feels familiar. It feels like a cool breeze in a stifling room. I don’t know if an elected administration is enough to shift the tracks we’re on but I’m super eager to find out. My hope is that the sensible and intelligent turn out, in force in November. A loud voice, a singular voice, a diverse voice in defiance of the oppressive, regressive, fearful policies of a morally bankrupt right wing in this country. Not just for the commander in chief, but all the way down the ballot. Taking the house and increasing our representation in the senate. A super majority. Taking this country back. If we can, and if we do, I believe we’ll usher in a new era of growth and prosperity.
I wanted to do something more than be loud online and donate money to obscure campaigns in winnable districts after consuming a few Manhattans. So I decided to take on a little art project and taught myself how to silk screen. I’m making these shirts. All by hand. I’ve launched a web store. I’m donating all the profits to Swing Left. An org dedicated specifically to strategically boosting dem campaigns across the country. Available in common sizes in crop tops and unisex styles. (of course I made it sexy. . .) Super soft and comfortable. I didn’t want to make something super partisan, even though it is, subtly, I just want people to turn out. Nearly 40% of eligible voters in this country don’t bother to show up. When we show up we win. When we fight, we win. Do you understand the assignment?
If you’re a creator, an artist, photographer or model, give me a shout and I’ll get you a shirt if you agree to promote it and get out the vote.