from outside
looking in…
identity uncertain.
human or animal?
male or female?
demon or dream?
one thing is for sure
he, she, it wants out,
fast
pawing, scratching
at the captivating glass,
desperate for fields
and open sky,
struggling to break
free and through
the cerebral cube,
to escape and run
on four legs or two
carried by clean winds
and swept by rain
as far as possible,
as quickly as possible
from the inside
looking out.
/poem and art by clinock / art: sculpted and painted clay heads in windowed box / each head approx. 3 inches high /
This series is based on the shared stories and personal experiences of people I work with in an art studio attached to a mental health facility. I express what I have heard as both fact and creative metaphor.
May we all run with our own wild hunt and have the courage to come openly from the inside out. THank you.
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thank YOU Gary and so say we all…
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Unclear identity……..mystery…….to break the bounds of constrain……..break free!
We all can relate to that. Good one John
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Thanks Robert. This short series is based on experiences of people I work with in a mental health art studio, but you’re correct, we can all relate…
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That must have been such a rich and rewarding experience for all. It reminds me of a similar experience of mine in The Bronx NYC where I worked with children with AIDS.
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Hi John, your poetry and artwork always have a way of taking me far away into the wonderful world of your imaginary, and this one did too. Love it! 🙂
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Much appreciated as always Ina – thank you…
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Beautiful, John. Hoping that next one will complete the circle: “from the outside looking in – identity found”!
Happy Monday, my friend.
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Thank you Marina but don’t hold your breath – these are not so much personal as reflections of experiences of some people I work with in an art studio attached to a mental health facility – their circles are not so easily completed…
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Always an optimist… can’t help but hope for anyone to complete their circle. Very strong work, John.
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Your observations are so deep, look beyond the initial fear of those locked away, even if they are only locked away in their own minds.
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Thanks for your comments Nancy and also for all of your looking and likes of many of my recent posts. I have been quite distracted and have fallen far behind in visiting you and others of my blogging community – will get there soon…cheers, J.
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