Writer's Guide 101 (Wattpad Edition)

XX. Catharsis: Expression Through Art

Author's Note:

This chapter is about art exploring complex themes that may upset some you. It's best if you skip this one and check out my other works. Remember, these are my own thoughts so take everything with a grain of salt and kindly let me know what you think.

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Here's a brief backstory.

A remastered version of my artwork
When I was around six or seven, I remember getting interrogated and profiled by my family after drawing something that looks like a sloppy Grimm Reaper in crayon. A product of my raw imagination. No blood at all.

A remastered version of that artwork. Not the exact image but you get the point.

I didn't know it was called the Grimm Reaper at the time so I referred to it as "a monster of darkness."
    They assumed I must be watching inappropriate stuff on TV or probably learned it elsewhere (which I've disproven multiple times). I wish they could have explained to me in a calm manner why they have a problem with it or asked me what made that drawing in the first place.

Malachai Boardman from "Children of the Corn (1984)."

With proper guidance and freedom of expression, artists should be allowed to explore dark themes in their works. It helps them stand out, introducing fresh ideas and defying the rigid standards of art. It allows people to understand those emotions through visuals instead of words.
Now the illustration above reflects my twisted sense of humor as well as my fascination for horror and anime combined. I find it a bit funny though that a villain is named after a messenger angel, but somehow fits his role. In the movie, his job is to spread their deity's word among the other kids and makes sure their followers abide to them.

"I always felt that everyone is against me, (as if I'm a targeted spy)."

This one is another piece of art I shared on a special chapter of "A Quirky Writer's Odyssey 2."
This drawing represents the feeling of how everyone is always against me.
The surrounding weapons are of Japanese origin. I drew myself as a spy, a nod to how working in espionage means you're likely to encounter many enemies along the way. It's kind of similar to how prone I am to misunderstandings and immediately framed as the bad friend/aggressor without giving me the benefit of a doubt.

Many artists are bound to do whatever they want, even if it goes against others' standards. In order to appreciate art, you need to have a bit of an open mind and consider where the artist is coming from.

What is their culture or background?

What do you think was going through their minds when they made that piece?

Does it actually represent them as a person?

Their works shouldn't be used as the main reason why society is unable to accept them (e.g. being unemployed, rejected by various schools, loosing a friend in the process). I also don't think it's fair to tell an artist "Try finding a better way to cope!" and "Keep them to yourself. Oh, think about the children!" as an argument.
    Always remember that art does not necessarily reflect the artist as a person. Just because I thought it's fun to drawn monsters, it doesn't mean I'm an evil person. Unless it's already proven that the artist is problematic, don't antagonize them and force your own preferences unto them.