"When one is not expressing himself, he is not free. Thus, he begins to struggle and the struggle breeds methodical routine. Soon, he is doing his methodical routine as response rather than responding to what is." (Lee)
Both the human known as Chris and the artist known as Artemis Sere are going through a period of dramatic change.
This is a purpose-driven, altruistic evolution aimed at a better path to personal and professional happiness, minimizing my life and human impact, and continuing my story in an environment that inspires and ignites me on a daily basis. This redirection of person and path will not be without bumps, jarring edges and painful truths about me, my various stances and philosophies and reasons for being #humanfirst.
This post is a warning of content to come.
In the spirit of openness, I want to be clear about the pillars on which I stand, as my philosophies, beliefs, and stances influence my content. So, in case you didn't know the person behind the Art, here is some information on who I am. I will cover these topics in greater detail in future blogs, but here are the highlights:
1. I am an Antithesis.
Since it's in my making to question everything and cut my own road, I tend to support counter-culture. This often puts me in polar opposition to current popular trends in society and culture -- or at least better connected to the altruistic, humanistic undercurrent through less than popular ways and means. I don't watch TV, don't go to the movies, stream the content that is interesting to me, only give my information or money to arts, products or businesses that I believe in.
2. I am a Humanist.
Yes, that also means I am an Atheist. As I believe the current state of the world and civilization is drifting toward Theocracy, I am a vocal opponent of religion and religious causes, unless they directly help and affect humans. I am 100% #humanfirst, support LGBT+ causes and all other forms of human diversity and inclusion.
3. I live by the Tao of Jeet Kune Do and the Boy Scout Law.
Bruce Lee, the man and his teachings, are huge influences on the person I am and the art I create. The Boy Scout Law provides a secular guidance on how to be an equilibrium-focused Human. Together, they form my personal compass.
4. I am an Activist.
Actions speak louder than words, oaths, tomes and scripture. Considering I live in a country that has a terrible issue with Separation of Church and State, I feel drawn into the fray. Pain and suffering have activated the warrior in me, and I will fight to defend Humanity against inhumane beliefs, actions, and practices.
5. I am a Minimalist.
Live small, dream big, create forever. Consumerism and greed are dangerous vexations that have infected the normal people of our world. To have or not to have, that is the real question of the day.
6. I am a Globalist.
I grew up around the Globe, and have been privileged to spend the last decade enjoying the experiences of a global job in one of the largest companies on the planet. I love experiencing the different cultures around the world, the challenges they face and the role that an "American" can play in their lives. Unfortunately, I no longer support the concept of what an "American" is and will elaborate more on why in a future blog.
7. I am a Pescatarian.
Eating was once the source of much pain in my life. I suffered from severe, debilitating Ulcerative Colitis for 13 years, and everything I consumed went right through me. Literally. Like Stephen King's "Thinner", I went from a plump 260 to ill 150 in a matter of 8 months. I slid into sickness quickly. Since then, I am careful about my intake choices. Living away from red meat, heavy sugars and various other bad dietary choices reset my health. I still eat fish and seafood, but mostly eat vegetarian meals - mostly through creative meatless options and/or juicing (inspired by the movie "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead"). I have cut down my alcohol consumption considerably, and focus on other forms of relaxation.
8. I am Dying.
Every day. So are you. And time is too precious for us to waste. I am stricken with Chronophobia as a result of my illness. There was once a time when I was so sick that I had given up hope. There was also a time when I was so sad that I tried to take my own life. I have survived the gauntlet of time for a reason, and I plan to use my remaining time as wisely, effectively and fully as possible.
Those 8 points cover most of me, but they're not all of me. I'll reveal another important point soon. Everyone has a past, and my past has many characters and experiences that I will attempt to protect. For purposes of future posts and discussions, references to my previous employer will be termed "the Entity"; shareholders and large Corporate figureheads will be termed "the Lords"; my loving and caring colleagues and coworkers, the real wheels of the behemoth machine, will be termed "the Heart".
Based on my future direction as a global blue-collar worker and ground-up business owner, some future content may shed a negative light on any of the groups listed above.
Some future content will distance myself from my current audience and make frenemies out of current friends.
Some future content will be offensive to some, confusing to others and perhaps seem maddening to people who have followed this human for years but never delved into the #artrovert side of me.
Some content will open doors.
Some content will close doors.
As a wise post recently stated, "If your door doesn't open, it's not your door".
In a world full of revolving doors, I am confident that I will find the right one for me, even if it takes all of my life to do so.
#xoterica
