Okay…with
this piece I am officially “out of the closet.”
I am a smoker, one of millions snagged by this addictive, nasty habit. I hate
the habit and everything about it. After four years of being a chimney (bleep), this painting is my way
of confronting the demon, acknowledging it full on, and beginning my goal of ending it for good.
I planned the timing of this painting
to coincide with my plans to quit smoking. While painting it, I found myself analyzing my own weaknesses,
chemical dependency, and strategies to overcome this vice. This got me thinking about other kinds of addictions,
and their common denominators. Their claws are sharp, dig deep and are difficult from which to free oneself.
The tight binds are psychological, behavioral, compulsive and emotional. They hold us back from
our true potentials: good health, happy and productive lives, whatever…
Addiction is my way of expressing this entrapped
state, my desire and commitment to be free from the air tight bottle. The cigarette outside the bottle
is my adversary.
