“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” Cesar A. Cruz
It’s a natural state of artists to in one way or another live up to Cesar Cruz’ vision of them. While Cesar was speaking of the art itself, the artist and the process of making any kind of art either comforts or disturbs. Some relish the disturbance. I suppose that brings them some kind of comfort. I, however, do not relish disturbance. I want comfort all the way around. I want you to be comfortable. I want to be comfortable. I want everyone to be happy and squishy and comfortable. That’s my intention. That is, and always will be, my intention. If at any time anything I say or create makes you uncomfortable, please understand that my intention in the moment might be to just pull off the band-aid and reveal the healed beneath. The removal might hurt, but my intention is wholesome and kind. That said, most of what I make will cause you to question why I even bothered to make this disclaimer/statement of purpose. I will tell you why. It’s because historically, every single time I’ve made something or done or said something that creates a disturbance, I question and analyze myself into quitting. Now, I’m old and I’m tired, but I still have art to make. So, if you ever find yourself wanting to question my intentions, kindly refer to this document. I will try to do the same when I want to quit. ILY, Maria Gentry
