Happy anniversary and Happy Birthday to INNW today! Love this book. And yes, there are SO many of us "others" out there. You have always been wise beyond your years and have been a voice for many people that think the same way. This is why we revel in your words.
Hope tour is going swimmingly, Brandon. Can’t wait to learn more about that new book! You mentioned the “others” that see through advertising and I believe I also fit into that category, for the most part. I’ve always been a bit of an oddball or misfit who wasn’t too influenced by...literally anything I considered trivial. Not on purpose though, I was just born backwards I suppose ! Let’s just say I had a real chill time during my teen years; the period when your vulnerability to outward influence and advertising is at its peak. That being said, I can only imagine how I’d behave on some edibles. I’d be some kind of a Mr. Bean but 130x more unorthodox if that’s possible. Of course I fall into the trap of influence/consumerism from time to time, but hey, I’m only human and all you can do is be as wary as possible xD. I greatly enjoy reading and hearing your thoughts because you’re one of the people I feel like I relate to on a different level (I’m sure you’ve NEVER heard THAT one before) But, seriously! You’re inquisitive, contemplative, delightfully strange, and have always done your own damn thing and I highly respect that. You laughed when you saw your Achilles’ tendon was split open, you’re a special one hahaha! ‘Preciate you always, and I will see you and your rockstar pals in Irvine in August!
Damn, this is really deep to say the least. Weed definitely has an odd way of turning the person who consumed it into some sort of philosopher, and I say this from not just reading this but also personal experience. Something about it makes your mind wander into deep dark corners that you wouldn't otherwise touch. It's like venturing deeper and deeper into a weird, mysterious pitch black cave, and this cave would normally be terrifying but instead it's now fascinating.
We do indeed live in a consumerist world where pretty much everything, even things we need to live or stay healthy (as you mentioned all these doctors and medicines) are meant to make money for someone larger or hidden and convince us that we need more, we need to keep buying, that kind of stuff. It's a hard urge to resist because buying things often gives us social status and power and has this weird way of making us feel better about ourselves, but it's important to step away from that too. I find that escapism through walks outside and drawing in my sketchbook.
I guess I also have a bit of an advantage when it comes to brushing away commercials and the need to literally buy into things...as an autistic person, I don't really feel the need to blindly follow society or the media for the sake of social status or "fitting in". I'd much rather just do what I love because that's more worth my time and energy, regardless if it's societally expected or not. It's both a blessing and a curse, as following your own path so strongly often means sticking out and sticking out means getting picked on or ostracized. But I consider it a blessing above all else because I'd rather be authentically myself, pursue what brings me happiness, and find friends who accept me for ME than put on a fake appearance just for the sake of this weird, entirely manmade abstract social hierarchy that I couldn't care less about.
Deep thoughts. Deep thoughts this morning for sure. I definitely wanna get my hands on your art books soon. Hope you are doing wonderful B, sending all the love to you! 💖😸
Great post. I have a few ramblings, mainly on Reddit (r/StonerPhilosophy). I’ve considered beginning to write on Substack, with it without edibles.
I actively choose creation over consumption. Daily. I like how you focus on perception. Sometimes I feel like I need to wake everyone up. I feel like a different person when I go to the store with other people or when I watch TV with them. Sales, fear, urgency, hunger, perfection. TV is not like this so much in other countries, you know this. It’s like you need to break down the advertisement to fear or consumption, just like breaking down the roots of emotions. “Angry? No, it’s jealously. Sad? No, you’re craving attention. Annoyed? No, you need more alone time to recharge.” I feel like I’m always in search of the meaning of what’s being fed to me. Maybe it’s those pesky trust issues. ;) All I know is I’m not a consumer unless it gives me enrichment; satisfying enrichment, no less. I once held this person in high regard, but with the allegations against him, I’m not so sure anymore. Especially if he’s smart enough to use this kind of knowledge against people. Brian Warner once said, “Keep the people afraid and they will consume.” Did you know nearly 40% of adolescent females in the United States typically experience anxiety? Around 30% for adult women. I wonder what would change if things changed in advertising.
When will someone say that it’s detrimental to humans to run ads portraying perfection? Will money always win? What will it take for people to realize that a pill you take everyday won’t automatically get you outside to the park, walking your dog? What will prove that your body is enough? I feel like every single one of these can be solved with perception and I’m not trying to sound like a cult leader here, but I wish there was a way to help change the perception of other people so we can focus on what really matters while we’re in this skin bag of an intelligent being.
That’s pretty much what I do. I’m happy that I’ve heard “you inspired me” so many times in my life. Been unabashedly myself and created space for people to do the same. ❤️ The people I surround myself with, at least. I try to swallow that I may never be able to create a whole movement, a whole wave, but I’ll take the ripples. ☺️💗 Thank you, friend! Thank you for the reminder.
I discovered this book at a time when, as a reader, I wasn’t connecting with any author I was reading. This book spoke to me because it combined your real life experiences with your artwork.
This passage has always stood out to me. For a very interesting reason. Commercials. I was experiencing a trip once where I convinced myself commercials weren’t real. They were somehow a figment of my imagination. And normal people didn’t experience them. They were only the product of some mental stifle I was projecting onto the tv. So somehow I would try to control my brainwaves so that I wouldn’t experience commercials anymore. Can you imagine my frustration?
Anywho, reading this passage for the first time it really resonated with me. I finally had confirmation commercials were real! As odd as that may seem. Literally, hysterical. So yea thanks for that. 🤦🏻♀️
I’m sure it’s exciting thinking about gathering everything you’ve created in the past ten years since So the Echo and putting it all into physical form. Probably just as excited as we are to read it. I’m sure you feel you have evolved as an artist and have new and exciting things to share with us all. Here I feel we get somewhat of a taste of the potentiality of what’s to come. So I’ll say it one more time, it’s exciting!
Wishing you health and all the love in the galaxy🌈
I have been trying to write a book about this illusionary world, so it may get it to end. I want a new world, not the slimy soul world of insects things, but true human beings, and their souls. I just don't even know how to start, when drones, keep buzzing in my face, trying to have me love them, so they can finish me off, when l want their deaths, as much as they want my own. But, alas l don't know how to start their sins are so great, and disturbing, and detestable. A huge lower frequency that keeps, living with me, l think because of the Charles Manson like bastard, who l guess is powerful but also l believe dying from a disease, he somehow, as do the drones, want to blame on me. They want me dead to blame their actions on me. Then go after my child, for no freaking reason, and that is what keeps me alive, is protecting my child from these jerk offs.
Yes there are 'others' out there and a lot of the time we feel like strangers in a strange land walking on this earth. Luckily some of us have found ways to communicate with each other (like this forum), or a soul mate who we can relate with.
That last part really smacked me on the head..."Not everything is for sale.....and the things most worthy of our attentions and our perceptions...are free. Well done.
I grew up spending several summers on Clearwater Beach, staying with my Grandparents after they retired from the NYC metro area and went to live there. I have many fond memories of the place, and occasionally make it back for a vacation on those white sands, with the soothing caress of the gulf waters, as I float away my cares into the sea.
Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking entry! I look forward to your next art book. I know we’re all in for a treat! ☺️
The topic of your art books made me think of a burning question I’ve had for a long time. Way back in 2007, I was hanging out with you guys after your show in Calgary and I brought along a copy of ‘From the Murks of the Sultry Abyss.’ When I asked you to sign it, you kindly said “Of course!” But then you asked me if you could take my book with you for a little while and that you’d be right back. You came back about 20 min later and you handed back my sharpie and my book. I was a bit puzzled that rather than signing my book on the spot you took it with you. My first thought was… did Brandon really need to take a poop and therefore signed my book while sitting on the toilet?! You probably don’t have memory of this and therefore can’t answer my question, but thought I’d ask since it’s been a mystery for me ever since! 😆📘✍️🚽💩
Happy anniversary and Happy Birthday to INNW today! Love this book. And yes, there are SO many of us "others" out there. You have always been wise beyond your years and have been a voice for many people that think the same way. This is why we revel in your words.
Hope tour is going swimmingly, Brandon. Can’t wait to learn more about that new book! You mentioned the “others” that see through advertising and I believe I also fit into that category, for the most part. I’ve always been a bit of an oddball or misfit who wasn’t too influenced by...literally anything I considered trivial. Not on purpose though, I was just born backwards I suppose ! Let’s just say I had a real chill time during my teen years; the period when your vulnerability to outward influence and advertising is at its peak. That being said, I can only imagine how I’d behave on some edibles. I’d be some kind of a Mr. Bean but 130x more unorthodox if that’s possible. Of course I fall into the trap of influence/consumerism from time to time, but hey, I’m only human and all you can do is be as wary as possible xD. I greatly enjoy reading and hearing your thoughts because you’re one of the people I feel like I relate to on a different level (I’m sure you’ve NEVER heard THAT one before) But, seriously! You’re inquisitive, contemplative, delightfully strange, and have always done your own damn thing and I highly respect that. You laughed when you saw your Achilles’ tendon was split open, you’re a special one hahaha! ‘Preciate you always, and I will see you and your rockstar pals in Irvine in August!
Damn, this is really deep to say the least. Weed definitely has an odd way of turning the person who consumed it into some sort of philosopher, and I say this from not just reading this but also personal experience. Something about it makes your mind wander into deep dark corners that you wouldn't otherwise touch. It's like venturing deeper and deeper into a weird, mysterious pitch black cave, and this cave would normally be terrifying but instead it's now fascinating.
We do indeed live in a consumerist world where pretty much everything, even things we need to live or stay healthy (as you mentioned all these doctors and medicines) are meant to make money for someone larger or hidden and convince us that we need more, we need to keep buying, that kind of stuff. It's a hard urge to resist because buying things often gives us social status and power and has this weird way of making us feel better about ourselves, but it's important to step away from that too. I find that escapism through walks outside and drawing in my sketchbook.
I guess I also have a bit of an advantage when it comes to brushing away commercials and the need to literally buy into things...as an autistic person, I don't really feel the need to blindly follow society or the media for the sake of social status or "fitting in". I'd much rather just do what I love because that's more worth my time and energy, regardless if it's societally expected or not. It's both a blessing and a curse, as following your own path so strongly often means sticking out and sticking out means getting picked on or ostracized. But I consider it a blessing above all else because I'd rather be authentically myself, pursue what brings me happiness, and find friends who accept me for ME than put on a fake appearance just for the sake of this weird, entirely manmade abstract social hierarchy that I couldn't care less about.
Deep thoughts. Deep thoughts this morning for sure. I definitely wanna get my hands on your art books soon. Hope you are doing wonderful B, sending all the love to you! 💖😸
Great post. I have a few ramblings, mainly on Reddit (r/StonerPhilosophy). I’ve considered beginning to write on Substack, with it without edibles.
I actively choose creation over consumption. Daily. I like how you focus on perception. Sometimes I feel like I need to wake everyone up. I feel like a different person when I go to the store with other people or when I watch TV with them. Sales, fear, urgency, hunger, perfection. TV is not like this so much in other countries, you know this. It’s like you need to break down the advertisement to fear or consumption, just like breaking down the roots of emotions. “Angry? No, it’s jealously. Sad? No, you’re craving attention. Annoyed? No, you need more alone time to recharge.” I feel like I’m always in search of the meaning of what’s being fed to me. Maybe it’s those pesky trust issues. ;) All I know is I’m not a consumer unless it gives me enrichment; satisfying enrichment, no less. I once held this person in high regard, but with the allegations against him, I’m not so sure anymore. Especially if he’s smart enough to use this kind of knowledge against people. Brian Warner once said, “Keep the people afraid and they will consume.” Did you know nearly 40% of adolescent females in the United States typically experience anxiety? Around 30% for adult women. I wonder what would change if things changed in advertising.
When will someone say that it’s detrimental to humans to run ads portraying perfection? Will money always win? What will it take for people to realize that a pill you take everyday won’t automatically get you outside to the park, walking your dog? What will prove that your body is enough? I feel like every single one of these can be solved with perception and I’m not trying to sound like a cult leader here, but I wish there was a way to help change the perception of other people so we can focus on what really matters while we’re in this skin bag of an intelligent being.
That’s pretty much what I do. I’m happy that I’ve heard “you inspired me” so many times in my life. Been unabashedly myself and created space for people to do the same. ❤️ The people I surround myself with, at least. I try to swallow that I may never be able to create a whole movement, a whole wave, but I’ll take the ripples. ☺️💗 Thank you, friend! Thank you for the reminder.
Absolutely agree! Especially, with your last few sentences. This is definitely relatable on so many levels. Very cool! 😎👍
I discovered this book at a time when, as a reader, I wasn’t connecting with any author I was reading. This book spoke to me because it combined your real life experiences with your artwork.
This passage has always stood out to me. For a very interesting reason. Commercials. I was experiencing a trip once where I convinced myself commercials weren’t real. They were somehow a figment of my imagination. And normal people didn’t experience them. They were only the product of some mental stifle I was projecting onto the tv. So somehow I would try to control my brainwaves so that I wouldn’t experience commercials anymore. Can you imagine my frustration?
Anywho, reading this passage for the first time it really resonated with me. I finally had confirmation commercials were real! As odd as that may seem. Literally, hysterical. So yea thanks for that. 🤦🏻♀️
I’m sure it’s exciting thinking about gathering everything you’ve created in the past ten years since So the Echo and putting it all into physical form. Probably just as excited as we are to read it. I’m sure you feel you have evolved as an artist and have new and exciting things to share with us all. Here I feel we get somewhat of a taste of the potentiality of what’s to come. So I’ll say it one more time, it’s exciting!
Wishing you health and all the love in the galaxy🌈
I have been trying to write a book about this illusionary world, so it may get it to end. I want a new world, not the slimy soul world of insects things, but true human beings, and their souls. I just don't even know how to start, when drones, keep buzzing in my face, trying to have me love them, so they can finish me off, when l want their deaths, as much as they want my own. But, alas l don't know how to start their sins are so great, and disturbing, and detestable. A huge lower frequency that keeps, living with me, l think because of the Charles Manson like bastard, who l guess is powerful but also l believe dying from a disease, he somehow, as do the drones, want to blame on me. They want me dead to blame their actions on me. Then go after my child, for no freaking reason, and that is what keeps me alive, is protecting my child from these jerk offs.
Thank you for the lovely journey I just experienced, beautiful imagery.
Yes there are 'others' out there and a lot of the time we feel like strangers in a strange land walking on this earth. Luckily some of us have found ways to communicate with each other (like this forum), or a soul mate who we can relate with.
That last part really smacked me on the head..."Not everything is for sale.....and the things most worthy of our attentions and our perceptions...are free. Well done.
I grew up spending several summers on Clearwater Beach, staying with my Grandparents after they retired from the NYC metro area and went to live there. I have many fond memories of the place, and occasionally make it back for a vacation on those white sands, with the soothing caress of the gulf waters, as I float away my cares into the sea.
Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking entry! I look forward to your next art book. I know we’re all in for a treat! ☺️
The topic of your art books made me think of a burning question I’ve had for a long time. Way back in 2007, I was hanging out with you guys after your show in Calgary and I brought along a copy of ‘From the Murks of the Sultry Abyss.’ When I asked you to sign it, you kindly said “Of course!” But then you asked me if you could take my book with you for a little while and that you’d be right back. You came back about 20 min later and you handed back my sharpie and my book. I was a bit puzzled that rather than signing my book on the spot you took it with you. My first thought was… did Brandon really need to take a poop and therefore signed my book while sitting on the toilet?! You probably don’t have memory of this and therefore can’t answer my question, but thought I’d ask since it’s been a mystery for me ever since! 😆📘✍️🚽💩
I, too am others. 🙏
I look forward to your next book 💕
Talking about getting high, I am still on a high following La Riviera last week. THANK YOU!! X