RIP David Lynch.

RIP David Lynch.

David Lynch truly is one of my biggest inspirations. I remember my teachers begging me to watch his work because my storytelling 'evoked' him in some way, and when I finally did I felt like I had found a missing piece in my brain. Everything clicked, I was so inspired.

His surreal approach to art and storytelling only strengthened the weird road I had begun to go down with my own art at that time. I became a much more honest artist. I'll forever be thankful.

He taught me the importance of letting a piece of art stand on its own, existing as an explanation of itself. That the audience has an important role to play in experiencing the art- they are the ones that get to put together the breadcrumbs the artist leaves, finding their own personal explanations and meanings in it.

It's why I leave a lot of 'lore' out and purposely leave gaps in certain pieces of my work. It's because I want the audience to find their own truth, play in the world I make. With Be Kind, My Neighbor, I did this so deliberately. Great God Grove, too. And I saw you all craft your own theories and play in that world. It was so beautiful and I hope I can let my audience participate in that way for as long as I make art.

David Lynch, you were so weird, you were such a pioneer, you really understood how to express your soul, express the human condition, it's lights, darks, in such a personal and unique way. Thank you. RIP