Art and Xanax

I was talking with a friend about medical issues (it seems to be the theme this month with all my friends!) and how I’m feeling old now that I have to keep an eye on myself from now on as far this cancer nonsense is concerned. Although we were complaining about the health care system, overall bureaucracy of Cleveland Clinic, and medical institutions, I said how thankful I was that we live in this age of medicine and technology. Could you imagine what steps would be taken had I discovered this tumor 500 years ago? Let alone the work I’ve had done on my teeth throughout my life!

“Well that’s what much of your work is about too, the way people and society were in those times” she said. And she was right, but I only put emphasis the rebellious, glamorous, and eccentric aspects of how I imagine it was to live back then — not the awful every day gross stuff. You could have been rich, important, or beautiful during the Renaissance, but if you were sick, they were still going to throw a bunch of leeches on you for a cure. And that, isn’t very glamorous.

I’ve been meandering as far as my next series was concerned, but now, I have settled on my concept. Continuing with my portrait series of my imaginary characters it will consist of medical themes and practices. I figured it is a good way for me to work out my anger and be even more thankful that what I’m going through is only a mild upset compared to the old remedies and techniques used. We’ve come a long way from using hack saws with zero pain killers, in that we can now replace knees and other joints where it is hardly noticeable. After my radiation, chemo, and surgery, even I will be missing some inside parts an entire section of my leg, but I’m pretty confident I’ll have an awesome surgeon to do that job.

I have begun the research bit of my new project before composing too many drawings or writing anything — I am already queasy! The practices of medicine when it came to women alone is horrifying in itself. This could get interesting; I just hope it doesn’t make me puke learning about it all, plus the religious slant to every cure gets me mad as hell!

It appears though, that blood letting and cupping are now making a comeback in certain parts of the country as part of the “alternative medicine” tag. Have fun with that, and keep your leeches and blades away from me! I’ll take the non-invasive surgery and some Xanax thank you very much.