The stories, tales and the pictograms that accompany the narratives are a mere attempt to circumvent, replace and even outright ignore the “apparent reality” of existence altogether. Afterall, what is “real”? Is it that instance which we call “our birth” and then after that a series of continuous and inescapable circumstances we seem to be indentured to, that are neatly partitioned and subdivided by words such as “childhood”, “adolescence”, “youth”, “middle age”, “old age”, “sickness” and then of course the grand finale, “death”? Is that all there is?: just a lovely long lost song?
Or is there indeed a grand, unifying and sublime supra-existence that eludes perception and empirical verification? In other words: Is life but “just a dream”? And if we presuppose so or in the least allow ourselves the delectable possibility of tapping into that beautiful hyper-reality, then how would the stories in that dream-state be played out? The events inside these dreams would definitely have to supersede certificates, mortgages, electric and water bills, groceries, medications and taxes. And Oh dear God, please let that dream most certainly curtail doing dishes! Thus be forewarned: If you are an adamant and strict believer of this current world only as you know it, sense it and touch it, then these stories would indeed seem like pipe-dreams to you. But even so, you might wish to take a few puffs for pure leisure and escape!
Sven the ‘originator’ of these tales forages in the upper Midwest. The inclement, gloomy, and fearsome weather of health / life had compelled him to take a critical look at that aforementioned “reality as we know it”. That same climate system had forced him to reevaluate all his diet and meals of “teachings” and “learnings” since the earliest memories he could recall. He does not believe in the cocoon of reality that surrounds him, but he still does all things that are required by rules. Example: Paying taxes, watching television, buying groceries, smiling or nodding at strangers, getting timely, recommended oil changes, and giving (beer) money to a fellow man who stands at a street corner holding a sorrowful sign. Traffic laws are quite another matter —- most certainly subject to Sven’s interpretation. And as a matter of principle, he is ever without an umbrella under rain….
Please note: the illustrative pictograms, whether they be pastels, mixed media or collages also originated exclusively from Sven’s unenviable state of affairs. Should you be inclined to take a more critical interest in his artworks dissociated from storytelling, please consider visiting ARTBYSVEN.com.
May actual reality be kind and good to you. And should you have strayed inadvertently perhaps, into the realm of unreality, may it too guide you properly and safely. If the stories had meant some joy, some smiles, some good tears or given you a strange set of lenses to look inward through your own eyes, please do leave your thoughts to enrich the storyteller.