Birdhouse In Your Soul

Don't take this the wrong way

But I have to make this known. This is mostly for myself though, as this blog is really the only psychiatrist I can afford. But, by following the link in the title, you will come to my artwork. You will see that I am a 'furry' artist. I want to make 1 thing clear about this:

I am NOT a furry myself.

Not.

A furry.

No.

My avatar(s) is/are, however. I don't have a problem with that. However, I feel I need to explain why I'm an anthro artist.

I draw the character the way I do, because it is the style that I learned with and expanded upon. I do try to illustrate other 'species' (I suppose), but anthropomorphic is the one that I am most proficient at. This, however, does NOT make ME a furry. By any means. I am a human being. No fur, no tail, no pointy ears. And this has nothing to do with me hating actual 'Furries'. I don't. I see them as a group with an alternate lifestyle, like being gay, or Mormon. They don't bother me, but, like being gay, I'm not one of them. I'm not better than them, either. Hell, most of them are great artists and/or costume designers. Have you seen some of those fursuits? Pretty well made if you ask me. But you won't see me IN one.

I guess what sparked this was an article (or 3) I read a little while ago that hit a little close to home. It seems that fanartists and fan-fiction writers get lumped in with the associated fanatics of whatever fandom they subscribe to. And, honestly, that's not a shocker. It's to be expected. However, it also lumps you in with the associated stereotypes from that fandom. For me, that's the sex-crazed, mentally unstable fursuit wearer that sets a wretched example for the rest of the fans. The problem is, those that don the fursuit for Con purposes are often little more than cosplayers. It's the ones that use it for everyday life that ruin it for the rest of us. I'm going to admit right here that I forgot where I was going with this. Forgive me.

I guess my big point is this: Don't judge me by my artwork. It's not really who I am.
If you know me, you know this. If you don't know me, well, try to get to know me. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Drop me a line or something. I'll make it easy for you.

gensokaiser@gmail.com

There, now you don't have an excuse to not get to know the real me. (although, I am really as bitter as I come off here, so if that turns you off [or on, god forbid], then you may happily forget that I posted that address.)

I am what I am. A human that has artistic 'talent' with a good story that I may one day finish so that you can read it.

~Baren.

posted by Baren @ 12:19 AM