VIDEO!
I have been fascinated by the interaction
of music, color and light for many years.
In the experimental bands I played with, we frequently used surreal video and geometric projections as part of our live shows.
I create and edit all of the videos you'll see on my YouTube page:
"Sean Madden Guitar and Art."
Visit there to see footage from live shows, recordings and art experiments.
The most popular video on my page (by far) is, "The Man Who Painted Satan's Penis." (see right).
Scroll down for an explanation of
"The Man Who Painted Satan's Penis."
Direct Link to "Sean Madden
Guitar and Art" page HERE
THE STORY:
For decades, I worked in the evenings as an artist and during the day as a successful school counselor in a small town district. I was careful not to let my day job know too much about my work as an artist and illustrator because much of my work is offensive to conservatives.
I worked with alternative or "underground" art galleries and publishers, often providing very psychedelic, counter-cultural, surreal work that was purposefully offensive and blasphemous.
Six years away from retirement, with a spotless 25 year career near its end, a small group of conservative parents and community members targeted me because of my art. They met in the local church and complained about my art. They sent me hate mail. They killed a helpless animal and left it on my back porch as a warning. They prank called my home late at night. This all forced the superintendent to place me on paid administrative leave.
I painted night and day in my studio while on paid leave--- awaiting the decision from the state ed. department. I churned out tons of new work and expanded my artistic universe (all while getting full pay and benefits). After 2 years-- the decision finally came: the state education department declined a ruling in my case. I won-- and was vindicated. I returned to work and retired happily a few years later.
NOW--- it's my turn to tell the story! It's important-- now more than ever-- to give all artists, musicians, writers, film makers--- all creatives-- the lessons that are in this story. This is a call for creators to maintain artistic integrity-- but PROTECT themselves from being targeted. Lastly, this story explores personal identity and the contextual relationship it has with one's creative output and choice.
In addition to this short documentary, I will be speaking publicly about this story at various art events in the community. Follow my BLOG to learn more. As creatives, we can't let ignorance and fear stop us from making what burns in our souls. It's time to rise.