About a decade or so ago, when I was a depressed teenager, my question got snuck into the end of an interview with Marilyn Manson.
Question:
By example of human history, both ancient and modern, an individual who seeks out knowledge beyond the level of his peers often becomes depressed. In many ways, as intelligence, wisdom, and understanding rise, it almost can push us towards a bleaker outlook of society - Many artists end up in this rut, and a fair share have even taken their life over it. What is the key to keeping an optimistic outlook towards a society which is filled with so many putrid elements?
Answer:
Well, whoever said that first part, it is absolutely 100% true. As far as keeping an outlook; Taking the time to stop and see what you've created, and for me painting is always often the most immediate because colors and the way they bleed together are beautiful even if it's a grotesque image. Knowing that you can make something, no matter who you are that's probably the only thing that makes you feel like you can make a difference. You can't change the world, but if you think about it: If you made something, you've changed the world. It wasn't there before, then you made it; now it's there. A lot of people need to amend their "You can't change the world" philosophy and not look at it so idealistic and so absurdly heroic.
I find if you have somebody that you can share with whether it's a collaborator, or maybe it's someone who you're in love with, or loves you and makes you feel appreciated by enjoying what you do. Not just patronizing you because they care about you. That makes you feel like there is something worth sticking around for. I guess the worst thing you could have is to be alone.
Then I met him on the tour bus several years later, met him and Stoya, and he gave me part of his outfit from the show
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