The Explosion Of Feeling!

Business and School were really good at numbing my feelings.  And, being a "stoic" Norwegian certainly didn't help the cause...

I had tough decisions to make all the time.  No one ever asked how I felt about it.  I was trained and encouraged to be cool and calculated. Look at the numbers.  Think about it analytically. Then make a decision.  My MBA teachers and mentors preached, "Don't let your emotions get to you!"

As owner and CEO, I had lots of decisions to make.  Some big some small. Most of them would effect our profits. Which of course effected pay.  Growth. Health care. Opportunity. Careers. Lives.  For many.  

And don't forget the customer!

At one point, I stopped going out with people I worked with for a beer.  I did not want to know too much about them or their families.  My thinking was I would not be able to make analytical decisions.  My feelings would get in the way.    Can't have that!

I was scared of feeling.

But shouldn't we have empathy?

So I blew it up.

Now I am revitalized.  

I feel vulnerable when I put my work out there.  

I feel vibrant with anticipation when I light the fuse!

I feel satisfaction when I hang a piece up, or one is purchased.

I feel like crap when a piece burns up and sucks.

I feel.

I hope my work gives you an explosion of feeling!  And if you want to have a beer, let me know!

Boom!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist.  He creates explosive pop art and blogs from The Blast Factory in Madison, WI and Bucktown, Chicago, IL.  Follow Stick at Facebook and/or Twitter.