Hell Yes! The Stockings Are Hung And I'm Blowing Things Up!

Hell yes! The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but I'm in The Blast Factory blowing things up.

It's  6 AM, Christmas morning, and here I am in the studio. It's hard to stop working.  I love it here. I like to experiment. I try to get 1% better every day.  No pressure.  Just progress.  That's the plan. 

I take a deep breath and say "Here we go!"  I light the fuse.

I do not believe in organized religion.  I think it is the cause of so much of the violence in the world today.  That, and income inequality.  But, my work does reflect some of the values of most religions.

As I prepare my work - there is anticipation of something better.

When I light the fuse - there is hope.

The fuse burns - there is uncertainty as to what will happen. But I have a belief and optimism that things will turn out all right.

The gunpowder explodes with the idea that there will be less killing. (The more gunpowder I use, the less there is for killing people).

I scrape away the debris with the concept that with enough heat and pressure things can transform into something cool. Even people, economies and societies.

My art provides me many oppotunities to die in a fiery explosion.  I mean, I set fires in The Blast Factory, on purpose.  If I fuck up they can put up a sign that says, "Stick Vega - he was a blast while he lasted".  

That will be awesome. But, I'm sure it won't get me closer to God.  I don't believe in God.  I do believe there is something higher though.  Something spiritual.  We all have it.

Anyway, I have just one important message today.

Peace on earth. Goodwill towards all!

BOOM!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.