We define family on DeviantArt as a huge community of deviants spanning the physical globe and reaching into the expression of creativity in many forms by every kind of artist from all cultures.

 

We are a community of peers which does not make us alike but which enables us to find those with whom we are alike.  We have altered the calculus of excellence in the arts to mean the simple act of being a deviant.

 

These holidays are ones where we celebrate our own families and the future. We give gifts and we welcome a future with hope. And for some, these holidays are ones in which we reach out to others.

 

We share the nurturing and expression of creativity through this family.  But there are so many who may be completely different than we are or exactly the same outside the circle of deviants, as large as it is, living in our local communities as artists who are distant but can be drawn closer simply through recognition. 

I think he introduced himself as Willie explaining that his "Mexican" Fender Telecaster has "a real, solid maple neck." He's not a rock star, but he lives rough - - maybe rougher. He didn't sustain even a whole song most of the time; still there are moments of brilliance and craft laced with inspiration to produce great art. 

The artist is homeless and when in psychosis paints clowns.  These were placed on top of a 40-year old mural in Venice Beach, California. The mural was designated as a cultural landmark even though the name of that original muralist was lost to the owner of the building.  The clown painter has never, apparently, offered his name.  It's a hard question on whether the clowns simply deface the mural or if, instead, by speaking from it the mural lives.

There is no way to message or "fav" these two artists through DeviantArt.  But we can certainly celebrate them, their work and their contributions and in doing that bring their life and art to this community in the hope that the collective spirit of our family finds them and warms their spirits.

I celebrate Christmas.  And this was my present.