Glad I stumbled across this.

  Internet lurking can sometimes make you feel better.  This is an excerpt from an interview done with Alex Pardee from Juxtapoz Magazine.  He's a fucking amazing artist and you have probably seen his stuff with Hurley or The Used.

"It’s no secret that Alex has suffered from “severe emotional and psychological issues,” and was placed on strong antipsychotic medication at the tender age of 14 to help combat his ‘sickness’ (which we’re more apt to label an intense outpouring of creativity, but hell we’re not doctors.) Alex was even placed in a mental hospital for a period of time as a teen, where he “felt completely out of place.”

As we talk about the difference between illness and intelligence, and it’s hard not to be struck by the artist’s obvious humble acceptance of his adolescence and the coinciding challenges that many others would probably have allowed to consume them with anger, fear, insecurity, and confusion. We’re not saying the average individual doesn’t go through bouts of these emotions; however, Alex has been able to parlay his unique past into a sort of therapy, allowing his artwork and projects to serve as a cathartic release. “I’m happy most of the time now,” he says. “I still get upset about stuff, but I think that’s normal. Healthy people aren’t happy all the time. I’ve been doing this for so long, I don’t know what I’d be like if I wasn’t painting and working so much. It’s just what I do.”

Looking at his newest works, it’s plain to see that Alex’s passion has taken yet another turn towards greatness. More thematically unified than previous shows, Letters From Digested Children will offer viewers an invitation into a complete world created by the artist. “I always loved Disneyland because it was like an entire experience from start to finish. Like, Space Mountain didn’t just begin when you got on the ride, it began when you got in line.” Similarly, Alex has an entire artistic ride planned for the top level of FIFTY24SF Gallery (complete with monster cookies…yum.) Strap on those artsy seatbelts, kids."

At the very least it makes mee feel like this desolation and heartbreak isn't for nothing.  Maybe I can get a few good pieces out of it.