The Perfect Hiding Place
Have you ever noticed how great a smile is at hiding what we truly feel? This question crossed my mind as I was painting my most recent mask, “The Perfect Hiding Place”, and listening to Queensryche’s “Empire” album. In their song ”Anybody Listening?” they ask the question, “Is there anyone who smiles without a mask?” This really got me to thinking. I’ve always been a big smiler, even having others comment on my smiling, happy persona over the years. Is my smile just a mask?
I remember as a child being moved often from new school to new school. Nothing is more unsettling for a child than having to make new friends over and over, especially if the move occurs during the school year when all the kids have established their “clicks” for the year. I learned that the best way for me to hide my fears was to smile. When you’re lonely, smile. When you’re scared, smile. When you’re embarrassed, smile. When you’re being laughed at, smile – and even laugh along.
Now as an adult I find I do the same thing. No matter what I’m dealing with I smile. When I’m pissed, I smile. When I’m upset, I smile. When I’m overwhelmed, I smile. When I’m freaking out inside I’m smiling on the outside. It’s hard for others to hurt you if they can’t get thru the smile and see what’s really going on inside.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a relatively happy person. I survived those school years. I have a wonderful life with a loving family, a great job, and a fulfilling hobby. I’ve Just found that the best way for me to handle life is to smile. A smile is endearing; it’s disarming; it’s distracting; it diverts attention and it puts those around you at ease. I guess it’s also a lazy way to go thru life since I’ve heard smiling takes fewer muscles than frowning. Try it, you just might enjoy it…
“The Perfect Hiding Place” – 20″x 24″ – Acrylic on Canvas – Completed 9-2-08 ©2008, Don Michael, Jr.