Rich Shapero: Artist: 1/2

The Artist

Rich Shapero considers himself normal in most respects, unusual in a few:

“For some reason, I’ve always wanted to live in a different world. My thoughts always get warped toward a place and a state that I imagine is better than the one we’re born into. The virtue of being ‘at peace’ with the human condition was not bestowed on me. I’ve always been skeptical that there was any reconciliation possible between our aspirations and the struggles we inevitably endure. On top of that, the concept of mortality rubs me the wrong way. My frame of mind may be the result of some genetic defect, or a regression in my personality due to experiential trauma. I have had my share. Irrespective of its source, this unrest gives me a special perspective. And because I have a passion for words and ideas, I’ve attempted to put my intuitions into story form and make them available to others.”

Giving it away

Rich Shapero is giving away books and CDs. Why?

“I want people to have a chance to see my projects. I’m aware that my work isn’t for a big audience. Broad exposure is getting my stuff in a few of the right hands.”

The giveaway is motivated by personal experience: “When I was much younger, I was introduced to words and ideas that changed my life. They were created by a particular group of artists, and they had a particular kind of understanding. I created my own genealogy—a family of people that I looked up to and embraced.”

Connection

“The truth is: I don’t feel a deep connection through my genetic lineage. Nor do I feel much of a cultural genealogy. I have an ancestor who goes back five generations in America, and I like living in California. But what really nourishes me is the love I share with my immediate family, and my sense of community with a tribe of artistic heroes who staked their claims in the unseen world.”

“That’s my connection to reality, such as it is. That, along with my family, is what makes me cherish life. What I’m doing through these projects is reaching out to others like me. I know it’s a small group, but there are ‘like minds’ out there who will understand and connect with what I’m doing. That’s important to me. And it may be important to them.”

Contact Rich, really. “For those who find something of value, I hope they will let me know. One of my regrets is that I failed to do that with a number of artists who had a big impact on me. Now it’s too late. I didn’t think it would matter to them. I know better now.”