In memory of Chester Bennington

I finally did a thing!

Music has always been such a big part of my life. It has the power to affect my mood and my thoughts. I depend on music on a daily basis like on long car rides to keep me awake and entertained, when I'm cleaning and need motivation, when I'm working and want the time to go by faster, when I'm drawing to keep me focused, when I'm feeling down and I want to feel uplifted, when I'm mad and I want a healthy outlet, when I'm feeling lonely or feel like I'm drowning but I don't want to let go, when I'm happy and want something to match my mood and keep me positive. Music is always there, always helping me get through the day. Linkin Park is one of those bands that never gets old for me. I have been listening to their music for 15 years and no matter what many people think about their music, their lyrics have helped me through the years. I love them because they are different and they are not afraid to take risks with their music. I love them because of their raw and powerful lyrics and the impact they have had on a lot of people, including myself. But I fell in love because of Chester's unique and irreplaceable voice. Thinking about the fact that I will never get to see him sing live and that the world has lost his voice forever is just heartbreaking.

Anyway, back to the point, I've been struggling with depression (and therefore a huge lack of motivation) for a while now and the recent passing of Chester hit me harder than any other artist passing because his music had been a part of over half my life. And I know some people think it's silly to be sad about someone you never knew passing away but it's ok, they don't have to understand.

So I've been listening to their music nonstop since the news and yesterday something kinda clicked. Instead of letting his suicide affect me in a negative way, his music gave me the push I needed to go back to doing something I love doing, which is drawing. I haven't been able to draw anything for over a year! I've been dealing with that sucky numb feeling and sometimes it's hard to do anything other than lay in my bed.

Soooo as a huge thank you and as a sad goodbye, I made this. R.I.P. Chester, your demons no longer haunt you.

I know it's nowhere near perfect but just finishing it is such an accomplishment after all this time that I don't really care. This piece was actually a first for me, first time painting an actual person and first time painting something in black and white. I hate that I couldn't capture his great lips though, imo that was his best feature, his mouth. Anyway, hopefully, this long long funk is over and I can get back to doing more art.


If you're struggling with depression or just feeling down, listen to this song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qSjwc…