Thursday, May 27, 2010

inspiration & motivation






"I am too focused on living my life as it is, to constantly draw my energy or focus towards my physical "state". Just like any other human being, I don't like to be reduced to a condition or a statistic & I sure as hell won't end up on one of the photos to be paraded on websites to inspire pity & shit... wrong guy[...] It isn't easier to achieve the same things as you. I do not have to master any less fear or stress, balance any less emotion, & I do not have less questions to which I seek answers. I do require; health, wealth & love to be happy, just like you. ...& just like you, I have to learn to find it within, knowing that I was created complete & exactly how I should be. It is not easier to find a person with who you dream of sharing your life's experiences, thoughts & visions with. Having love escaping me for so long... & so, not easier (after you have) when you lose it for no apparent reason & have to respect it & move on."

His name is Leon Botha and he was born with Progeria. I won't go into details about what Progeria is because he works twice as hard as anyone to not let that hinder his work or his skill. Therefore, I won't mention it. He is an inspiration for me and a motivational factor. He's only 24 and is wise beyond his years. Listen to him speak and maybe you'll understand why I like him so much.

All credit goes to Leon's flickr account.

34 comments:

InnyVinny said...

WOW.

Honestly, that he's 24 with Progeria is amazing to me. I know we don't want to focus on his condition, but I think that speaks volumes.

chibi said...

Wow thank you for introducing me to another interesting artist... his excerpt was compelling.
With such a condition (an obvious and a rare one to boot), it must be a constant struggle to identify ones self as something other than the disease.
I find it hard enough although I don't have any condition!

Btw thanks for your comment :)
And yes it is ridiculous what some people will buy... the triumph of capitalism!

m. said...

amazing.

The Fashion Bloggess said...

Wow! Another great post
as per usual! LOVE your
blog soooo much! Such
an inspiration! Am
definitely bookmarking
you! Hope you can stop
by mine sometime :)
xx

Hello Naka said...

neautiful images

Jill said...

Makes me realize how shallow I can be!

Margaret said...

definitely inspired by these :)
xx

Rohini said...

This is such an amazing post! :)
Xx

Vinda Sonata said...

wow, he's such an amazing figure! young and deep. great inspirational pictures.
" It is not easier to find a person with who you dream of sharing your life's experiences, thoughts & visions with"
love this part! i can't agree more!

p.s. thanks for the support, m'dear :) glad you like my writing style. i'd surely write more :)

xoxo.
v.

Dusk said...

Wow. I see and understand why you feel the way you do about Leon's work and just who he is.

Most 'normal'* people won't ever have the sense of identity and lack of self-pity he has.


*for want of a better word

Unknown said...

iT iS aN HigH ARt..
aWeSoMe!!
(^.^)v

www.aldoakira.blogspot.com

WeShop said...

Wow - a really thought-provoking post. xx

Raez said...

these are the raddest things ever! so refreshing to see art like this:)

and thank you for the lovely comments and birthday wishes! you're so sweet!

have a great weekend.
xx raez

Love + Cake said...

Wow, crazy. Thanks for this post :)

WendyB said...

Like everyone else, I'll say "wow"!

Becca. said...

lovely inspiring photos!
XOXO, BECCA
http://fashion-train.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Wow this stuff is great! Definitely looking him up.

Anonymous said...

Oh and a reply to your question, I'm from Brooklyn myself. Which part are you from?

Anonymous said...

Response to your comment:

No freakin' way! OMG, this world is just too small!

Anonymous said...

This is just so awesome!! So I think you should like come to the art show. :) Just sayin' ya knowww.

TMFA said...

Love this, thanks for sharing. Such an interesting character he is.

Closet full of hopes and dreams said...

I love people who will not will be defined by their conditions, illnesses or problems. He is so wise! Everybody has their struggles. I guess you're right, truth is not the best in politics. But I really think it should be! You got a lot of good to say girl! Sorry to hear about your moms couch. :( I hope she'll get a new sofa if she didn't already. All the best!

Unknown said...

His work is really compelling. Thank you for sharing :)

Michelle said...

Just a little tidbit but I think Leon Botha appeared in this Die Antwoord video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3f4xU_FfQ
I didn't know who he is initially until I saw your post!

Its interesting how some of his photographs have an archaic gothic feel to it, but he is also really involved in hiphop and djeeing...

and late reply is late but I agree, buying shoes shouldn't be seen as the height of human achievement. As some of Sea's followers tended to think, ha ha.

Kendra Alexandra said...

Awesome inspiration!
Your blog is really cool, I went back several posts and you have really great inspiring content. I'll be back again :)

Hope you can check out my blog and maybe even follow? :)
http://stoleninspiration.blogspot.com/

Wicked Halo said...

it really makes you feel completely futile, that someone with his condition, deals with life in such a brave manner...great post!

ilsteviewonder said...

Wow this really made me think! great post.

Mark Nava said...

I don't even know what to say... I am so grateful that I stumbled upon your beautiful blog - you continue to inspire me young lady. The reminder to count our blessings is powerful. Wishing you all the best!

Your friend,

Mark

Amy T said...

ooo this is interesting.
i like the quote you put on there. i think everyone should have that thought process. very inspiring.

as i generally just do graphic design my work is quite limited to digital design, but i started to move away from that. but all my work i do i end up disliking it after a while. then i do something new, like it then hate it. its kind of a cycle so im not sure whether to post anything up! i think in the summer im going to get back to drawing and things and might post things up as i go.

do you have that view when you create a piece of work? end up hating it after? but yes be sure to post your work!

Vinda Sonata said...

hey, i get to excited for your comments. glad you liked the post !
can't wait to see your new posts!!

Anonymous said...

agreed, wow!

side bar: i loved your animated comment and i just wanted to let you know. Stupid lady gaga has made me want to taste honey buns...what are they anyways?

Closet full of hopes and dreams said...

Thank you! You can really lift a girls spirit! I have some pictures on the blog of me without glasses. Go to labels in the side bar and Outfit. If you scroll down a few posts you will see the glassless me! :) And the boobs. Well, use a good bra and no one will know where they are shot! ;)

Anonymous said...

it's simply adorable...

isis said...

i love your creepers! i've wanted some FOREVER!!