I've been wanting to do something for the Little Red Riding Hood collab for a while, but hadn't quite found a place to fit in. Flockofword's "Lessons that Lessen Us" provides a perfect opportunity. It aslo gives me a chance to musically comment on some issues dear to my heart. Here's to freedom of expression and being. Enjoy. 

_Ozie

I first noticed this collab a long time ago and knew I wanted to contribute, but wasn't sure how to go about it, because I didn't want to say it in text or video.  

I want to make something very clear: this isn't a 'woah-is-me' record. This is more of a statement on self-perception. I think we all have days where we wished we could fix this or change that about our appearance. I know I have, especially when I was younger. We can become very harsh critics, picking ourselves apart, dissecting every perceived flaw. And in today's society it is possible to 'fix' some of these perceived imperfections via surgery, which it seems like more and more people are turning to. Which, in my personal opinion, is unfortunate. As someone who admittedly enjoys looking at both beautiful men and women, the people I find the most attractive are not perfect by traditional standards. There's something unique that sets them a part, something different, something that they probably considered a 'flaw' at some point in their life. 

I have, at one time or another, felt all of things I wrote over this self-portrait. And there are still things about my appearance that I don't fully enjoy. I'm never going to be BFFs with my freckles, for example. But I have embraced them to the point where, even if given the opportunity, I wouldn't alter them.

What I eventually want to do is create a two-frame image with an honest self-portrait in one frame, and a distorted one in the other, to show how we can become so easily deceived by our own perceptions and criticisms. So in that way, this picture could probably best be described as 'notes' for that project.

So, if you do choose to heart this record or, especially comment, please be aware that this is not a current reflection of how I feel about myself and my appearance. I chose to do a self portrait of myself because it was the easiest and most honest way to send the message.

made from paper and random stuff i found on my desk

Metaphorest beautiful poem put to music. The guitar, vocals, cello and shaker were done by myself and the other shaker and the drum was done by my brother Dougie Mackie aka Fameless. Producer: Dougie Mackie Recorded through a radio Mic I couldnt find a shaker around the house so I made one out of a medicine bottle, cocoa pops and sugar. The drum was a big cardboard tub with a plastic lid. haha. Seems really odd. If anyone wants to put a harmony on top you are more than welcome!

oil on canvas