Nape of Haha is one of the more direct images from this series. I have always thought of this painting as a portrait of a shaman, an ancient healer in primitive societies. The shaman existed as a complex member of the community, often educated on the medicinal qualities of plants but also well versed in the stories passed down in the community. The shaman, or witch doctor, often lived at the perimeter of his or her society and was often both revered and avoided by the community. They existed at once as both terrifying agents and vital members of the tribe. The masks they often wore depicted horrifying yet necessary faces to chase out unclean spirits, which were often believed to cause mental and physical illnesses. Only by being fully knowledgeable of such “dark forces” could these shamans perform their restorative rituals. Today in many ways artists have taken on this performative role, existing both within and without of their communities and reflecting the stories of their times. Their goal, at least in theory, is to be adventurers on the border of chaos and order, seeking through myth and story telling the restorative boon that will bring peace and harmony back to the community that supports them.