From a tool used to protect soldiers (as well as civilians) from the horrors of war to an art medium used by artists all over the world, nothing compares to the symbolism of the gasmask. Used to speak of the realities of chemical warfare to the environmental impacts of industry the image of the gasmask touches the heart of all people. It usually stirs up emotions of negativity. Why when it is really a tool to help life? It’s because no matter how you look at it the gasmask is a scary image yet fascinating too. The TAC has been using the gasmask to convey a simple message that is also part of our mission. To Change the Way . . . ART Works!
We are doing this by taking the seed of an idea and a negative item and transforming it into something of humor, mystery and wonder. Maybe one day through this process of transforming the gasmask people will even find magic in it. Join in our artistic journey and check out some of the photos taken over the many years of TAC’s existence.
Thank you to Scott Hook for the art work that inspired Antique dealer and art collector, Dick Swanson to hand artist and art promoter, David Heatwole, a gasmask as he left the house to go to the opening of the “Saints, Sinners and the Rest of Us” art exhibit. The exhibit featured Hooks' work along side of many other unconventional contemporary artists.
