Louis Wain and His Love for Cats

[DeDao]

Louis Wain(1) is an English visual artist who lived in a time when cats were not considered pets. The only purpose they served were to drive away rats and other small rodents. Louis Wain's wife was his world. Louis would draw realistic art revolving around cats doing human things(2)(3). Louis did this not only to show his love for his cat, which soon became more than just a guard for mice and rats, but his love for his wife who was slowly dying of breast cancer. After the death of his Wife and sister, he slowly developed what doctors labeled as schizophrenia. Some psychologists believe this can be shown in his later works(4). Later, Louis's art was fully being submerged into psychedelic-like patterns(5); This is what I find fascinating. The connection between different natural mental states and the mental states that psychedelics bring you to.

Below are a few of his works in order from 1-5. (Corresponding foot notes relate with pictures)

Also, this is a link to an informational page about his life and works:

Page Not Found - Beautiful/Decay

I would like to hear about your interpretations and comments on this interesting man's life. Thanks and hope you enjoyed this acknowledgement of this beautiful man and his cats!

 

[sleepypelican]

great pictures! i really like the last two

 

[112233]

I believe his "schizophrenia" was the result of his brain producing larger amounts of DMT than is considered normal. I also believe our mad houses are full of people with such an affliction. Imagine, if you'd never heard of DMT, or been experienced with psychedelics, and then one day you have a natural flood of DMT into your system and visit hyperspace totally unprepared (if there is such a thing as being totally prepared for hyperspace). And what if this were a common occurrence? Insanity could easily result. I'm not saying this is the case for all mental patients, of course, but it certainly sounds plausible for some cases. I think the proof is in Mr. Wain wonderful artwork.

 

[DreaMTripper]

Wow, just wow, superb artwork
Schizophrenia was/is used as an umbrella term for someone who is not considered 'normal' in society. Some argue it doesnt actually exist or at least isnt specific enough although there are other names under it such as catatonic (Louis Wain certainly seems CATatonic!)
They would lock people up in mental homes and labotomise their own relatives casually some who they thought too different to live in society.
The pain of his struggles was no lie im sure but does anyone know the extent to his condition?
IMO how we perceive this dimensional plane is to some extent reliant on the balance of neurotransmitters his were clearly different to the majority of society.

 

[DeDao]

I love you guys' interpretations.

I would like to talk to a psychiatrist one day and ask as many questions about schizophrenia.

Such an interesting label..

Thanks for enjoying the post!

 

[sleepypelican]

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia in the last three years, and I must say I couldn't agree with last few posts more. In todays society anyone who is overly spiritually minded is considered schizophrenic. In acient times people spome to god, today those same people would be considered crazy

 

[DeDao]

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia in the last three years, and I must say I couldn't agree with last few posts more. In todays society anyone who is overly spiritually minded is considered schizophrenic. In acient times people spome to god, today those same people would be considered crazy

I am glad you are not letting these ignorant labels hinder you in your own life!

I bet if I went to a doctor and told him everything I felt, I would quickly be diagnosed also. :!:

 

[sleepypelican]

I am glad you are not letting these ignorant labels hinder you in your own life!

I bet if I went to a doctor and told him everything I felt, I would quickly be diagnosed also. :!:

Thats why I find it interesting when they throw around words like mentally ill on tv. I mean whats the definition? If im Prozac, couldnt I be considered mentally ill? To accept life in society today ass we know takes a certain degree of mental illness I believe.