[Charity is ] DarkPsyche Throughout the course of my life, there have been a mere handful of truly remarkable individuals, musicians, and artists that have deeply inspired both my creative and personal growth.  One of the most powerfully transformative influences in my life has been the words and work of Alex Grey. My first knowing encounter with Alex Grey's work was at a distinctly pivotal point in both my artistic and spiritual paths.  In May of 2001, the transcendental progressive rock group, TOOL, came out with their widely anticipated fifth album, Lateralus.  TOOL, being among my handful of exceptionally inspiring, creative forces, has introduced to me several revolutionary artists through their album artwork,live performances, and music videos. Alex's work was not only revolutionary, it also evoked from me one of the purest human reactions, that of wonder. With masterful detail, his images intensely portrayed humanity as radiant, interwoven threads of both spirit and flesh vibrating in an interconnected dance of light and life.  Within the images pulse a rare thought in this modern Dark Age of fear and death.  It was the thought of hopeful humanitarianism in creative union with the divine.  This was the concept that proved to be a most dynamic catalyst of change within my own artistic and spiritual life.

As I furthered my studies in art, psychology, and mythos, my appreciation for both Alex and Allyson's work deepened, and began to transform my perceptions of the artist's true role in the evolution of society and humanity.  Being a student of Jungian Psychology, I was particularly captivated by Alex's words and images of the vast interconnectedness of all beings and the realm where judgmental bounders dissolve. Throughout my life, I have worked to cultivate and promote these ideals within myself, and inspire them within others, for these are the ideals of humanities' salvation.  It will only be through educated acceptance and open benevolence that we may save our race from brutally blind annihilation.  The Grey's work goes far beyond simple articulated words that weigh only slightly on the mind, to speak to the deeper reaches of the heart and the soul.  This is the true work of the visionary artist. I have actively disseminated knowledge of the Grey's works throughout my cultural and artistic communities in hope that it may birth an ever-widening field of compassionate, awakened individuals.  I am elated that I may now do so on a much grander scale through both national and international print and media. To Alex , Allyson, and Peter -  thank you.