My choice will ALWAYS BE > SYNTHETIC *NON*leather!
Hand painted Remo Frame Drums by Karrel Christopher:
https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894
> DRUM HEADS: SYNTHETIC vs DEAD ANIMAL SKIN <
Recently, a drum collector visited my art studio and was admiring my hand painted frame drums and my animal paintings. He and his wife loved the quality and spirit of the artwork and the voice of the drums.
I shared with them that because I am VEGAN, I only painted my designs on *non*leather synthetic fiber REMO drums. Respect for animals being key – they also are more resilient and tone stable in various temperatures and humidity. As a musician and shaman workshop facilitator, he admitted that the animal skin drums he has used constantly go out of tune during his events (having to stop and make many adjustments). He agreed that the Remo drums had a great tone and loved the advantages in changing weather.
The wife mentioned that he had several goat skin drums – to which I automatically cringed with great sadness. As she reviewed my walls covered with several goat portraits, I could see she was feeling a bit awkward and embarrassed. --Then she added,
“Opps – sorry – I am sure they were only very old goats!”
.....WHAT ???? .....
I was stunned by her statement (excuse?) and reminded them that – regardless of their age...or species…that all animals cherish their lives…as we do. I got a nervous laugh from them both and they quickly changed the subject.
In the days that have followed, her words continued to jar my heart and brain. They were just another startling example of how people try to justify their choices and sooth their conscience. Though they perceive their choices as normal and innocent – some part of them must suspect the violence involved. Over and over again, I had to ask myself – how does this work? “I am sure they were only very old goats!” (like that makes it OK ?!!) Well, for NOT me – it doesn’t!
I know and dearly love many “old goats” and have also mourned their passing. They are all beautiful feeling individuals. And I respect the right to life – for ALL the ones I have not met. It would never occur to me to say – Hmmm, you know, I could make a drum or purse out of you because you are “OLD” – absolutely NOT! – NOT at any age!
So I am trying to figure the reasoning?! What if we lived in a society that found it a normal, mainstream and acceptable tradition (and a livelihood) to make drums, crafts, accessories and décor items out of *human skin and hair*?? Would using small children considered surplus & by-product (like in animal agriculture) be alright?! Would killing adults who were not very productive be practical?! Would knocking off grandparents (because they are OLD) be acceptable?! Extreme – yes!? Do those examples shock you – well of course they should! Being a good, well intentioned, moral person – you KNOW it would be absurd and very WRONG.
So WHY don’t we KNOW that slavery, exploitation and murder are WRONG for ALL innocent sentient SPECIES?!! All the *non*human animals all cherish their safety, family, freedom and lives too. What bizarre conditioning, brainwashing and marketing tricks have people assimilated?! – without question – even defiantly defending terrible acts - that most certainly would be a terrible contradiction to their sincerely professed values?! It is further disturbing that lots of folks ignore what should be obvious ethical concerns when it comes to those “old traditions and practices”. There are many who make earnest claims about “being spiritual” – all while banging on a drum made from the skin of an often tortured and murdered individual (and using other animal source accessories for their rituals).
For example, that GOAT SKIN DRUM is most likely from: a young male goat that was of no use to the dairy industry OR any goat raised & killed for meat OR an adult female depleted dairy goat whose productivity has dropped and is no longer profitable OR a victim of ritual slaughter OR any old goat someone could imagine making a profit with. So please ask yourself: What is the energy, music, intention, meaning – the sincerity and quality of spiritual – or artistic practice, when all that misery and violence is contained in the history of that poor animal? Let us awaken our heart intelligence. Think!
We are NOT cave men and women anymore. We have presumably evolved. We are supposed to be intelligent. And we are fortunate to have the wonderful advantage of many responsible and ethical alternatives for our use, enjoyment, expressions and profit. It would certainly seem more sincere and meaningful for all those items to come from a place of responsibility, love and peace.
Why not create new traditions, habits and rituals that leave out the violence. Choose LOVE. Let us honor each other and ALL our Earth Family with respectful, kind and compassionate choices.
Thank you for your consideration.
When we discover our conscience ~ we must act.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone. ~ KC
*non*leather hand painted frame drums by Karrel Christopher
https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894
Remo drums: please check out the *non*leather options! http://remo.com/
~ RIP Remo D Belli 1927 - 2016 http://remo.com/remobelli/
Thank you Remo. I will never forget your kindness to me as I started my journey of painting on frame drums. Your understanding, thoughtfulness and support were greatly appreciated. It was an honor to meet you, know you and tour your incredible drum manufacturing facility in Valencia, California. Thank you for showing the world how great NON LEATHER drums could be!! ~ KC
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-remo-belli-20160503-story.html
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