About the logo…
I'm Barbara Burke, and I'm the designer behind the logo for the Surviving Spirit. I believe you'll find the journey quite intriguing. In just a few words, let me share how my path crossed with Mike Skinner and the story of the Surviving Spirit.
Around 17 years ago, I led a life as a professional musician touring, recording, and an artist as well. It was during that time that I had the privilege of having Mike Skinner manage my band, Powerglide. He was a true force to be reckoned with – a respected and successful man within the industry. Beyond his unwavering dedication and ceaseless efforts for our band, his vision and courage to venture into uncharted territories were unparalleled. Equally rare was his integrity and character, qualities not often found in the music business.
Unexpectedly, our lives took a different turn when the band disbanded. Mike's personal journey went through a profound transformation. It included memories of sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and eventually, the loss of his family, financial security, and perhaps even his community identity. In those challenging times, I stood by Mike, unwavering in my belief that he had the ability to create something extraordinary from this tragic ordeal. Among the outcomes emerged the Surviving Spirit – a name truly fitting for a determination that transformed the ashes of despair into a voice for countless individuals who never had an ally or the right to be heard. His music, resonating with so many, has served as inspiration and solace. His willingness to emerge as an advocate for a topic often shrouded in taboo, despite the personal cost, is a testament to the courage and triumph of the human spirit, one that I have personally witnessed.
As Mike underwent a personal evolution (to say the least), my own life was about to experience an unforeseen change. After the band disbanded, I realized a long-held dream of mine and opened my art studio. However, this newfound pursuit was short-lived as I began feeling unwell. It was later revealed that I had been exposed to substantial amounts of toxic heavy metals from a silver manufacturer located above my studio. These metals infiltrated my brain, gradually taking a toll on my physical well-being. Over a span of 13 years, the effects of this exposure gradually caused me to lose neurological function limb by limb. Today, I find myself in a wheelchair, devoid of function in my arms and hands. The abilities that defined me, such as drawing and playing the piano, are no longer within reach – or so I thought. Interestingly, my unique challenge, though different in nature, bore a resemblance to the transformation Mike experienced.
In the midst of his own personal shift, I received word from Mike about his intention to establish a venture dedicated entirely to overcoming abuse, mental health issues, and the stigma surrounding them. This organization would harness the expressive power of creative arts to ignite hope. The prospect of this venture filled me with joy! When an opportunity arose to contribute to the Surviving Spirit in some way, I eagerly seized the chance to design a logo. While I may no longer possess the physical ability to draw or paint, I had a collection of artwork from my band's touring days and access to a computer. By scanning some of my paintings and incorporating them into various logo designs, I found a way to contribute.
When contemplating a theme that encapsulated the essence of the Surviving Spirit, my thoughts immediately gravitated toward images of birds in flight – soaring with complete abandon and freedom.
An artist named Frank Howell, renowned for his Native art images, often depicted ravens with their wings bound. These images evoke a sense of the all-encompassing oppression that physical or emotional trauma can inflict. The message I aimed to convey was clear: "Release the strings that bind and take flight." It encapsulates the very essence of the Surviving Spirit. Birds have played a significant role in my life, particularly now when my solitude is profound. Observing them for hours in my backyard revitalizes and uplifts my spirit. I hope this sentiment resonates through the bird images within the logo. While my hands remain unusable, I can still type, draw, and design using my Big Toe. Through the efforts of my Big Toe, I experienced the uplifting feeling of creation once more. After years of feeling lost and adrift, this act revived my spirit. In an ironic twist, the gift of the logo was, in reality, a gift to myself. The serendipity that Mike made this possible completes a full circle. Sharing my story with you comes with a touch of apprehension. Initially, I grappled with discomfort, fearing how others might perceive me in this new, diminished state. However, my aspiration is that my story serves as an inspiration, urging all of you to persevere and reminding you not to let your identity be confined by preconceived notions of what defines worth and value. Now, more than ever, I believe that the triumphs we create and experience – regardless of how seemingly modest – truly measure our worth and purpose, both to ourselves and to each other. We are all endowed with the ability to transform a seemingly tragic event into a narrative of inspiration and empathy for those around us. With genuine delight, I extend an invitation to each of you: unfurl your wings and take flight, guided by joy and an unshakable sense of self.
Powerglide – Take Me By The Hand live video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoijyvIe3JA
Powerglide – Tired of Hangin Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G94dTw3op8I