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The Strange Story Of An Artist With Pineal Cancer

By youniverse on Saturday, 23 August 2014, hits: 110661

During his time at art school, Shawn Thornton unknowingly developed cancer of the pineal gland. Curiously, as his condition progressed his art transformed into ever more complex and finely polished scenes that many find reminiscent to DMT experiences, often alluding to the mythology, symbolism, or biology surrounding the pineal gland. Here we take a quick look at his fascinating story and art.

From Reddit:

I suffered from a slow growing cancer in my pineal gland while I attended art school and during subsequent years while my paintings developed with an underlined mythology that alluded directly to the pineal years before I even know of its existence.

I think I'd work myself into a frenzy for a while and yes, when I would fall lie down in bed I'd have something like a manic episode that was very lucid and visionary. That still applies to this day, but I try to control it better so I don't get sick again.

I've had a lot of truly mystical and otherworldly experiences as a result of my history and battle with brain cancer and I'm really drawn to things that resonate with a certain powerful energy, and I'm always honing in on that more and more. whether consciously or subconsciously.

I treat depression with mushrooms. Haven't done DMT 'intentionally'. Man made chemicals are a thing of the past for me, as I'm really sensitive.

 

More from Shawn on Green Line Cafe:

Painting, for me, is largely an attempt to decrypt the mechanisms of illness through a disciplined medium. I feel, on some deep internal level, that through my painting practice I’m engaged in a psychic process to illuminate the intricate vessels and cogs of an insidious physic current that stems, in part, from having had a serious illness, and all the subtle and profound ways I was altered by this experience.

All throughout my early adulthood, I struggled from the mental and physical effects of a slow growing tumor in my brain, the symptoms of which were repeatedly misdiagnosed by my doctors as purely psychological in origin, and it ultimately took over half a decade to get a proper diagnosis and treatment to shrink the tumor. I suffered immeasurably during this period from having repeatedly undergone a host of treatments meant to treat the symptoms of mental illness, and paradoxically, from a mental illness that ultimately could not be contained. The tumor was in the very center of my brain, in a small, mysterious organ at the top of the spinal column, the pineal gland. I didn’t have any prior reason to consider the actual material existence of the pineal before this.

As for its spiritually ominous and physically precarious location at epicenter of my being, my ability to conceptualize these facts seemed utterly unreal, ethereal, like nothing short of a sordid space exploration, as it had been making its presence known to me for so long and now there were surgeons probing into my head – into my consciousness. As I further researched my illness directly after being released from the hospital, and after having had undergone emergency brain surgery a few days earlier, I quickly became very quizzical by what I was finding. What had been developing in my art, half unconsciously, over the previous several years in which I had been very ill and labored to keep painting, all of a sudden became very clear. Elements in the paintings seemed to correlate directly to the pineal gland and to many of its mystical and biological functions that have puzzled humankind for centuries.

All throughout the history of human sciences, religions, and philosophies, of different civilizations and cultures all over the world, people have contemplated and researched the pineal because of its mysterious location at the center of our brain. For me, most notable, was its purposed role in the production of endogenous DMT in humans, and its proximity in our brains to the Ajna chakra, or third eye. I also found it intriguing that the pineal gland regulates biorhythms in humans through the production of the hormone melatonin. This brought to mind images of medical charts; of archetypal schematics and universal symbols.

 

You can view more of Shawn's work up close by clicking here 

 

*Thanks bancopuma!

Comments  

+13 # Alexander DS 2014-08-25 13:45
:lol: :-) :D ;-) YESSSSSS!!!!!! Too bad it took an 'illness', and the abject failure of 'modern medicine', for this young visionary to discover the TRUTH about the pineal gland, our Sacred Portal into the Higher Realms of existence :eek:
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-5 # wtf 2014-08-28 15:41
The hell are you talking about "abject failure of modern medicine?"

Seriously, GTFO.
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-8 # Practicing Living... 2014-08-29 10:58
Abject failure is correct... Hell, just look at what we refer to as "Modern Medicine", go ahead, I'll wait, it's still a called a practice for a reason... Most everyone now reached out to a local pharmacy for a laundry list of man-made and mixed chemicals to achieve the same results that humans ordinarily looked to organic compounds.
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+9 # donohue100 2014-08-29 11:49
The fool does not realize without modern science he would be dead.
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+1 # samu3l 2014-08-25 23:03
What he said
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+17 # Dead Mule 2014-08-26 06:06
True knowledge is always hard earned/won.
Congratulations to this cat for his many Victories. I hope he keeps going, he's received a beautiful gift to help heal the suffering experienced. 8)
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-46 # Dangwillo 2014-08-26 12:05
Modern art is mental illness. Artists used to be craftsmen who created works of art; now they are artists creating art. Garbage.
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-8 # #BrOk 2014-08-28 11:59
Do you know that this is probably only your opinion?
I mean who are you? Some modern day Da Vinci or something? I really can't take your comment seriously! And I'm sure you are not an artist neither a craftsmen!
Ooh one more advise.. these kind comments are not gonna help you in your life.. you can better keep them for yourself.. nobody's waiting for it!
You should get yourself checked probably and maybe try some shrooms the could help you out dealing with your Mental problems. because you have some!
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-22 # Defiant 2014-08-26 15:32
Ugh. Come on. I've seen artwork that's JUST as impressive coming from artists WITHOUT pineal cancer. Unless you could measure this artists progress WITHOUT cancer, and then compare (which obviously can't happen), there is NO evidence this artwork is a result of ANYTHING going on in the pineal gland.
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+15 # universecannon 2014-08-26 21:56
Nothing is certain but you have to admit that it is peculiar that his art became ever more tryptamine-esqu e and even contained many allusions to the pineal gland/third eye even before he was aware of the tumor, or the pineal's historical significance, or DMT, or the idea that it might be produced there; an idea which is gaining evidence in recent times with the confirmation of DMT in rat pineals, not to mention many of us who have experienced DMT-states through techniques that we know stimulate the pineal, such as dark rooming or meditation etc.
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+6 # Mark OBlazney 2014-08-26 16:29
Don't stop, sir dude !!
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+14 # Sean David Cupples 2014-08-26 19:22
The deapth of your work is indescribable,I was diagnosed skitzoaffective many years ago.I to have researched my disorder,I found myself in a new world and the only cure was to live life without any fear whatsoever.I can see beings that are at higher frequencies and hear them clearly ,I write spiritually based poetry on my Facebook page "full awareness in all things heavenly" I would love to display some of your work on my page.it's full of subconscious prompts from ancient civilizations that most haven't had the honor of studying such as Lumuria and Atlantis,it displays many symbols of pure vibratory energy and enlightenment .you are surely blessed.Namaste .
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+2 # Thadra Morrow 2014-08-26 20:58
YOU Shawn Thornton should definatly go to the amazon and try a two week D.M.T treatment. It can and may cure your cancer but aside from that. Youwould finally understand Your visions and there meanings. It would ALL make since...
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+19 # universecannon 2014-08-26 22:15
He already got the tumor removed and is doing fine. Please don't spread reckless misinformed advice here by suggesting that someone with a serious illness simply has to go to the amazon to cure all cancers... as if it's some magic bullet or panacea to perfect health.
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+1 # Edge E V 2014-08-27 00:39
Do not misjudge DMT before you research it ;) It sure has helped many :)
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0 # DMT 2014-08-27 02:12
@universecannon

Read this: http://earthweareone.com/how-psychedelics-saved-my-life/
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+14 # universecannon 2014-08-27 03:59
I'm well aware of how the potential healing properties of these things likely goes well beyond what has even been researched...Ne vertheless, we need to be realistic, not get too ahead of ourselves, and keep harm reduction in mind in cases like this. So it still seems reckless in my opinion to run around telling everyone with cancer that they simply have to go to the amazon and take ayahuasca and they will be 100% cured, regardless of whether or not it can seriously help that kind of cancer (I'm not saying it doesn't, because I don't know. Some seem to have had good luck with that while others haven't, but interestingly enough harmalas do have some anti-tumor properties from what I've read.)

And instead of just trying to emulate another culture we need to take a more syncretic approach, I think, and utilize all that we can to heal instead of just becoming hyperfocused on one particular way of doing one particular thing.
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+1 # saco 2014-08-28 22:03
Don't tell people what to do
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+2 # sara kirkham 2014-08-26 23:33
how can I use mushrooms for depression
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+5 # nouseforaname 2014-08-27 17:13
Step 1. Eat them
Step 2. You've accomplished what you asked for.
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+1 # Papa 2014-08-27 17:33
By tripping your ass off and laughing profusely...
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-16 # scarlett 2014-08-27 20:46
Please just keep looking until you find a doctor willing to work with you on your depression meds. Sometimes it takes a toddy to get it right. Hang in there. Look for a doc whose professional expertise is in psych meds. Believe me, if mushrooms would do it, we'd all be eating them by now.
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+18 # lana 2014-08-28 01:12
mushrooms haven't been privatized by the big pharma and therefore don't make profit, that's why they aren't being prescribed for anti depressants.
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+8 # Brittney Coblentz 2014-08-31 21:22
Thank you. I cannot stand the negative connotations towards psychadelic healing. It is a beautiful and healing experience. It has worked very well for me personally, but I won't speak for everyone. I used to want to die. I could not summon joy to my heart. Mushrooms gave me the chance to open my heart and really feel again. The great mushrooms spirit did its work and continues to do so. I use them monthly. Trust me. It's way better than a prozac.
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0 # beth 2014-12-13 15:29
This is sound advice.
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+4 # Mishima 2014-08-27 21:25
They can show you that the reality is so much more complex and amazing than you give it credit. They can make your depression seem silly and trivial in comparison. The impression that there's more than what we detect before us with our five senses, can be enough to begin loosening depression's hold on you.
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+2 # volta 2014-08-28 12:06
Ketamine will help, read about it.
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+3 # Don Juan 2014-08-27 10:15
Sara Kirkham. Eat them.

But read first, to learn how to use this powerful medicine safely.

I suggest starting with Carlos Castaneda.
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+1 # beth 2014-12-13 15:30
Yes
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+3 # michiavelli 2014-08-27 12:17
Where could one purchase one of these brilliant pieces of art!!???
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+1 # JLL 2014-08-30 21:14
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shawnthornton/ox-bow-in-the-nude
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0 # Greg 2014-08-27 18:07
Rick Simpson oil will cure you! Sanjay Gupta did a follow up story on the powers of CBDs & CBNs. Please please look into this before chemo or your body will be too worn down. There are testimonials all over youtube of others curing themselves...it also removed brain tumors through apoptosis in mice. See for yourself, learn for yourself. You have a gift and the world needs to see your work for years to come. Not pushing views, simply opening doors if you wish to walk through. http://phoenixtears.ca/
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0 # universecannon 2014-08-27 22:51
Are people even reading about his story before posting? He no longer has the tumor :-)
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0 # James Anton 2014-08-28 16:04
It doesn't matter that he doesn't have cancer anymore. Going to a Shaman that knows how to guide and show you the way through the other realms or plains is something I think that everyone should think about doing. In the ancient teachings of the Qabbalah they talk about doing HASHISH. It says the use of drugs is one of the easiest a methods to secure a form of mediumship, for when the conscious mind is thrown into a stupor, certain astral and physical records are often brought through. Getting in another state of mind will help you figure out this other part of existence that's not in the material world.
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+1 # universecannon 2014-08-28 22:12
But it does matter...Did you even read his post? Greg was specifically suggesting the artist avoid chemo and instead get his tumor treated by using cannabis oil, not knowing the artist already had successful surgery.
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+1 # frankrizla 2014-08-27 20:29
Love it wish i could find them as wallpapers for my desktop
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-5 # RJM 2014-08-28 07:05
Fuck me, are you people REALLY pushing someone to use ridiculous untested treatments to cure a BRAIN TUMOUR?! Modern surgical and oncological treatments have been thoroughly tested with PROPER science - but then, what use is good research when we've got testamonials and apoptosis in mice eh? :-* :-*

Seriously, I know the guy's cured, but if he wasn't, and he read this site, you could've killed the guy.
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+3 # slinky 2014-08-29 17:51
They look pretty damn close to some of the experiences ive had through DMT. It may be a coincedence or maybe something profound, but either way u cant take away the possibilities and the unknown in general. The possibilities of DMTis as good as any 'theory'
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0 # colin 2014-08-30 01:19
Read the piece.. good stuff.. sorry about the
Illness
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0 # KB 2014-08-31 02:32
Some of my own art work reflected things that later emerged as a part of my psych- an awakening, long shadows, fear...
I was amazed how a paint brush can reveal things. try it.
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+1 # Nick 2014-09-09 13:23
I wonder if that's the same yellow submarine the beetles are singing about.
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-6 # GOD 2014-09-18 00:58
Some of the comments here are dangerous . Cannabis can cure cancer ........ take mushrooms or ketamine to cure depression . That is sharlatan .

Things like that destroy the credibility of this site , its users and the articles on it .

The middle / dark ages is over and it would be better to forget it than to carry on with sick crap like that .
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