Katrina Thornley

Artists never truly die, through their work they live on, touching people in new ways. Years pass and new interpretations emerge: this is true for writing, painting, and music. It comes as no shock that Linkin Park music sales sky rocketed after the tragic loss of Chester Bennington. I myself immediately purchased songs on my iPod even though I have their over used CDs sitting in my room. Why? Because there is a power in art that not only makes us feel connected to the artist, but to a whole community of fans or followers that share an understanding. Music is a thread that ties together individuals to create a group, but it also threads together memories to create a life. There are artists I listened to in elementary school, high school, and college, but there are also authors I read for the same amount of time (J.K. Rowling). These people find a way into our lives without us truly realizing. Why are actors and musicians such a big part of the American culture? Because while our brave soldiers are protecting us, artists are using their skills to try and units us. Chester Bennington and the rest of Linkin Park managed to do this through song. Continue to make art, continue to love music, continue to participate in “fandoms”, come together to celebrate what is beautiful whether it be words, sounds, or images. Life is too short.