artisticliberty | [imeeji

[looks up at A]

What do you think of them?

Huh? What do I think?

[glances down at his drawing, up at Fox, back down at the drawing. What kind of trick question is this??]

Well... for example, I was proud of this coffee cup. It's a simple object, but getting the curves right in the perspective was actually quite challenging, particularly in terms of line width.

I would say that's a fair assessment. You've created a dimensional quality to it as well, which can be quite difficult to do.

Your skill here is evident--there are many things you have accomplished on a technical level. But I wonder if that isn't being used as a crutch, of sorts.

[blinks, like. HOW AM I FAILING A FINAL I STUDIED THIS HARD FOR??]

Should I have chosen more dynamic subject matter?

You could try that, perhaps. But for me, at least, while I find these sketches technically excellent... they don't tell me anything about the artist. I see replication, not originality. That, too, can be a challenge--why try to be original when everything has been done before? But it is worth it to at least try. You might learn something about yourself in the process.

[hands back the sketches]

I think you have a lot of potential, but it seems like something is holding you back.

[puts the book back in his briefcase]

I see. Yes, that makes sense.

While I do feel somewhat hypocritical on giving art advice when I am unable to create anything of satisfaction myself, I am happy you showed your work to me.

[SUDDEN IDEA: find something to criticize in Fox's artwork to make himself feel better]

It's easier to judge something you haven't created yourself, I think. It doesn't have the same firm rooting in your own cognition.

[oh sure, kick a man while he's down]

Perhaps, but it often takes an outside perspective to notice the things your own eyes fail to see.

[that's the best time to kick a man]

Well, why don't you show me what you're working on? Maybe I'd have some insight.

Ah, well... I don't really have any projects I'm currently engaged with. I was working on a painting before, but it is gone now. I'm having trouble coming up with any new ideas, you see...

[ok that's just sad though]

Perhaps you're too focused on originality. Why don't you simply paint something around you? These fish, for example.

I could, but I would not be satisfied with it. I haven't felt the desire to pick up my brush for a while now. Ever since I was--

[cuts himself off abruptly, and keeps his mouth shut]

...You literally can't speak of it.

Do you wish that you could?

[nods]

Could you paint that? Not as a means of satisfaction, but communication?

[his eyes widen as the idea comes over him]

That's--!

I... hadn't thought of such a thing. That may just be... what I need to do.

Glad I could help.

It will take some time to compose... a single piece won't do. And until it is done, I cannot have anyone else knowing about it--you will keep it a secret, won't you? Please?

Yes, of course.

Thank you. I will get to work on it as soon as possible. You all need to know... but... it's complicated. Even if I could speak on what happened, there are some things I do not know how to express in words.

I will let you know when it is complete.

Shall I leave you to it?

I think so. Forgive me for cutting our meeting short like this.

Of course. Next time, we'll meet up at AlcheME.

Re: Day 156

artisticliberty - 2019-10-05 17:03 (UTC) - Expand

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