An Honest Answer

"What do you think of it?"

"Oh, hello! Well, I suppose it's perfectly lovely, yes, quite lovely indeed."

"Do you really think so?"

"Well, I - why, yes, certainly, yes - of course it's lovely."

"If you'll forgive a stranger's curiosity...you don't sound entirely convinced to me."

"Only if you'll forgive mine first, young man. Are you in the habit of quizzing strangers on their opinions regarding public art pieces?"

"You know, now that you mention it, I really rather am."

"Ha! Very well then. I do think this piece is quite nice, aesthetically - the artist, this Mr. Primvox, is clearly very skilled at rendering a scene."

"...but?"

"If you must know, I find myself concerned about the heart behind the piece - behind all of his pieces of work, really."

"...the heart?"

"Yes, the heart! You know, the spirit behind them. The intention. The meaning. All that sort of thing."

"Oh, I quite understand you! I'm just curious about how you arrived at that particular...concern."

"Well, are you fairly familiar with Mr. Primvox's artwork?"

"Oh, fairly so, I suppose. I take it you're quite well-versed in it?"

"Yes, quite so. I've stopped by each one of his shows multiple times, in fact."

"Really? As it happens, I've actually been to a number of the gallery openings myself - but I don't believe I've seen you at one before."

"Oh, I'm never able to make it on the opening nights. Those would be far too crowded for me anyway...no, I've never met the artist himself."

"Ah, alas! But you follow his work so?"

"Yes, quite - I do make a point to make it out to the gallery at least a few times, whenever one of his new shows is up. This is my first time seeing this latest collection."

"Ah, understood! So, regarding the 'heart' of this work, about which you are concerned: what do you suppose it's about?"

"Hmmm...which do you mean? The collection of works as a whole, or this particular piece?"

"How about just this piece, to begin with."

"Alright then - I suppose I think it's about hiding."

"Hiding?"

"Just that, yes. I think that's the theme of a lot of his works, in fact."

"Hiding...in what sense?"

"Oh, take your pick - from social pressures, from history, from media, from reality - but from himself most of all, I suspect!"

"My goodness, how very psychoanalytical of you. I must know how you came to such conclusions about this piece."

"It all comes down to how the thing was made. The feelings of the man behind the hastily stretched canvas and wildly intense brushstrokes. Brilliantly layered brushstrokes, absolutely magical work on the canvases yes - but full of haste and terror, nonetheless, I think."

"You seem convinced that you understand Mr. Primvox quite well!"

"Oh, this is all just an old lady's musings."

“What do you think he's like, then?”

“Aside from full of haste and terror? He's brilliant, truly. But at heart - at least for now - I think he must be some sort of addict."

"Oh?"

"Yes, an addict indeed - to his art, if to nothing else!"

"Whatever makes you say that?"

"Well mostly, there is the sheer rate at which he produces his works; I mean, this is his fourth show in as many months! That's unheard of, even for an artist of his popularity and standing."

"I suppose that is noteworthy. But might the man not just love his craft?"

"Hmph. I love the craft of knitting. With all my heart I love it. But if I knit a hundred scarves in a month, someone ought to call a psychiatrist."

"Point taken."

"It all makes sense, when you put it together; I see 'hiding' as the central theme in these works because I think all of these works really are his way of running away from something - and so he becomes addicted to making art, as a sort of creative coping mechanism."

"Hmmm. But perhaps true artistry demands one be addicted to their vocation?"

"Romanticizing disfunction...you'd make a fine artist yourself, young man."

"Ha! Do you really think so?"

"You certainly seem to have the disposition, if you don't mind me saying. A sharp mind, from how you talk! And an interest, clearly."

"Well, that's terribly kind of you, ma'am. You're quite a thoughtful conversationalist yourself."

"I do try to remain somewhat interesting."

"You triumph with flying colors! Now, having heard all of your most eloquent reflections, I simply must know your answer to this, my last question: what do you suppose makes a great artist?"

"..."

"That's a long pause."

"I am taking the time to deliberate, young man. Yours is a serious question; I intend to give it a serious answer."

"Of course! My apologies, ma'am, I meant no offense."

"Oh, there's none taken - just permit an old lady to think for a few moments more."

"Of course."

"..."

"..."

"Alright, I'll tell you. Who do I think shall be the greatest artist? I suppose it must be the person who can look longest, and most deeply, into their own heart..."

"Ah..?"

"...and remain honest."

"...damn."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Ah - my apologies again, madam. I am just...very, very taken with that answer."

"Oh, well, I'm glad."

"Yes, that was one of the most insightful responses I think I've ever received to that question. And I've asked it of quite of few people."

"You're too kind, young man. But I really do think that's what it comes down to. Plenty of people have talent, or the commitment to master certain artistic skills; but to be able to tell the truths about yourself - and about the world - that you see only when you just take the time to sit still for a while, reflecting...that's a rare kind of bravery. A rare honesty. I think."

"What a thoughtful person you are, ma'am."

"Well, you're still too kind. And after all of my rambling, I should reiterate to you that I do deeply admire Mr. Primvox's work. I follow every show, for heaven's sakes - and I talk to strangers at length about the psychology of the fellow! He's brilliant, I tell you - a real rarity. What he paints is magic. I just really do believe deep down that he would benefit from learning to do a little more of that honest soul-searching."

"Indeed..."

"Yes, I'm sure he'll make magic once again for his next show."

"Well anyhow, thank you for humoring an overly curious stranger for so long, ma'am. You've given me so very much to think about."

"Oh, thank you for listening to this old lady's mumbles. You seem a real good lad."

"Thank you again, ma'am. I must take my leave now, but I imagine I'll see you at another show before too long."

"That would be wonderful. Good day to you!"

"Good day, ma'am."

"Oh - but hold on just a moment, young man - I don't believe you ever told me your name..?"

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