The Wilderness of Mirrors (Part 1)

Back in December my former landlord back in Virginia asked if I'd be interested in creating a piece of art for her, based off a drawing she'd seen in an old sketchbook of mine. I'd never been approached about this kind of thing by someone I wasn't related to or already good friends with; it was my first legitimate commission and I immediately agreed, even though I hadn't actually painted in years, and with full knowledge that I've never had the necessary patience or craft when it came to painting. I always kind of sucked at it. But I was also kind of broke. Now, two-and-a-half months and 14 conniption fits later, and I can finally see the finish line in sight. I've taken a few photos along the way to track the progress, a glimpse behind the often intentionally-enigmatic artistic veneer. My granddad used to say "never let them see you sweat," but that's provided you have a reason to sweat in the first place. Art isn't really fun by definition but it's not quite work either. It's meditative and revelatory, and that means there should be no curtains or facades.

Also, a word of advice: don't buy art supplies from sketchy online wholesalers on the other side of the country.