On Display

 

As a child in grammar school when I could,

I would draw little pictures in class while the

other kids did their math. Instead of homework

assigned each day, I would draw my little pic-

tures regardless of what the teacher might say.

At an early age I came to realize that I would

not grow up to become a doctor, a lawyer or

a scientist. I had no interest in business or en-

gineering. All I really care to do was draw.

And I was pretty good at it too. Got straight

“A”s from kindergarten through the eighth

grade. I never gave a thought as to how I

would make a living when I grew up.

My parents said that most artists don’t earn

a living doing what they love to do. Very few

become a Michelangelo, a Picasso or Monet.

Later on in life I learned for most artists that

proved to be true. Perhaps as a consolation

one day I would be like van Gogh and many

other starving artists who were never renown

while they were alive. Who knows, I might

hang in museums after my demise.

I got to thinking, that would have to be real-

ized long after I was gone. While still alive,

however, the only way to be hung in the Gug-

genheim or the Louvre would be with a rope

strung up in the rafters, and I dangling with a

noose around my neck. But even that would

not be acceptable in most reputable museums

today.

Besides that’s not the most attractive and op-

timal placement for an artist’s work to be on

display anyway. At my age, and given my sit-

uation, suppose I’ll have to be content posting

my stuff on Facebook every day.

While still alive, Van Gogh could have used

the 40-million dollars one of his paintings

would have brought him today.

I would have settled for less, and as it

turned out, I did.

                         -30-

Chris Hanch 9-3-2020