Have I created a monster?

"When one paints an ideal, one does not have to limit one’s imagination."

- Ellen Key (1849-1926) Swedish Author

... A few of you may know that my teenage daughter is headed off next fall to "a pretty cool art school." (Her words)

... So being the Dad I am, I’ve begun to look into artsy-fartsy things. Have visited or re-visited the various Smithsonian museums in DC (which are free of charge). And have occasionally been known to dig into my wallet so as to visit a few museums and galleries that charge you for the experience.

... Well I must report, "I’m definitely not an artist." I can claim to have taken a few mechanical drawing and/or engineering design courses. [Yes, I’m a recovering engineer.]

... So reading about and then doing the BFL-mindset exercises that suggest we find a champion’s photo and then substitute our face for the champion’s face is a little over the top for me. I’ve seen the movie "Young Frankenstein" and although that particular ’monster’ did attract one particular woman; I didn’t see myself re-creating my physique into one that might rival Arnold’s.

... But this ’old dog’ is trying his best to learn a few new tricks. And my daughter claims she first ’sees her art’ before she creates her art.

... So here’s to expanding our imaginations! I think I’m going to paint me an ideal self-portrait and then – like the engineer I am – construct or transform myself once and for all.

B.A.I.
JL