Questions from varla

1. what is your perspective on happiness? is it attainable or is it solely a word?
I think CONTENTMENT is attainable, but HAPPINESS is tricky. It wouldn’t be a satisying existence to be happy all the time. Without periods of melancholy and even sadness, life would be dull. Not to mention creatively stifling. To me happiness is being able to embrace QUE SERA SERA as much as possible at every moment.

2. what is your definition of art?
Picasso said, art is a lie which helps us to see the truth. To me, art is this: the creative presentation of subjectivity which allows an audience to glimpse objectivity.

3. why do you suppose it is that most children are raised with the idea that they could grow up to be president of the united states when clearly a lot money and affluent supporters are required in this pursuit? were you raised with this idea? explore that.
It’s part of that whole American Dream mantra. I think the so-called America Dream DOES exist, and yet in order to be a “success” according to the narrow mainstream American definition requires constant sacrifice and unhappiness. Just to be powerful and have lots of money, while enduring the derision and jealousy of society. So why bother? I was never told growing up that I could be President because politics weren’t a big deal in our household. I think my parents would be shocked and actually angry if I were to announce to them now that I was going into politics. Anyway, not likely.

4. what would you say is a recurring theme in your writing? in what ways do you want your writing to change people?
I guess one recurring theme is when someone experiences a moment of rediscovery in their live and is able to see things at a distance: that tiny moment when you wake up in the morning, not realizing yet where you are, what day is, what happened yesterday or even who you are. Another recurring theme is the push/pull between the desire to shun money and the tendency towards materialism while simultaneously enying those who have power and money. I hope my writing can force someone to see everyday situations, objects, and themselves in a new way, as if for the first time, if only briefly.

5. if you were stuck in an elevator with David Byrne and George Bush, how would you approach the situation?
I’d just stand back and watch the fireworks. Maybe I’d shake Bush’s hand and say, oh by the way, I’m gay.