1. Have I ever made art?

once when I was a toddler

once when I was a teenager

once in art school

once as an adult

maybe

never


2. How close am I to making art in the future?

enticingly close

maybe before I die

hopelessly beyond reach which can’t be true because hope returns.

sometimes I believe it has all been done and I’m one of the ones that has done it—a manic moment.


3. Where does the urge to make art come from?

it is an innate urge within every person

traumas and humiliations

ambition

narcissicism

God


4. What have I ever wanted from art?

to be loved

to be remembered. It’s hard enough to choose your audience while you’re alive, much less after you’re gone

to be respected. Hilarious concept.

to provide solace to humanity from the pain of existence. Catharsis is good while it lasts, but it can be addicting. On the other hand, it’s one of the few tools we have so don’t knock it.

to enrich the cultural record for future generations, but since humanity is now an elemental force of nature set on destroying the planet, this doesn’t sound so good does it?


5. What is the value of attempting to make art?

it is a consolation to the maker

it helps people see life

it validates the overall human endeavour. But such validation may not always be a good idea: see 4e.


Mike Brehm works as a book designer. In his off hours he attempts to make art.