The Beauty of Inspiration

[losthunter]

There is a large canvas set up in the Plaza today. The majority of the canvas, which is five feet in height and close to seven feet in length, is currently blank. But there is an artist who is working on the first portion of his project.

Hunter has a very unique appearance. A network of vine-themed tattoos cover his face and neck (and since he is wearing a tank top today, those same tattoos are also visible on his arms). There is a large rose bush tattoo on his left forearm that seems to be connected to the vines that run up his arm. He is completely bald. A large silver tree is prominently placed on his forehead, which trails down to a nose-bridge piercing. He has no eyebrows, instead Arabic writing is tattooed along his brow line. And along the right side of his cheek is a deep red scar.

At his side is a large trolley, that currently holds a multitude of paint jars. There is also a large container of rose petals, which every now and then Hunter uses to dip into the paint and place onto the canvas to create a multi-dimensional appearance to his creation.

He also has a few cloths available, so every now and then he can clean his hands, step back and look at the piece. It is during one of those moments, that Hunter asks his question. "Where do you find your inspiration?"

Comments

[romeoinabox]

What a strange and wondrous thing it is to see an artist at work. Red looks over the canvas with a discerning eye as he ponders the question, enjoying both artist and the art at the same time.

"People are my inspiration. Finding what they need and a solution to get it that benefits both them and myself requires a creative process that I enjoy delving into as often as possible." His eyes wander away from Hunter as he steps closer to the canvas, his hands clasped behind his back as he takes in every inch of it. "The world is my canvas, and I paint it with deeds both great and small."

[losthunter]

Hunter smiles, stepping back slightly so that Red can wander along the canvas, without worry about bumping into him.

"People are my inspiration too. I enjoy capturing them in the everyday... the moments when they are just living what they consider an ordinary day. It is those small things that I aim to capture in my work."

The painted areas of the canvas have Hunter's unique brush stroke in them. They are soft and gentle, like someone exploring the world for the first time. And every now and then, due to Hunter soaking the rose petals in the paint, and then placing them on the canvas, there is a richer detail.

[romeoinabox]

Red nods slowly as he listens. An artist's reasons for his work are always curious things, and make the work that much more interesting to him. His eyes never waver from the canvas as he follows every stroke of the brush, the placement of every unique color. He idly wonders what the rose petals are for, but that question can wait for a moment.

"And what are you trying to capture in your piece today?" he asks, finally glancing over at Hunter again. "What things have inspired you to pick this spot to set up your canvas?"

[losthunter]

"I am painting a mural of the Plaza itself," Hunter answers both questions with one answer.

"So I will always remember the place where people welcome me, and allow me to be myself."

[romeoinabox]

"Is that such an unusual thing?" Red asks, watching the artist curiously. "I would think an artist should be allowed to be however he chooses, so long as he abides by the social laws of his land. I've never heard of an artist being persecuted for being true to himself."

[losthunter]

"I have had other people judge me based on my unusual appearance." Hunter shrugs his shoulders. He is used to people judging him on the tattoos.

"But my art is being recognized by others. And that is a nice feeling."

[romeoinabox]

Judgement based on appearance. He supposes he shouldn't be surprised, but there's a hint of it in his eyes as he shakes his head.

"I'm sorry you've been treated poorly," he offers softly. "No one who creates such beautiful works of art deserve such unkindness from the universe."

[losthunter]

"Thank you..." Hunter blushes a little. He is still getting comfortable with being complimented.

"I have been welcoming others to add their own interpretation to this one..." He holds out a brush. "Would you like to be included?"

[romeoinabox]

Red chuckles and shakes his head at the offer. "No, no, I'm no artist. As tempting as it might be to add colors to your canvas, I fear I would only distract from your masterpiece." He smiles in a way that doesn't quite reach his eyes and nods toward the canvas. "My creativity is best offered in the form of words and stories. I'd be happy to tell you one while you paint, if you insist on me adding to this."

[losthunter]

"I would enjoy hearing a story," Hunter responds, with a smile of his own.