Petting Bees

When I was three years old, I wanted a pet bee. I knew that my small fingers would "just fit" between his wings, as I'd watched many a fat bumble bee in my father's garden, and could tell that they were much larger than my little fingers. It took me several tries, numerous stings, and sheer determination to pet that bee. But, I did it! I think, now, that it is this resolve to find out and to discover that has propelled me into the arts. For, as much as I think I "know" what a piece is about, or even how it will progress, it always becomes a bit unpredictable; and, because of this, it teaches me. The surprising "sting" of a piece, or its unanticipated weightless entices me, just as that dogged bee did years ago. And, like a tenacious child, I keep coming back for more.