May 20th, Siler City/New York, 3PM
Wilson enjoyed the two days photographing Siggy and his studio immensely. Not only was the leisurely pace of North Carolina a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, but the company of Siggy and Adrianna was so different from the cynical and sarcastic interactions he was used to with his friends that it felt like a guilty pleasure.
Adrianna, whom he had only met in passing prior to the visit, was an exceptionally pleasant surprise. He found her to be thoughtful, intelligent, and empathetic. Wilson attributed this to her background as a therapist and appreciated her understanding of the artistic process.
On the day he was to return to New York, he found himself alone with her in a restaurant in Durham having lunch prior to his flight home. Siggy had remained at his studio, working on sketches for the mysterious masterpiece with which he had become recently obsessed. Wilson looked across the table at Adrianna and chuckled.
"You two are a bit of an odd couple," he commented.
"How so?"
"Well, I get the impression Siggy is a bit of a loner. He doesn't seem to have a large circle of friends, yet he absolutely fawns over you. It's cute."
Adrianna smiled, "I fawn over him too. He has been obsessed over his art for so long that his social skills are a bit rusty. Meeting you and your friends has been great for him. His relationship to art is almost religious, I think it has a lot to do with his upbringing."
"You mean the Thelemite thing?"
She raised her eyebrows, "Oh, he told you... yes it is a major influence. He truly believes, and for the record so do I, that art is his mission... his true calling in life. He really believes he can make a difference."
"Can I tell you something that might sound horrible?" Wilson asked sincerely, "Please don't tell Siggy, I don't know if he would understand."
"You've got me curious now, I promise not to tell him... what?"
"I'm actually equal parts resentful and envious of him. I'm resentful because he's become the most talked about artist in New York in less than three months, without ever having a one man show. I struggle to get shown at all and I've been working in the city for years."
Adrianna answered calmly, "In fairness, he's been creating art longer than you've been alive, but I certainly see your point. It can be disheartening... of course Siggy would say it was all destiny."
"He really believes that, doesn't he?" Wilson chuckled.
"He does. You know he really likes you, don't you?"
"And I really like him, that's why I'm a bit ashamed about how I feel," Wilson answered.
"What about the other part? What is it you're envious about?"
Wilson lowered his head, "I need to preface that answer with a little info about my situation. I feel like I've lost my drive. I haven't been able to work for a couple of months. The only thing that seems to drive me is making money... frankly, I'm a bit disgusted with myself. I envy him because of his passion, his confidence in his work. He's always sketching and planning, I want to feel that."
"He's talked about your art, you know."
Wilson perked up, "What did he say?"
Adrianna smiled, "He said your work was beautiful, that your technique is superior to his. He also said you have the potential to be a great artist if you can overcome your flaws."
"Flaws?"
"Don't be upset, Willy," Adrianna said gently, "he didn't mean it as an insult. He thinks you focus too much on making your art beautiful and not enough on making it meaningful. You need to remember where he's coming from, he's excessively empathetic, seeing people's suffering through injustice really hurts him, he's riddled with guilt about not doing enough. Art is not for decoration to him and he thinks you might not feel that way. He truly believes that if you infuse your art with passion and purpose, you'll reach the next level."
Wilson went silent for a while and considered what Adrianna had said, "He's not wrong. I don't think my art is important. Maybe someday I'll be able to really put all of my soul into my work and actually say something with it."
Adrianna put her hand over Wilson's and looked him in the eye, "I'm sure you will, it takes time and some sort of emotional catalyst. You're still very young," she laughed, "now that's something that I can resent."
"I think you're the perfect age. Young women are pretty, you are beautiful."
"It's a good thing you're gay, Willy, because you could melt a girl's heart," Adrianna said chuckling softly.
Wilson laughed loudly, "I need to tell that to Bertram. Now, before I hit the airport, I think we should have one last celebratory cocktail."
"You'll get no argument from me," Adrianna cheerfully agreed.
Rose was exhausted. She couldn't help yawning as she reported the progress of Siggy's upcoming show to Elaine.
"... finally, the initial press releases have all been distributed and the personal invitations to our VIP customers have been delivered. Wilson called and said the photo shoot went well. I downloaded the shots and they look good."
Elaine looked at her assistant with sympathy, "You poor girl, you need to get some sleep. We're ahead of schedule and everything is going smoothly, we can afford some self-care."
"We still need to decide on price points," Rose objected.
"I know, I know," Elaine agreed, "it's a tough call. I'm thinking fifty to sixty thousand. I know it's inordinately high for a new artist, but with all the interest and that auction result, it's not unreasonable. Also, in the event I lose my bet, which is sadly becoming likely, we'll still pull a healthy profit."
"It does seem high, but you're the boss."
Elaine laughed, "With as much work as you do, I forget that sometimes. Now go home and sleep! Boss's order."
Rose stood up smiling, snapped to attention and saluted, "Yes sir!" She left the room wearily.
Elaine sat back in her chair. The bet had taken on a life of its own and was snowballing at an amazing rate. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Elaine was used to being in control of most situations and in this series of events she was just along for the ride. She couldn't decide if she liked that feeling or not.
She decided that she too could benefit from some well-earned rest. There was still much to do and exhaustion would not help in completion of those tasks. No Ezra tonight, just some soothing music, a bottle of fine wine, a hot bath, and a warm bed.
Siggy was done for the day. He felt drained, but satisfied at the day's progress. It was a clear night and he soon found himself laying on the soft grass behind his house listening to melodious calls of a mockingbird and staring up into the star-rich skies of night. His peaceful meditation was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Despite his temptation to ignore the call, he picked up.
"Hold for Mr Fisk," a female voice instructed.
A few seconds later Fisk's voice addressed Siggy, "Mr Jager, I trust I haven't called at an inconvenient time."
Siggy was a bit annoyed, "There's never a convenient time for a phone call."
"I apologize, I'd like to speak to you for a moment."
"What do you want?"
"I understand that Charlie Howe has approached you about a commission."
"Well, that didn't stay secret very long," Siggy observed.
Fisk chuckled, "He had the poor sense to share his plan with Bill Parish. Parish is quite the toadie... really wants to get on my good side. I think it's amusing that Howe wants to one up me. Tell me what it will take to have me commission the work instead of him."
Siggy couldn't hide his annoyance, "First off, I haven't agreed to anything. Secondly, he did ask first. Yes, he wants to piss you off and quite frankly, right now that might be enough reason. It was a really pleasant night till you called."
"This is business. How about a compromise? A second commission, bigger, more impactful, what do you say?"
Siggy thought for a moment, "Fine, but between you and Howe, that's a lot of prep work and sketching, I'll need access."
"Done. Look, after your show, I'll be hosting a few parties, I'll make sure you're invited. Speaking of which, have you ever Art directed a party?"
"Can't say I have."
"On August 15th... the anniversary of Woodstock, I'm hosting a hippy-themed masquerade party. Would you be interested in designing it? Top dollar... just design, I'll have other people do the work."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but that actually sounds like fun."
"Excellent," Howe said with satisfaction, "we'll firm up the details at your show." He hung up before Siggy could reply.
Siggy laid back down on the soft grass and let himself get lost in the sky. A satisfied smile crossed his lips. The universe is kind, he thought, and it has a great sense of humor.
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