Be Extraordinary

INTRODUCTION

My art is rooted in a single reflection: why am I not as others are? … my art gives meaning to my life.

—EDVARD MUNCH

Dear reader, I don’t know who you are, but I am writing this book for you: you, who may be younger or older than I am; you, whose history and daily life may be similar to my own or different from mine beyond my ability to imagine; you, who may live in my time or in a world I am no longer a part of; you, who may consider becoming an artist or who may already be an artist.

I don’t know your name, your gender, or what pronouns you wish to be referred to by (I would use them if I could). I don’t know your circumstances or your aspirations. I don’t know if we speak the same language, like the same foods, or enjoy ...