professor at San Diego State, most of his work is done in the fields of theoretical physics and quantum mechanics. Some of the deep conversations we've had over the years definitely helped shape a view of worlds beyond our own, or at least I assume."
"General reactions so far from some of the leading figure heads in the world of fine art have been great, if not exceptional. When asked opinions on the mediums and the content you work with, there is a consensus amongst your brethren." "One quote, Ashton Mortal is tapping into something the world may not necessarily be ready for."
"They are too kind. I just think in a world where innovation is becoming exceedingly difficult, you must break new ground any way possible."
"So how did you get your start in the art world Mr. Mortal? What point in your life did you feel your destiny was behind a paint brush?" Karen asks.
I think back to my high school days and a friendship I've missed over these last years. "I felt I needed a form of expression early in high school, but didn't find anything of interest. Sophomore year stands out to me, being the year I met a student named Tyler Morgan and we quickly became friends. He was the one who initially suggested the medium of art as an outlet for my creative ideas. My art quickly became an obsession as I was beginning to experiment with painting, acrylic being one of the first styles I sought to understand."
"I began producing some of my most vivid artwork once I started using oil paints, finding that I could build textures and tones that could give my paintings a new sense of realism. One of my famous early oils was a piece called, The Artifact and is still Tyler's favorite to this day I imagine." I reply explaining my origins in the art world.
"So this friend of yours, Tyler Morgan, are you still presently friends?"
"Of course, our bond is a long term one though we have lost touch over the years. I have a feeling we'll see each other soon." I reply with a hint of sarcasm, realizing in that moment how full of shit I am. This entire interview would give anyone incite into the robot that is Ashton Mortal. This web of lies I spin surrounding the true purpose of my work, with a friend that sends me cryptic messages and flashes of scenarios that makes no sense to me whatsoever. The mysterious figure I paint over and over, this dark one from my dreams that has become very real within the weird manifestations from earlier today. I can't help but wonder in these surreal moments, what the hell is happening to me ?
"So, Nightmares of the Cosmos, what does it mean Mr. Mortal? A twenty piece set depicting epic battles amongst multiple forms of alien life. Only one character seems consistent through these works, the black-cloaked figure. It seems as if the figure has a specific purpose within your imagination, almost some sort of symbol subconsciously imprinted in your work." Karen says.
"The cloaked figure is definitely a focal point of my work, although I'm not sure if I entirely understand his role just yet. In time perhaps, but rest assured once he reveal's himself to me I will share him with the world, I promise."
"I just want to say that your painting, Liberation, is by far my favorite piece Mr. Mortal. The humanoid figure in the center of the painting leaves a lasting impression." Karen explains. "A glowing figure, arms aside, seems to be composed of pure energy, yet is almost breaking down into a particle structure. There is something very familiar about this idea, primordial even."
"Ultimately it's a form of fictional art, nothing more. Creations from my imagination, cosmic dramas that have no meaning other than to inspire cosmic thought and the dream of worlds and species we've yet to discover."
If only I could see, how the words from this interview would return to haunt me. Seemingly I needed this, to walk myself through the craziness that seems to be coming to a head this particular