the great zucchini and why great artists might make you suspicious

THE GREAT ZUCCHINI is a classic piece of human interest journalism. 

IN SHORT: The GREAT ZUCCHINI is a middle age white man who has an incredible grace with children. He is able to connect with suburban children to create consistently great birthday parties in Washington state (he is a magician). The easy income from these parties grants him the freedom to never grow up, and he couch-surfs*, his finances are in shambles, and he's a compulsive gambler.

THE GREATZUCCHINI's grace with children is objectively great, I'm convinced from Gene Weingarten's excellent journalism. This grace, given from god no doubt, permits THE GREAT ZUCCHINI to never face certain consequences. 

In this way, being a successful artist is somewhat alike having rich parents. You are able to conjure money from nowhere. You are able to float above poverty. 

Great art skills additionally attract a bunch of affectionate people, on top of the financial benefits. Anyone who can make great art consistently can count on a renewing stream of fans.

One of Jenny Holzer's "Truisms"

The corruption of power comes as no surprise. We associate beauty (and the ability to create it) with moral upstandingness. In reality there is no reliable correlation. 

Great art grants Fame + Power, a dangerous combination.  Fame makes us politicians. As much power as we are granted, fame demands and creates endless opportunities for exploitation of this power. Particularly if your fame and power (and status) convince others that you're trustworthy. 

There is nothing trustworthy about the fame and power granted by great art. Famous and powerful people make us feel afraid, don't they ?/

New shirt from Bread & Water Printshop 

*THE GREAT ZUCCHINI isn't homeless, his home is just so full of garbage that he'd rather not stay there :/