David, an artist from Reading, possesses a unique perspective on the nature of art and the role of an artist. During our extensive conversation, which spanned two hours, David expressed himself with an unwavering conviction and a penchant for speaking in "ultimates." In his view, the value of an artist transcends monetary gain or societal status. Instead, it resides in a deep-rooted sincerity that fuels his artistic endeavors and propels him towards becoming the artist he envisions.

Remarkably, David claims to have no specific sources of inspiration. Instead, he relies on a boundless imagination that extends his artistic journey far into the future. His artistic style can be described as raw and rugged, tender when necessary, yet consistently visceral and alive. Each sketch he creates conceals underlying layers of philosophy, while his paintings are accompanied by unwritten poems. David's art serves as a vessel for his uncontrollable imagination, which he struggles to contain but ultimately channels into his work. This unique quality contributes to his distinct artistic voice.

When I mention that David speaks in "ultimates," I refer to his unparalleled resolve and meticulous attention to detail. Art, for him, is an ultimate expression—a vehicle through which he shares stories beyond the mere representation of an image. He sometimes stumbles over his words, as his ideas are already well-formed within his mind. Art education has offered him limited assistance in articulating his individual concepts. To David, art is a lived experience rather than a subject that can be neatly dissected and studied in an academic manner. He believes that the human brain seeks patterns, causing us to imagine more than what meets the eye. By allowing his heart to guide him, David has crafted an artistic identity called "Mount Orange," which he considers a symbolic cape for his unique style—an embodiment of an idealistic vision that can be passed on to others if necessary, rather than a means of gaining exposure.

The name "Mount Orange" itself exemplifies hyperbole, detached from any specific emotion or state, and instead, birthed from an abstract idea that will generate its own lore over time. In keeping with the theme of ultimates, when asked about "passing on the torch," David conveyed that his artistic expression is not confined to his lifetime alone. He spoke passionately about his desire to leave a lasting legacy and elevate his art to new heights unbounded by external limitations. David extended an open invitation to anyone who could speak the language of the "ultimates" to carry on his artistic vision.

At every turn, David grapples with the ultimate question, "What does it mean to be an artist?" Although he, like the rest of us, has yet to find a definitive answer, he remains devoted to the pursuit of understanding. For him, the artistic journey becomes a personal pilgrimage, transcending notions of style and structure to focus on the essence of purpose. Whatever revelations David may uncover in the future, they are sure to be extraordinary and contribute to the ever-evolving realm of artistic expression.

While David's approach to art and his use of "ultimates" may be unique, there are other artists who have explored similar themes and ideas. For instance, Jackson Pollock, an influential abstract expressionist artist, embraced a visceral and instinctual approach to painting, often allowing his emotions and intuition to guide his brushstrokes. Similarly, the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a prominent Neo-expressionist artist, incorporated raw and gritty elements, as well as layers of symbolism and social commentary. Both Pollock and Basquiat exemplify the idea of artists who express themselves with a sincerity and passion that transcends conventional boundaries.