Last Friday night, I went to the opening of an exhibition devoted to the work of this year's candidates for the Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Florida.
My friend Patrick Grigsby was showing his work, and it was thrilling to see him at this point in his career—especially since I told him, way back when we first met around 1994 or thereabouts, that he would have a career in teaching and that he should start thinking about getting his master's degree. (Yes, Patrick, I can say, "I told you so.")
Patrick and I went through workplace hell and back together just a couple of years ago (long story, stay tuned), and since he started grad school, he's been as relaxed and happy as I've ever seen him. He's flourishing making art, and serving as an inspiration for me.
His success—which feels like it's been a long time coming, though it hasn't really been all that long—is a kind of vindication, a demonstration that creativity can be the best revenge.
Congratulations, Patrick!
The image above is Patrick's print titled "Icarus I."
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