October 22, 1994

Regarding appropriation it seems important to me that the realms of fine art and commercial art be kept artificially apart if only because of the primary ways art has an effect on culture is through the jealousy of the commercial artist for the fine artist, or at least the role of the fine artist. They may be doing the same thing (using the same forms) but it is through appropriation by the commercial artist for his use as illustration that the work of the fine artist has an effect. And because this is done out of envy for position (or respect) it is not a loving appropriation but a blatant theft and so probably more complete. We only love particulars, we hate generally.

Painting and drawing were the methods closest to immediate response before the camera. Writing is only drawing in unified form.