Paranoia I had been scouring the residents for over 36 hours in search of someone who peaked my curiosity and artistic interest but to no avail. That is when the ambulance rolled up and they wheeled in "L". I turned to one of the residents who was aware of my plight and said, "He's PERFECT!" Yet a voice inside me warned that "L" would not be a resident for long and I would have to move fast. It wasn't until several hours later that I got the opportunity to introduce myself and offer him the universal symbol of friendship,...a free cigarette. I then proceeded to lay the entire project on him hoping he wouldn't be thinking, "Great. Four hours in the nut house and I've got to deal with some whack-job who thinks he's Vincent Van-freaking Gogh." He was wary but ameanable to perusing my portfolio which I had secured in my locker. (An artist never travels unprepared.) Once he saw my work and the 5150 series, he was not only more than happy to sit for me, he was honored to be a part of such a special project. The shattered lens of his glasses represents his distorted view of the world around him. The jutting angular forms are positive and negative aspects of his own perceptions and paranoia. On day three, I completed the portrait of "L" and on day four he was transferred to a different psychiatric hospital. I have not seen nor heard from "L" since then. I wish you well, "L" and my offer to be your love slave is still open.