Ribbons, a novel -- Preface

PREFACE


To whom it may concern:
         What follows is the most accurate account I could compile of the missing artist, Burl Wonder.  It is derived, verbatim, from a number of sources including Mr. Wonder’s personal journals, sketchbooks, audio recordings, interviews and notes.  Having met with Mr. Wonder several times before his disappearance, as well as having spoken with those closest to him, I feel I was in a unique position to sift through and assemble these insights as a much larger and more comprehensive report.  I have left nothing out and have only inserted a third-person narrative--pieced together as faithfully as possible from scribbles, illustrations, personal conversations and often incomplete thoughts written on cocktail napkins--where such a narrative seemed appropriate and germane.  All source material has been made available for public viewing at the Marion County Central Public Library, 40 East Saint Claire Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
         Burl Wonder simply dropped out of the public eye over a year ago, and has disappeared even from his friends and family within the past six months.  At the behest of those friends and family he left behind, I am to make it quite clear that no one is looking for him and all are quite happy to move forward without any exploration into his whereabouts.
         The following account began meagerly as a psychological study on the effect that success and self-indulgence may have on the obsessive and artistically minded.  However, as public curiosity demands, and as I have no desire to dampen any more flaming bags of feces abandoned at my front door, it seems reasonable and courteous that I release and present this collection of information to all who desire closure on the matter.
         Neither I nor Tarkington Institute accepts liability for the opinions expressed herein.  Furthermore, both I and the institute consider the matter closed and would like to urge all fans and ex-lovers of Mr. Wonder alike to please end the incessant calls, letters and emails as they will no longer receive any form of response. 
        Whatever one’s private or public opinion of Burl Wonder, we respect it and are sure that he or she has his or her reasons.  Now please, for the love of God, leave me alone.
        Sincerely,
            Eugene Fields, PhD,
            Prof. of Psychology,
            Tarkington Institute of Behavioral Sciences,
            18 November 2011