The Bluestocking 2022-23

Juliane Guo | Grade 11 The True Value of Art

“The world, it wrecked me and built me.” This was the catchphrase of Maxwell, the young artist who died an untimely death. At least it was so according to his friend Billy Graham who showed up at my doorstep early in the blue morning, teary-eyed like a puppy. “Quinn! Long time, no see.” He greeted me with a weak smile, perfect for the chilly November weather. It sure had been a long time. The last time I checked he was graduating as a Drama major, and now he’s an auctioneer. I sipped my morning coffee. “Everything okay?” Billy and I were friends in high school and college, but we haven’t contacted each other for years. “I don’t remember owing you money.”

“Yeah, it’s just, uh-” He fidgeted with his jacket zipper, “my friend passed away. Jonathan Maxwell, the artist. You’ve seen him before, right?”

I nodded. “The one with the rich dad. I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Billy.”

He sniffled. “No, it’s fine… It’s just that Jon never got any attention for his works. He’s such a great artist, you know? His family never supported him, and his only wish was to get noticed… to let the world understand the true value of his art. You work at The Lumination, right? Famous magazine, many readers…”

I interrupted him. “So, you want me, me, to write an article about Maxwell, for the sake of his popularity?”

“You’re an excellent writer, Quinn, the best I’ve ever encountered,” said Billy as he pointed at a large paper bag he was carrying, “I have some of his artworks here, old photos, everything you might need. So please, do me this favor.” I sighed and yielded to his request. “Listen, my boss likes me, but I’ll still have to beg