Artist's commentary
Self Portrait, In Chaldea
To my dear, beloved Master,
I've been thinking of how embarrassing it would be to gift you a self-portrait as a token of my friendship. But ultimately I still chose to do so because I'm confident that you would understand. So this is me. This is my face that you had shown me to love. If I'm talking from Clytie's standpoint, I tried painting in the style from the Arles period because I like its coloring. It's probably close in style of that sunflower painting that sold for a few million. But this painting for you should go perfectly well on the right side of the wall in your drab room. And if for some unfortunate reason you find yourself struggling, you can go ahead and sell it. But when you do, I look forward to you buying me a cup of coffee and telling me the story of how much that "painting of an unknown monster girl with an authentic Van Gogh autograph" sold for.
It looks like I'm reaching my limit with my advanced Van Gogh joke of borrowing Vincent's artistic talent and writing style. The haughtiness is crushing me, and I still need to explain myself to Gioconda Da Vinci who keeps banging on my door on why I used so much painting materials during my many trial and errors for this painting. (Though her existence as an artist still puzzles me no matter how many times I hear the story). Luckily Hokusai's with me so she can probably side with me. Oh...as I was writing this sentence, she took off leaving the little black Hokusai behind, so now I don't have anyone else to sweet talk my way out!
I'm going to entrust this letter and painting to the little black Hokusai. If you see me in the halls nursing a bump on my head, some treatment and consolation would be appreciated.
With my unwavering loyalty and friendship, a handshake to you.