The Story Behind the Story: “The Laundry Room Comes First”

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When I first think of the concept of artistic temperament, I think of the stereotype of moodiness, broodiness, and emotional explosiveness. I think of the sensitive and tortured artist, usually a poet, dressed in black turtleneck and black beret (my thinking, after all, is a product of my culture). But on second thought the concept can include almost anyone in their striving to do something well, to create something a cut above or in an extraordinary manner. Such creators can include the sculptor, the painter, the scientist, the writer . . . and the housekeeper, the child, or the CEO of a large corporation (along with many others). The artistic temperament is the urge to create, the desire to bring forth something new under the sun and the desire to do it just right, to work hard to achieve the level of art. The creation of something extraordinary involves times of solitude; time alone for thinking, planning, researching, the writing of rough drafts, and the polishing of works in progress. However, this necessary solitude can be the source of friction and contention with those around us (our families, friends, colleagues). The desire to be alone to concentrate and focus on our