i've only met e.b. once, but it was an enlightening and joyful experience. i knew about e.b. by name, since she is an accomplished composer and musician. in fact, i once tried to become her personal assistant, back when i was 22. as it turns out, however, one of my favorite friends ended up working for her where they eventually became good friends. in many ways, she leads a life that i strive to emulate. she creates as a living. she has her own work space, and her own living space--each with a very characteristic warmth and openness that is inspiring. she seems playful yet contemplative. i remember having an excellent conversation about joan of arc with her. she could talk about music, of course, but what was especially inspiring for me was how she linked her music to actual stories, events and concepts that affect our everyday. for some reason, when i thought of her, this minimalist image of an ear came to mind. so i drew it quickly and then labeled it with a japanese/chinese character for ear. one thing i like about this "ear" is that while it looks like an ear, it also looks like santa claus wearing glasses and talking on a cell phone. unintentional, that part.