Q & A AMA - Claire Yeon

[Chase]

Does Claire have a prized possession, maybe in terms of art?

 

[Claire Yeon]

Does Claire have a prized possession, maybe in terms of art?

Yes. Two, in fact.

When I was twenty-twoish, a few months out of college and newly employed in the world of art investigation, I worked on a case that yielded a rather significant finder's fee. After taxes, and paying off my student loans, I had about $50,000 that was mine. It lasted until the next Sotheby's auction, where I purchased a small but particularly beautiful painting of a dragon weaving its way between clouds and mountain peaks. The artist is unknown, but it dates from the early Qing dynasty. That dragon was everything I hoped to be: beautiful, powerful, mysterious, elusive, content to watch from a distance but capable of great destruction if she was angered. Furthermore, to be able to buy a rare, expensive item for no reason or justification besides wanting it was a trophy, proof that I had done what I said I could and would continue to do so in the future. It hangs above my bed, the closest piece of art I keep to my dreams.

The second was a gift from my mentor, Felicia Mohs. She was a partner in the firm I worked for, and without her guidance I would never have come so far as I have. For as long as I knew her, she had a unique piece on her desk: a stone flame on a black marble base, with tongues of varying types of metamorphic rock weaving in and around each other. I never said anything, but I knew she saw me staring at it from time to time. Shortly after she retired, I walked into my office to find that very same sculpture on my desk, with a note. Fire is a tricky thing, the note said. It gives light and warmth, but it can also consume and destroy. Never let yours go out.

 

[Morgan]

This was simply too good for a passing 'like'. I enjoyed what you wrote immensely. Dragons, clouds and flames are quite the imagery.

Do you have a favourite era?

 

[Patty]

What kind of music does Claire listen to, does she dance, does she prefer any instruments?

 

[Claire Yeon]

This was simply too good for a passing 'like'. I enjoyed what you wrote immensely. Dragons, clouds and flames are quite the imagery.

Do you have a favourite era?

You flatter me.

Yes, I do: the Renaissance. As much as I hate to give such an obvious response, there are good reasons the art from this period is the most iconic, celebrated, and coveted of all time. It is the only point in history where an era is defined more strongly by its art than any other aspect. Its masters have no equals, before or since.

 

[Charlet]

ever been pranked?

 

[Claire Yeon]

What kind of music does Claire listen to, does she dance, does she prefer any instruments?

I do not dance - I have no rhythm, and I am a bit hard of hearing. As far as music goes, I can occasionally stand chamber music or a piano recital, but for the most part I prefer the sound of a single instrument like a sitar or mandolin. If too many different sounds are all playing on top of each other, it becomes disjointed and overwhelming.

ever been pranked?

During my middle school years, my small stature made me the perfect target for bigger children who enjoyed to shut people in lockers or put them in trash cans. I told the teachers, but there was little they could do about it as the offenses never occurred when they were watching. I finally bit one of my antagonists in response, and got in quite a lot of trouble. It was worth it, though - they never bothered me again.

 

[Morgan]

Yes, I do: the Renaissance. As much as I hate to give such an obvious response, there are good reasons the art from this period is the most iconic, celebrated, and coveted of all time. It is the only point in history where an era is defined more strongly by its art than any other aspect. Its masters have no equals, before or since.

You would get along well with @Chase, that's also his favourite era. I'm more of a Baroque enthusiast, but I do appreciate the structure provided by masters of the Italian Renaissance.

My next question: Mountain or Seastrand?

 

[Nevon]

Theoretical question: if this was your last day to live, what would you do, from the time you wake to the time you sleep?

 

[Claire Yeon]

You would get along well with @Chase, that's also his favourite era. I'm more of a Baroque enthusiast, but I do appreciate the structure provided by masters of the Italian Renaissance.

I have enjoyed my conversations with the Director. He is an honorable, intriguing figure who seems to have the power to draw others in and shape them into the best versions of themselves. I can see why so many respect him. Unfortunately, I am afraid we will never see eye to eye on our opinions of rightful ownership or acquisition techniques. A shame, really.

My next question: Mountain or Seastrand?

If you had asked me that question a year ago, I would have said seastrand with no hesitation. I have spent significant time in the mountains around Guadalajara since then, and the view has grown on me. I still prefer the sea in a general sense, but would choose those mountains if specifics are called into question.

Theoretical question: if this was your last day to live, what would you do, from the time you wake to the time you sleep?

I hope you do not know something that I do not.

I would spend it in Florence, with my husband and parents. I hope that we would all be able to put aside our differences for the sake of my last day on Earth. (You did specify "your last day to live" so I will assume that this is all about me, and they will go on living after I am gone.) We would eat a light breakfast of biscotti and cappuccinos while walking the Piazza del Duomo - early, before the crowds become unbearable. In the afternoon, we would make our way over to the Uffizi Gallery, and later, the Basilica di San Lorenzo. We would go to an auction, and I would buy the most expensive piece of art there because it is not like they would be able to collect on the funds anyway. Afterwards, we would enjoy a long dinner and several bottles of fine wine, where past transgressions both real and imagined would seem unimportant, and all that mattered was this room and the people in it. After that, I would want them all to leave me. My husband would take it the hardest - he would not want me to die alone - but we all die alone in the end, and I would rather have him remember me as warm and living. I would retire to a luxury suite in some exclusive hotel overlooking the city; it would not matter which one, as long as it had a balcony. More wine would be waiting for me on the balcony, and I would drink it while writing a final letter to each of the handful of people for whom I hold a measure of regard. I would tell them anything that yet remained unsaid, and affirm what had already been spoken in kindness or affection. I expect I would fall asleep out there on that balcony, both the bottle of wine and my letters only half-finished. I do not like to leave work undone, but I think I would be all right with this. Anything that truly mattered would have already been said, because, as a wise man once said, hesitation breeds regrets.

 

[Mikal]

What convinced you to marry your husband?

 

[Claire Yeon]

What convinced you to marry your husband?

While the full story does involve the phrase “we were in Mexico and had been drinking,” that was merely the point where we began to view each other as something other than professional colleagues. In the end, it came down to something very simple: ours was my first relationship, romantic or otherwise, where no one had an ulterior motive. My friends growing up wanted me to do their homework for them. My parents wanted me to carry on the family legacy. My employers wanted me to give up any identity outside my work. My mentor wanted everyone to know she made me into what I am. I had my own expectations of all of them right back. The only thing Yves wanted from me was my opinion, and later, my companionship. To be desired for who you are and not what you have to offer by someone about whom you felt the same way was something I thought I would never experience. When it came along, I had no intention of letting it pass by.