February 6, 2006
Alyson Gupta
Deerfield, Illinois

Dear Alyson,
     It was very heartfelt for you to invite your father’s dopey friend to your Bat Mitzvah. Thank you, it touched me. I truly wish I could be there, but I have manifest a fear of flying as an offshoot to my struggles with anxiety, and driving to Chicago in the dead of what now passes for Winter is less appealing than a warm weather visit which I will endeavor to undertake.
     In coming to grips with how I might honor your milestone, I was struck by my perception that of your father’s legitimate children, you are the one who inherited the largest chip off his block. Accordingly, I created Alyson’s Mystique as a reflection of what makes you so special. I am very proud of you.
                                                                       My Love,

                                                                  Todd Gilmore

28 x 28 x 4"
Copper, Stainless Steel, and Acrylic
2006