In a dry and monotone voice, "Another happy winner." Was announced by the teen-ager working the Circus Punks booth. This he said in response to the current player who had successfully knocked down three Circus Punks with his three balls. His proclamation was accompanied by a lazy tug on the cord of an old roll down shade that was hanging in the booth; painted on which was a colorful re-affirmation 'another happy winner' The flashing lights and clashing colors of the carnival were in stark contrast to the young carnie's attitude. "Another happy winner." He stated again, both times spoken completely without enthusiasm. He stated this fact as plainly as one might state to their wife that they were leaving for work on a typical morning. It was fascinating to see such a juxtaposition. Here I was at a Carnival, designed to be a feast for the senses. Made to entice the customers with the prospect of being king for a day. But reality was coming through clearly. The carnie in the booth was young and likely paid less than minimum wage. It is probable that his boss told him to announce winners with energy and aplomb. Announcing the occasional winner encourages more customers to try their hand at the wheel, I imagine him saying. However, for less than 5 bucks an hour the operator can muster only apathy. I relished this scene. It was at once amusing and funny, real and surreal. I did not try my hand at knocking down some circus punks that day. Witnessing the event was my pleasure. After some reflection I realized more specifically, what it is that I like about the carnival. It is the irony inherent in any provided entertainment or diversion. On one hand the proprietor wants to make you king for a day. To make you feel special if only for a moment. However, the other side of the equation is made up of his needs. He needs to make money to pay for his expenses and have something left over. This dichotomy runs thick though any art form. You will find that all of the artists and spectators handle it differently. Some see it as an issue of "true art", almost as if it were a sin to charge money for your endeavors. From this type you hear the cries that money spoils art, it's involvement making it impure. On the other side of the spectrum you have the marketer, with a goal to sell you as little as he can for as much as possible. Of course there is a whole range of attitudes in between. I find myself in the center of the two opposites. Art has a mystical component but my body has needs as well. Nothing lays this bare for me to see as well as the carnival does. Especially well captured by the young man in my story. The irony in the arts is wonderful and terrible all at once. There are ways to enjoy it from all perspectives: creator, participant and spectator. The joy that you find in my art, or any art for that matter, is up to you not me.