From the desk of Lord Whimsy:

To the honourable soul it may concern,

May this missive find its beholder sound of shank and in good kidney.

The bearer of this letter is my charge, Mr. Mark Dion, an acolyte of the natural philosophies. Divine Providence has seen fit that I should serve as Mr. Dion's instrument of ingratiation to your kind hospitality and generous protection. I would pray you might honor him with an open countenance and other such marks of civility, honor and regard, as Mr. Dion is a gentleman of eminence and esteem in his chosen profession, associations, and public employments—a man whose character is as unsullied as are his shirtsleeves while supping at table. Hence, he is thusly recommended by his worthy patron to appeal to your wise counsel and assistance, for carrying into effect his intended travels, which shall take him far afield into the natural splendors of your fair lands, for the living things that reside there are his object of study. Any kindness, however small, shown to a man of quality and promise as Mr. Dion shall not fall upon stony ground—nay, but upon the rich loam of gratitude and reciprocity!

With every sentiment of due deference,

~W

Gregory Volk
264 East 7th Street, Apt. 3
New York, NY 10009

New York City
The 9th of November, 2007

Dear Sir or Madam,

I beg to convey that the bearer of this document, Mark Dion, is an artist of remarkable achievement and impeccable repute. He is possessed of excellent manual skills, honed through years of education and diligent practice, and he is also possessed of a keen and inquiring intellect, which he brings to bear on his sculptures. Several estimable fields of knowledge, including Philosophy, Religion, Economics, History (both ancient and modern), and various branches of the Natural Sciences are all of utmost importance to Mr. Dion, and as much as his acclaimed sculptures are works of artistic excellence, they are also shining examples of scholarship and intellectual rigor. Moreover, Mr. Dion has a strong moral foundation and an excellent character grounded in timeless human values, such as generosity, fairness, kindness, forbearance, modesty, and respect.

Mr. Dion is now embarking on a noble excursion which will be arduous, but which he approaches with joy, optimism, and faith. I liken him to a bold explorer of yore, leaving the safety and familiarity of hearth and home to venture forth into the wide and uncertain world on an insatiable quest for pure knowledge. I humbly entreat you to assist him when possible, and to offer him helpful measures of comfort and support. You will, Sir, or Madam, discover him to be a delightful companion, an inspiring conversationalist, and, ultimately, an artist who, while familiar with fame and attention, is burdened by neither, but instead proceeds on his way with magnanimity, good humor, and a clear sense of purpose, born of understanding how uplifting and beneficial the plastic arts can be to us as individuals, as well as to our whole society.

I wish to thank you in advance for what generosity, encouragement, and support you may most graciously bestow on Mark Dion during his worthy excursion. I also believe, and have reason to believe, that this excursion will result in a work of art that proves inspirational for our era, and that will be beloved by generations to come.

Your humble and devoted servant,

- Gregory Volk