For example, how can one guy out of D.C. with a for-profit business change the face of Richmond with oh-so hip and trendy murals from distant (and yes, amazing) artists that rarely have anything to do with our community?

We’re just a canvas for their egos and a coffee table book?

And by the way, your mural becomes everyone else’s art, whether they like it or not. For years.

Of course, the minute I brought this up, I became this art-hating, free speech-tromping fool.

As muralist “Bomb Proof” told me on social media:

“You are most certainly an idiot ... and should shut the (expletive) up and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT other than run your mouth on and on about boo hoo poor me, I have to look at art I don’t like.”

He challenged me to come up with my own art.

Well, I’ve built more than a few brick and block walls in this town. While they’re not art, they do say something.

And why does it have to be the same stuff? It’s like when your only tools are brushes and spray cans, every project looks like a mural.

Other cities embrace water, light and wind installations, sculpture and plantings.