If an artist begins a work not with an abundance of ideas or an outpouring of emotion but only in puruit of a paycheck, is the work doomed? Painter Katherine Bradford took up this question at Planthouse Gallery with sharp analysis and grim personal experience – my favorite combination. Plus astute remarks about Philip Johnson and Superman, two separate people, no matter what Johnson thought, and music from Adam Maalouf.

•  PERSON: Marsden Hartley
•  PLACE: Philip Johnson’s Glass House
•  THING: a painting of Superman
•  RANDY’S PLACE: John Stuart Mill’s hearth