Mono-Mondrian #3
Headwaters State Park, Montana
2014
I construct lines and color combinations on a flat surface, in order to express general beauty with the utmost awareness. Nature (or, that which I see) inspires me, puts me, as with any painter, in an emotional state so that an urge comes about to make something, but I want to come as close as possible to the truth and abstract everything from that, until I reach the foundation (still just an external foundation!) of things…
I believe it is possible that, through horizontal and vertical lines constructed with awareness, but not with calculation, led by high intuition, and brought to harmony and rhythm, these basic forms of beauty, supplemented if necessary by other direct lines or curves, can become a work of art, as strong as it is true.
In my simple mind I don’t understand the thought process that would lead someone to find truth in an abstract painting, or a representational painting either for that matter. That skepticism aside, the issue begs the question as to whether, to the same or similar extent as in an abstract painting, is there some expression of some truth to be found in an abstract photograph as well? I have not had time to read it yet, but maybe there’s some hint of an answer to be found here, or perhaps there would be if more than one page was accessible on the link.]]>
This has similarities to a map of the States in that all the shapes are sort of lined up, but all different.
I read the attached article and if there’s anything more difficult than understanding art, it’s understanding philosophy. My thinking is, don’t overthink it… just enjoy what you like and disregard the rest.
Incidentally, did you feel the effects of the earthquake at Yellowstone this morning?
I agree with you for the most part: enjoy what you like and disregard the rest. But sometimes it is instructive to consider all the deeper issues, if only because it helps you hone your skills in telling the difference between insight and blather. There’s more of the later than the former in art discussions as far as I can tell–but that’s also true for the more intellectually(?) based art itself. Still I enjoy the exercise of contemplating if there is possibly something of value in what is displayed in museums and galleries. Interestingly enough, the more I consider such things, the broader the bounds on what is of some value to me.
Earthquake, what earthquake? I guess I should watch the local news. I saw some interesting video of the quakes in the LA area on the national news. Apparently ours didn’t merit national attention.