I am still reading the de Kooning biography that I took with me to Brasil and barely read. The book that gave me the label on the ship (though I am sure this was just one of the many labels) deKooning boy. I was engrossed then but I am now riveted. It also goes nicely with the bookmark I got in Art Basel this year that is bright yellow and states: FUCK ART. Lets Dance! haha..
I have just past the part of the book (about 1/4 of the way through) where he moves to NYC, abandons his old life, and tries to fit in. He goes about trying to find the artists community in the Village which at this time is like a haven for artists and poets and all of that fantastically dreamy community. Where is this now? sigh. (does this seem odd that I got to that part of the book THIS week?, haha) This quote basically stands out of the book like a lightning bolt shooting from the sky. "You must go to Manhattan. There you'll find other artists."
I like some of his work but I am not a total fan of him but I have been told to read this book because it is basically about how a painter becomes a painter and a really great version of it. I have to admit even with where I am in the book that it's great. It is actually giving me even more courage to still keep following my dream in becoming a ful time painter and what choices
need to be made to get there. Selling out is never cool and ends up with you working in a 9-5
job you ultimately hate, making money that means nothing other than the ability to show off your BMW and your Pottery Barn table, wanting to jump out of the windows of your financial cube that are locked for certain reasons. Selling out your art and starting to paint just to sell which I have started to notice myself doing is also shitty and I have realized it quick enough to stop and to develop myself more with taking more risks.
It is really hard to follow your beliefs, your dreams, your self for that matter, especially in todays world and having some encouragement (even if it is from another artist who lived 70 years earlier, lol.) is a very nice refresher.
hey there. I like your paintings. I encourage you. I'm not living 70 years earlier though, sorry! Curious as to the size of your paintings? I also paint abstract with oil...anyways, carry on. Oh yeah, also, would you recommend the book? do you likey?
Posted by: brian | April 10, 2006 at 12:36 AM