Monday, February 13, 2012

jasper johns' wisdom

Jasper Johns would write in his sketch book as we all do. He wrote "commands" to himself in order to help himself "focus on the making."
Jasper Johns, target
Once he wrote," it may be that focusing on the making diminishes thinking about what one intends the work to mean, leaves the unconscious with room in which to operate, allows meaning to accrue without interference."

Those are the best words I have read in a long time.
Jasper Johns, 0-9 on aluminum
After the idea has been formed, as I did in the  twilight painting (below)  I need to let it go. The next step will come. Focus on the making, not the idea. I remember when I made all those pastels in my bed(during recovery) the interference was gone. I think it may have been my hyper-unaware drugged state that allowed me to visit the unknown. (heh) I still like that group of pastels. They tell me the direction I need to go. While my work is inspired by the landscape it longs to find a different space that is not about the landscape at all.
50x40 oil on wood, unfinished
 This is my latest struggle. I know the land mass should be much darker and the sky much grayer, but can't figure out how much. So I move incrementally towards the goal.I walk each night at twilight and just watch.



By the way, the Waverly Street Gallery has a wonderful show called 23 plus 23.  In it I have a nine of my tiny paintings tightly displayed together- salon style. Some are oil, some are pastel. I like the way they look all together. At the reception one attendee said, "They are like little bites of sweets. You can't just have one, you need to bite again and again. "  Come on by and have a little taste.

13 comments:

Donna T said...

What a beautiful painting! I love the way the orange from the sky spills over onto the roof of the house - as if the sunset is liquid. I would like to be able to say something more with my work too, other than stating the obvious. It feels like walking a tightrope - a struggle between depicting what is real and what I feel and knowing that there has to be a balance in order for my intentions to be understood.

Casey Klahn said...

Well blogged, my friend. I can feel the layers coming together in your painting.

Congrats on the exhibit and best wishes.

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

Interesting stuff Loriann. BTW I rather like the tones of this painting already. I don't think the land needs much darkening in my humble opinion.

Wish I could get to see the exhibition. I have a sweet tooth today myself... any chance that you might have a photo of the nine paintings together that you might share? Cheeky I know ;o)

SamArtDog said...

Thanks for the good Jasper advice. It makes a lot of sense. Even with sticky-notes all over the studio, remembering to stay out of my own way is the hardest thing to do.

loriann signori said...

Hi Donna,
It sounds so simple yet alludes us. oh dear! I fully agree with what you say!

Thanks Casey!

Hi Lisa!

Thanks for your opinion...it agrees with mine..yet I still struggle with what I know is the reality.
Cheeky girl..hee hee, I wanted to include a photo. it was too busy at the opening. I will try to go back and get one to post. Thanks for your interest.

Hi Sam,
It is is the hardest thing! Welcome back!

Liz Steinglass said...

I am continuously amazed by all the creative work that happens unconsciously. I notice it most when I go away and come back to something and see how much further I can take it.

loriann signori said...

You are so right Liz. Cutting out the interference that buzzing in our heads is a challenge. Walking away makes us look again.

Melinda said...

It's been awhile since I've commented (been by to see your beautiful work, though), but I'm grateful for your insight and your dedication to your work.

I love Jasper Johns' work too. Love your quote from him.

I am very impressed with your work as always. Wishing you all that you need to continue your journey.

Congratulations on your show!

loriann signori said...

Thanks so much Melinda!
I have missed you too...it is so hard keeping up with all the amazing blogs out there including yours. happy painting!

Kellie Marian Hill said...

beautiful post, and a wonderful painting- I look forward to seeing it finished, I wouldn't have known it wasn't done except you said something!

loriann signori said...

Thanks Kellie.I can't wait to see where it will take me. It's in the waiting stage now. Till the next post!

Nika said...

you're so right about that, I just thought the same thing when I looked at a Rothko lat night. His paintings don't belabor any points, and don't offer explanation, just take you places. That's what I want now.
The glow in your painting is stunning, wish I could see it in person. I looks done to me, but sometimes it's hard to tell from a picture.
Best of luck with your show!

loriann signori said...

Thanks Nika!
I agree with you 100%about the Rothkos.