Solace in art

Following a difficult week of rejections I sought solace in the library. Reading about the struggles of other artists, particularly those I admire...I have to admit they are usually women...brings comfort.

The Eye's Mind:Bridget Riley Collected Writings 1965-2009 Ed. Robert Kudielka gives a wonderful insight into the thoughts behind both Rileys work and her working practice. In one of the interviews she reflects on the loneliness of being an artist, its inevitability;

' ...I seldom talk about the things that really matter. You cannot take away the energy, it's a very internal thing. All artists have part of themselves that they can never share with anyone else.' p.30

Slip 2 Detail. Textile Drawing.

And out of this silent inner space comes art.

Visitation

Untitled Drawing 13

 

 

I saw Bill Viola's video work 'Visitation' shown at The Crypt of the Carnary Chapel at the Norwich School a couple of weeks ago. Sitting in the darkness I could feel the dis ease of the friend sitting by my side, her sadness was palpable. The whole experience has continued to haunt me.

I have been  reflecting over how Viola's interpretation of the big/universal questions/issues about 'life' sink into such deep places for the viewer. He seems to face with unerring bravery the pain of many human emotions and some how introduce into that place an element of beauty and the sublime. A kind of paring back and a stripping away which cannot but fail to move.