author...illustrator...guerilla artist
author...illustrator...guerilla artist
The quote that is hard to read says,
“There is no such thing as an empty space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear.” ~John Cage
Last night I sat at the top of the hill and watched the most incredible sunset. Spent some time with a chubby groundhog who was too busy eating to be bothered by my presence. I talked to him while he chewed.
Finished “Spell of the Sensuous”, found it to be life impacting. It clarified a lot of thoughts I’ve been having about what I’m doing as an artist. (thought tangent: my favourite teacher Ross Mendes always used to exclaim, “it’ll change your life!", often about art supplies or a book. Some things do. I can still hear his voice in my head now and then.)
Picked up a few of the Charles & Rae Eames films. Learned the phrase “the exploration of the familiar”, how Stieglitz would describe his work. I like that. I’m going to use it somehow. He said that he always found his subjects within 60 yards of his door.
Also finished the published datebooks of Eva Hesse, tiny notebooks she would use to record the details of a life. It was the smallest glimpse into her world and left me wanting more. Unfortunately her diaries have not been released to the public and are sitting in a university in Oberlin Ohio waiting to be published. (which incidentally is one of the places we stopped in on our journey to ny. this has nothing to do with anything, except that I can tell you I would not recommend the mexican food.)
i am currently in research mode, reading and reading. following a stream of connections from one book to the next. digging through the library shelves for hidden gems. all of these ideas go in and sit waiting to be used for something. i have no idea what that will be. but i love the process.
i get so excited for life and reading and art when i read your blog keri.
thank you.
Posted by: Leonie on September 21, 2006 07:10 AM"Within 60m of his door". Now I am looking again.
Lovely post K. Great links too.
i would like to second soren's book recommendation. i love writers who are witty, funny and imaginative (like italo calvino.) "if on a winters night..." is a great read! keri... this is my first time posting, but i have read your blog off and on for awhile. maybe a couple of years. i have wanted to say that your poetry, art, and writing is a real source of strength for me. i find your thoughts warm, sincere, and inspiring. even though at times it may have been difficult, thank you for writing. :)
Posted by: olivia on September 20, 2006 11:53 PMI love the research process too - sometimes I can't write notes fast enough and other times I read luxourisly with a cup of tea. it can be so invigorating, so uplifiting.
Posted by: samantha on September 20, 2006 07:22 PMHi Keri! I hope you're enjoying fall on the east coast!
You saying that you are following a stream of book connections reminds me of the book If On A Winters Night A Traveler, by Italo Calvino. If you haven't read it, you should check it out... I suspect you might like it.