Back in the 70s, the artist David Hockney read a poem by Wallace Stevens written in the 30s that is said to have been based on a painting by Picasso around 1903.
We are delicately shaped by all that we experience. What a nice insight Maria. I can trace much of what I am/do experiences in the homes of grandparents in Ohio and Minnesota as well as life in Pittsburgh in the 50’s. And those antecedents were shaped by theirs. We are shaped by our experiences which are shaped for us by an unseen hand. Our part is what we choose to do with it.
I love this essay. I find it empowering to understand that each of us is part of a thread of influences, that what we create may have a precedent, even if we're unaware of this. It's like a note is passed from one person to the next across generations.
I found this essay because my friend, Chris Becker, shared it. WOW, thanks for sharing, Chris. The piece articulates beautifully the ideas floating in my head as I do my stitching, and even my own looking-back writing. I'll be reading it again and again - and I wouldn't have found it if you hadn't shared. And Modern Odyssey, thanks for writing it so both you and Chris could share it with me.
Thanks Randy. Love your response, and that the ideas are floating in your head is another thread of how we build on each other forward, back, and sideways. Just read your piece on Houston art history and the MFAH and enjoyed it. I have a lot of friends across the spectrum in the arts in Houston, and I did quite a bit of work in the performing arts there. My recollections are that many local artists were featured across the institutions both big and small, and the galleries, and outdoors (think Lee Littlefield, a dear friend). We'll have to have a cup of coffee the next time I'm in the Bayou City. Stay well and thanks for reading.
We are delicately shaped by all that we experience. What a nice insight Maria. I can trace much of what I am/do experiences in the homes of grandparents in Ohio and Minnesota as well as life in Pittsburgh in the 50’s. And those antecedents were shaped by theirs. We are shaped by our experiences which are shaped for us by an unseen hand. Our part is what we choose to do with it.
Indeed, Jeff, it's always what we choose to do with it. Thanks for reading.
I love this essay. I find it empowering to understand that each of us is part of a thread of influences, that what we create may have a precedent, even if we're unaware of this. It's like a note is passed from one person to the next across generations.
Thanks Chris. And I like your image of the note. Secret and personal. Almost touching hands.
I found this essay because my friend, Chris Becker, shared it. WOW, thanks for sharing, Chris. The piece articulates beautifully the ideas floating in my head as I do my stitching, and even my own looking-back writing. I'll be reading it again and again - and I wouldn't have found it if you hadn't shared. And Modern Odyssey, thanks for writing it so both you and Chris could share it with me.
Thanks Randy. Love your response, and that the ideas are floating in your head is another thread of how we build on each other forward, back, and sideways. Just read your piece on Houston art history and the MFAH and enjoyed it. I have a lot of friends across the spectrum in the arts in Houston, and I did quite a bit of work in the performing arts there. My recollections are that many local artists were featured across the institutions both big and small, and the galleries, and outdoors (think Lee Littlefield, a dear friend). We'll have to have a cup of coffee the next time I'm in the Bayou City. Stay well and thanks for reading.
Yes! Just let me know when you're heading this way, and I'll put the coffee pot on.
Look forward to it.