I went to the Diebenkorn: The Berkeley Years exhibition at the de Young Museum last Friday night. As you enter the exhibition, some words of creative wisdom from the artist – his Cider House Rules so to speak – are posted on the wall. Which made me pause, and think for a bit before I immersed myself into his work.
It’s particularly interesting because Diebenkorn was known for working and reworking a painting extensively, trying not to get caught up in achieving the “perfect painting”. Going with the flow, and seeing where his creativity could take him.
Thoughtful words to ponder, no matter what you’re creating.
Sarah B.
“Richard Diebenkorn” 1956. Photo by Rose Mandel
Artist’s thoughts re: their own process aren’t always, or even usually, terribly insightful. “Tolerate chaos” — well, yes, let’s see you try to do otherwise. Robert Fripp was particularly bad at this, telling his League of Crafty Guitarists things like “do not strike any note you did not intend to strike” — or, in less formal language, “don’t make mistakes”, not particularly practical advice. (Thanks for the reminder about the show, though.)