“There is only one valuable thing in art: the thing you cannot explain.”
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This is a quote from artist Georges Braque that I used on the first artist statement I ever wrote many years back. It still pops up in my mind on a regular basis, especially at times when I find myself looking at a just finished painting, wondering what is there that is triggering my emotional response to it. These words from Braque reminds me that what I am trying to capture is not the subject matter, not a mere representation of reality. I am trying to capture an indefinable feeling or spirit that is not calculable or even visible.
Definitely beyond the reach of my words.
It is the sum of color and light.
And texture and line.
And the spaces in between.
It is of the spirit and the life force. When it is there, it is obvious and undeniable. And though I can’t explain it, I can see the purpose and value of that work.
And that is a good day…
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I have never really focused here on the work of George Braque (1882-1963) who is mainly known as one of the major artists, along with Picasso, of the Cubist movement. His work, through all the differing phases of his long career, is always impressive. I thought I’d share the video slideshow below of his work. It’s set to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, better known as the Elvira Madigan concerto, which makes it a most pleasant and calming thing to spend a few minutes with on the first cool morning of November.
Redtree Times 