I have been thinking about courage lately.
Courage: — the ability to do something that you know is right or good,even though it is dangerous, frightening, or very difficult (per dictionary).
It takes courage to be real. Courage and a great sense of vulnerability at the same time. With abstract work there is no framework of a realistic image. Only the moment. That inner calling that seeks to find a truthful expression. Quite a ruthless process at times.
My best work happens when I don’t care, but am fully present. Perhaps Self doubt is the artists biggest an enemy.
Time to get back to my large canvas, titled: The Middle East. Dipping the brush into blood red thin oils. It is not pretty.
Thanks to the man in the suit for posing unknowingly in front of Rothko’s masterpiece.Berlin National Galeria, 5 years ago.
Dear Sagram,
I came across your work via-via and find it very inspiring, also the thoughts and philosophies you describe regarding your painting, self expression and challenges hit a chord.
I am just starting out at a more serious level, a journey of self discovery to find out how I can express what I feel, what moves me and bring into the world these many embryonic ideas; the more art becomes your focus, the more you live it.
There are some parallels in your background and mine: European roots, raised in Australia, travelled widely but now again living in the Netherlands and Spain, at about a 50:50 ratio. The south of Spain gives me the space and wonderful climate, so similar to California, to immerse myself in this new adventure (that was always bubbling just below the surface); so to cut a long story short, the purpose of this message in response to the inviting blank contact page (which accidentally popped up instead of a continued story link on your blog with the tags self doubt, courage and Rothko that drew me in) is to say you are an inspiration, giving me courage in the ‘dictionary’ sense you describe to live the dream and do what I feel, like you, is my true purpose: to paint and elicit a kindred response or if not, at least a true emotion in the viewer…
So I will refer back to your work and thoughts as I progress and hope to meet you some time in the future. May I ask, what was the defining moment or experience while you were in Rome that made you decide that painting should be your ‘mission’?
Best, Marte
Dear Marte
Thank you for your thoughtful words. Being a painter is really a calling, a love affair that doesn’t stop. I continue to grow through challenges, and there are times when I need to reinvent myself, go into unknown areas and be ok with not knowing… I have been desiring to work abroad, to see how it feels to paint in a different environment. Perhaps Spain or South Africa.
You asked about the defining moment in Rome. Well, I looked around me at the wonderful unexpected contemporary art. Art that radiated light, an inner quality of truth and innocence ( in the Apartamento di Contemporare at the Vatican), when it suddenly struck me…. I wanted to paint with that feeling and quality, always.
Thank you for reminding me of that defining moment. With warmth, Sargam