I am not an artist. I just don’t have the talent. I wish I could look at a blank canvas and know exactly what to draw or where to go with my vision but such is not to be.
I was born a consultant of sorts. Meaning I can tell you what works and what doesn’t but I can’t create it myself. My skill set is much more in the performing arts spectrum rather than the artistry of paint, pencil and ink to canvas.
I have always admired the art world though with its chic gallery shows and pedestrians lining up to be blown away by the abstracts, paintings and works of their favorite artists.
I used to think one had to possess a certain “eye” for understanding but as of late I realize it is what you make it. If you allow yourself to go there, things tend to take on a whole new meaning.
Such was the case when I was doing research for a project and stumbled across the art works of Pierre Soulages.
He was born in 1919 and according to Claire Rosemberg of The Telegraph, is famously known for switching direction halfway through his career to emphasise how light is reflected from the colour black – a concept he calls “ultra black”, or outrenoir. Using thick layers of black paint, he scrapes and digs and etches using bits of rubber, spoons or tiny rakes to create smooth and rough textures that absorb or reject light, subtly changing monotonous black.
He recently hosted his own gallery show, at Le Centre de Georges Pompidou in Paris in 2009 and at age 91, is still living and working in a flat in the South of France that overlooks the Mediterranean.
(Pierre Soulage’s shadow painted by Klaus Guingand 2005)
When interviewed for his gallery show last year, Pierre said, “It is touching to see 63 years of my work brought together, but I don’t much like the word ‘retrospective’,” he added. “I am still painting, I have works drying in the studio.”
At 91, is that a testament to spending one’s life living out their dreams instead of waiting to pursue them? Perhaps.
Luella says…Dig a Little Deeper.
(all photos sourced from Pierre-Soulages.com)
I love his work. I would never have found him had I not been a bit idle.
Moral of this story, is to take a little more time out for yourself. Stop and absorb your surroundings, breathe, be present and notice the details.
Give that to yourself this Christmas.
Related Articles
- A year of astounding art discoveries (telegraph.co.uk)
- Arman Show in Paris Puts Spotlight on Everyday Objects (intransit.blogs.nytimes.com)
- La Roche House in France by Archiplein (design-milk.com)
