innerfictions

Tuesday, 25 December 2007

Diebenkorn [Repetition]




"My freedom thus consists in moving within the narrow frame I have defined myself for each one of my undertakings. I shall go even further: my freedom will be so much the greater and more meaningful, the more narrowly I limit my field of action, and the more I surround myself with obstacles"

Stravinsky - Poetics of Music


Richard Diebenkorn: Notes to myself on beginning a painting:

  1. Attempt what is not certain, certainty may or may not come later. It may be then a valuable delusion.

  2. The pretty, initial position which falls short of completeness is not to be valued – except as stimulus for further moves.

  3. DO search. But in order to find other that what is searched for.

  4. Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities but consider them absolutely expendable.

  5. Don’t discover a subject – of any kind.

  6. Somehow don’t be bored – but if you must, use it in action. Use its destructive potential.

  7. Mistakes can’t be erased but they move you from your present position.

  8. Keep thinking about Polyanna [his wife].

  9. Tolerate chaos.

  10. Be careful only in a perverse way.


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