Georgia O’Keeffe
The older I get, the more I enjoy trying to understand what making and creating is REALLY about. I sometimes think oh yeah it's all right for famous and successful artists to say that recognition or success is irrelevant, but of course no matter their status, they are right!
More and more I am on the side of the folk who think about art as a way of expression; as a means by which our personal slant on the world or thoughts about something can be shown. In particular I love this idea of our unknown becoming known.
So much of art making is a mystery and for sure, much of it is unknown even to ourselves. I imagine Ms O'Keefe is saying here that the important thing is that we bring forth previously unknown thoughts and ideas and imagery and allow them to be seen; and to be known.
And I think it is important that she refers to YOUR unknown, nobody else's.
The Library of Lost Words (2014) - I did not know I needed to do this all those years ago, but loved doing it!
it has been one of life's great gifts that Don and I have been able to journey to the high desert in New Mexico where Georgia O'Keeffe lived and created for so many years ... and I'm thinking that the knowing in this quote might refer to knowing oneself as much as showing others what might otherwise be unknown
ReplyDeleteOh it must be amazing to be in that place and that air. And I am sure you are right, that so much of it is about knowing ourselves and letting what is unknown about us (by ourselves) slowly become know to us, through the process.
DeleteOh yes, I agree with that quote too. A few years ago I read the purpose of art is to bring people closer to something. This thought resonated deeply with me, and helped me understand that even more importantly, the reason I make things is to bring myself closer, to help me to a greater understanding. Such a great post!
ReplyDeleteI really like those thoughts too! I oftentimes say that making helps me make sense of the world; and I think it also helps me make sense of me. Go well.
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