I Always Wanted To Meet Elizabeth Murray

I always wanted to meet Elizabeth Murray. My introduction to her was in the form of a cover photo of “Art News” magazine in the nineteen eighties. Most of the artists of the time posed very seriously in "I Am an Artist" poses. Elizabeth Murray posed smiling while holding her young daughter in her arms. She appeared to be very happy for having the attention and being noticed for her work, her art and her life. Beyond the obvious she seemed a genuinely happy person. Yes; I dreamed for years of meeting this woman and just having a very cool, intelligent and relaxed conversation with her.

 I was able to have conversations with Miss Murray through viewing her work in galleries, articles and video interviews particularly PBS’s Art: 21. These were great but one sided. I wanted a real exchange of ideas with someone so honest and beautiful. I was certain too that she would have great advice, be both funny and charming while still possessing a somewhat vulnerable soul.
 

 

Elizabeth’s works are very enigmatic while still playful pieces. Like shattered stained glass shards, disjointed puzzle pieces or mix-matched cartoon or everyday objects they lovingly present themselves to the viewer. Her use of color is dominate and strong. The works are among the most inviting the art world has to offer. They are engaging, fascinating.

 I remember visiting a contemporary gallery with a couple of friends not long ago. We had enjoyed ourselves greatly and after spending time with Warhol, Calder, Johns and Stella I caught a glimpse of a Murray as we were leaving. There is a point that you have to leave a gallery (the spirit has been enriched and filled to over flow.) I still wasn’t able to leave without studying Murray’s effort. I asked them to wait just a minute for me to say hello to Elizabeth Murray. I walked over to the work and in my way said hello, soaked in a part of Murray’s joy, her spirit. She endowed much of herself into her art. It was a good moment. 

Elizabeth Murray; one of the most respected artist of her generation, left us in 2007. She died from complications of cancer. Her works remain. I always wanted to meet her…

Andrew Wyeth: The Observer's Eye

The works are stark, real and beautiful. They exist in something of an eternal state of winter and barrenness. The chill of the air, the sound of a slight wind blows through the leafless trees and the unfiltered light of the almost warmth less but sustaining sun reveals all. This land is drawn to the bare essentials and survival. The faces and character of the inhabitants reveal the austerity of this monochromatic place that must be worked; by all the inhabitants including the artist. There is nothing of adornment, nothing of the baroque in these works. The artist’s power of observation is great, his attention to detail immense and he is without rival. He; Andrew Wyeth is an artist for the ages. His works tell a tale of dedication and love of craft, of art and life.

In addition to landscape and still life, portraiture was among Wyeth’s favorite forms. He painted his neighbors religiously in the spirit of the “American Scene” artists. His love of sight and seeing was formidable and women were among his favorite subjects. Three of note were Christina Olsen, Siri Erickson and Helga Testorf. “Christina’s World” is in many ways his seminal work. It is included in the MoMA collection in New York and reproduced in countless books, magazines and was my introduction piece to Mr. Wyeth. It is magnificent! The young Christina is placed alone in the distance from her home in an expansive field. She is seemingly unable to walk in what appears to be a noon that could rapidly become twilight and night. Wyeth has masterfully painted the complexity of the foreground grasses and the distant buildings in equal manner without losing a feeling of depth. This is a great feat of painterly skill and invention.

The Helga series consists of 45 paintings and 200 drawings. The works were done in secret and it is safe to say Helga was his favorite single subject and devotion. Wyeth painted Helga from many angles and points of view, many are nudes. The Helga series was scandalous, entertaining and richly vibrant. Wyeth was thrust into the limelight of the mass media and for a time the world’s most talked about artist.

The Siri paintings are probably the least publicized but none the less beautiful and intriguing. They are much fewer in number than the Helga works. They are equal to the “Helgas” in technique and are visionary pieces.    

Wyeth has not been universally loved and appreciated. It is the curse of popularity to be derided by some. He has been accused of being an over glorified illustrator.  His father was the great N.C. Wyeth who essentially home schooled his beloved son “Andy” after recognizing his incredible possibilities as an artist/draftsman. Wyeth was a child prodigy; one that lived up to and surpassed his youthful potential. His works are of the sort that the viewer can become lost in, transported to a place of unequaled skill, achievement and grace. He was and is the Best.

Slected From the Artist's Portfolio

The Best of Days

We have enjoyed another incredibly blessed and wonderful Christmas. It is indeed “the Best of Days.” We celebrate the birth and gift of our lord and savior Jesus Christ; the son of God, Emmanuel. Our individual and collective celebrations take on many forms and it is so much bigger than a single day. It is a season; a continuing season that we still embrace, enjoy and cherish even as I write this blog. The Hallelujah Chorus, the card in the mail box, the trimming of the tree, Santa and the “Merry Christmas Greeting” accompanied with smile from a stranger are all equal parts. We give freely in every way and the joy is in seeing the happiness on the face of those we give to. Such a reward and treasure are these and countless other things of this immaculate time of year. The word; priceless is the only response to these moments to which we are immeasurably thankful. Among the greatest pleasures of life is Christmas. It has been so for generations and will continue without end. 

Filling stockings

Trimming trees

Children praying on their knees

 

Gifts and giving

Ancient ways

Christmas is the Best of Days

 

This particular Christmas Season; regretfully has had many sad notes. Our hearts go out to all as we pray for God to grant the strength, heart, character and faith to endure their terrible misfortunes. The sorrows and losses to befall so many this year seem unbearable. A better day is coming and their spirits will be renewed.

 

Thank you Christmas! This year we needed you even more!