Flemming Stenslund

I think the statement that, “…we have become suspicious of painterly virtuosity…”, makes a very timely and important point. I swore not to use the word “important” when speaking of art matters, as it is one of the most over-used and least meaningful descriptors that can be used when speaking or writing about art,….but in this case, I think it applies. How well a painting is painted IS important and integral to the level of the art. And this refers to color sensibility as well as paint handling.

The notion that abstract expressionism is not relevant anymore for any reason, does not make any sense to me, and it is refreshing to read Mr Carrier’s very direct comment about this. It seems that there are some indisputable creative moments in history that have shaped and formed and influenced subsequent generations of artists. The influences of Impressionism, Cubism and Abstract Expressionism run very deep, and continue to be mined by artist’s around the world. While Monet, Matisse and other pre-abstract expressionist painters were already handling paint in ways that predicted abstract expressionism, ( Monet’s wisteria pictures from 1920 ), it was the full blast focus on painterly mark making that makes abstract expressionism “important” in the history of painting. This opened things up, in a very big way, for generations to follow. At this point in history, it is integrated unconsciously into any painters psyche with a bent toward painterly painting.

There will always be camps. But if you love painting, and what it offers at it’s very best, then the whole history of painting, from the cave walls to the most austere, industrial looking and presently fashionable “resin coated” surfaces, will be fodder for inspiration.

Your review is humble and generous. I agree that ab/ex and this type of muscular, sensual painting in general is indeed vital. I like PK’s sense of drawing in paint as well.

Brian Rutenberg

The quotation….that landscapes are about life and death, was a good one. I am aware of the duality in everything….but sometimes, I just like to focus on the present. If one “accepts” death as a natural happening, can we then release some of the focus on it? (have observed that the preocccupation with death prevents some from fully being engaged with the present…they are always looking/anticipating death). Do not recommend
avoiding the acknowlegement of it….but feeling it hovering all the time
is a downer. I see some people fighting it remarkably and living zestfully….and others so preoccupied with it they give in…give up.

I have the greatest story to share with you about a geranium in a pot.
It’s story is about life! Living! My husband and I had a lot of travel
scheduled…so we left this lone geranium out on the patio to fade away
on it’s own schedule. Over the months, we witnessed this geranium fighting for it’s life like crazy…..grabbing a splash of rain every now and then as plants do in dry Arizona. Eventually I was almost shamed to have given this plant such an existence of struggle. The geranium made it through to the next season. And, I wondered…..how many of us would fight that hard for life? I am not sure I would. It was such a lesson. So, sometimes I prefer hope…….