I have really enjoyed looking at the work of Andrew Wyeth, and through the book, 'Andrew Wyeth: Autobiography' (Konecky and Konecky Publishers), I get a glimpse into his creative process, as he shares his thoughts about many of his completed works of art. Here are a couple examples...
The painting above is called 'The Kuerners' and it features Andrew Wyeth's neighbors, Karl and Anna Kuerner. This is a painting that is stark, simple, and also strange, as many of Wyeth's are, opening a door to our own imagination and narrative. But the reason I'm using the painting as an example here is that it is representative of Andrew Wyeths' creative process.
In the book 'Andrew Wyeth: Autobiography', Wyeth describes starting this painting with just the male figure and (originally) a taxidermy moose head, hanging on the wall behind him. But, apparently being unsatisfied with the painting, he set it aside and upon finally getting back to it, after 2 years, Wyeth sandpapered out the moose head, which 'gave the most perfect texture to the wall'. Then he painted in Anna (Karl's wife) soon after, thus completing the painting.
Creativity, and paintings, in this case, have a life of their own. Rarely do artists know what to make of their work, and how their 'completion' will come about.
Another example of this is seen below...
The painting shown above is 'Christina's World', also by Andrew Wyeth. It is probably his most recognizable work. This has become an iconic American painting, recognizable to many. But interestingly, upon completion of the painting, Wyeth in disappointment described the work as a "flat tire", before sending off to a gallery. But soon it ended up in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), where it currently hangs.
It is difficult for artists to be objective about their own work, and whether or not they will be received. Fortunately for Wyeth, he was appreciated during his life-time, understandably as he produced timeless, beautiful work. For others, although they may produce works of great beauty, this recognition will not happen until they have passed on, if ever. Maybe the artwork will resonate with just a single person. Is that still a success?
Creativity seems to have a life of it's own. It is transmitted through, and received by, those who are open.
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