It’s fascinating to observe how our perception works. Sometimes it begins with a feeling, and other times with an idea. Combining these two states of consciousness—feeling and thought—into artwork is an exciting process. Feelings are like a fluid presence within our body; they can manifest as tension, excitement, or a sense of liberation and relaxation. Thoughts, on the other hand, are more structured, providing ideas or visions of how something appears or should appear.
Feelings arise from our true inner self, while thoughts are often schematic templates. These represent two different states of mind, and they frequently intermingle, creating confusion. It’s essential to learn to identify which is speaking to us—is it our mind, or are our feelings expressing themselves? To truly understand this, we need to separate these aspects within our existence.
This tension between feeling and thought is evident in the works of many great artists. Jackson Pollock, for example, confronts reality head-on, often resulting in heavy expressionism. His work is a powerful representation of the struggle between inner emotion and external reality. Gerhard Richter, on the other hand, uniquely blends photorealism with deep emotional resonance. He was the first to successfully unite these two states of mind, moving seamlessly between past and present, and balancing them with his truth. When it comes to his expressionistic abstractions, he stays true to his inner vision.
Walter Tandy Murch also merges these two worlds, though he often stays within the safer confines of still life. His work carefully balances the abstract and the real, creating a harmonious yet grounded perspective. Nancy Reyner, whose work deeply impresses me, strikes a delicate balance between these realms. Her gentle touch in blending both worlds leaves me questioning if there’s more behind the scene, propelling me forward in my own exploration of perception.
These artists are magnificent masters of their craft, and through their work, I’ve recognized the immense importance of passing on the truth to future generations. It is vital to teach them early what we learned late, ensuring that the legacy of true perception endures.