Returning to the work of Agnes Martin…
Mildred Tolbert, "Agnes Martin", ca. 1954, photograph, 9 1/2 x 6 1/2
“I think everyone is born 100 percent ego, and after that it’s just adjustment.”
“I’m very careful not to have ideas, because they’re inaccurate”
I know that in my little notebooks on scraps of paper, everything is beautiful, It all works seamlessly. And when you get there, it’s all like a nightmare. The main thing in making art often is letting go of your expectation and your idea.”
“I hope I have made it clear that the work is about perfection as we are aware of it in our minds but that the paintings are very far from being perfect – completely removed in fact – even as we ourselves are.”
“The work of artists is an investigation into truth, and you’re going to see it in your mind, you own mind.”
“Artwork is a representation of our devotion to life. The enormous pitfall is devotion to oneself instead of to life. All works that are self-devoted are absolutely ineffective.”
“When I think of art, I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life. It is not in the eye, it is in the mind.”
(Photo: Mildred Tolbert, “Agnes Martin”, ca. 1954, photograph, 9 1/2 x 6 1/2)
Last night on IFC I watched the documentary about Agnes Martin and was astounded to learn about her life and her art. Her point of view was so unique and thought provoking; as if she had arrived from another planet where intelligence was highly refined. Her talent is very special.
linda thrasher
23 June, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Dear Linda,
Was the documentary called “With My Back To The World”? It’s the only one that I know of and it is definitely a remarkable portrait of a remarkable woman. I remember stumbling across her book of writings, as well as her painting when I was young and her work made a profound impression on me. To this day this book is definitely one of my favorite inspiring reads. I really get the sense that she knew something, that she had a certain quality of presence.
Thanks for commenting.
Luke Storms
23 June, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I’d be grateful to know who took the photo of Agnes Martin at the top of this page and if you know who to reach to ask for permission to reprint it.
Amazing this flurry of activity in the past few days! I’m about to post an incredibly inspiring essay by Miss Martin on my website, some excerpts from which are on your website as well.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Anne Flournoy
25 June, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Dear Anne,
Originally, I found the photo on the web somewhere without any photo credit, but after hunting around a bit I found that the photo was taken Mildred Tolbert, ca. 1954. There is a bit of information about her at this site
I hope that helps and I look forward to reading your essay.
Luke Storms
25 June, 2009 at 2:38 pm