Diebenkorn Rules

I spent the afternoon at the de Young Museum, totally enthralled by the Diebenkorn exhibit. He has always been a favorite of mine, and when I walked in and was surrounded by his work I felt a total rush and I think I even cried a little. It was so exciting to see his artwork up close as well as from a distance—so very inspiring and a must see!

I was also really struck by his notes to himself on beginning a painting:

  1. Attempt what is not certain. Certainty may or may not come later. It may then be a valuable delusion.
  2. The pretty, initial position, which falls short of completeness, is not to be valued—except as a stimulus for further moves. 
  3. Do search. But in order to find other that what is searched for. 
  4. Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities, but consider them absolutely expendable. 
  5. Don't "discover" a subject—of any kind. 
  6. Somehow don't be bored—but if you must, use it in action. Use its destructive potential. 
  7. Mistakes can't be erased, but they move you from your present position. 
  8. Keep thinking about Pollyanna. 
  9. Tolerate chaos.
  10. Be careful only in a perverse way. 

—Richard Diebenkorn

 

Untitled (Yellow Collage) 1966   Richard Diebenkorn

Untitled (Yellow Collage) 1966   Richard Diebenkorn

 Cityscape #1, 1963  Richard Diebenkorn

 

Cityscape #1, 1963  Richard Diebenkorn

Saturday in the Mission

​I spent the day wandering around the Mission with friends and I barely recognized it. So many new restaurants and shops, not to mention a new slew of ultra hip people. I guess I need to get out of the house more often so I can keep up!  Although things have changed so much over the last few years, the walls and streets are still bursting with color—same as ever!  

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Happy Sparkly New Year

I went to the Chinese New Year parade for the first time in 10 years last night. I was especially inclined to go because it wasn't pouring rain as it is most years. With an almost full moon out and a clear starry sky, there were lots of glittery moments. Such a fun night out with friends in the city I love.

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