Visual Poetry

As an artist, I find myself drawn to the world of abstract expressionism. The use of vibrant colors and the ability to express oneself through art is what draws me to this particular style. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Tobey, Jackson Pollock, Joan Miro and Clyford Still have had a significant influence on my work.

At the top of my list of artists who have influenced me is Wassily Kandinsky. He is considered one of the pioneers of abstraction and his use of color and form to convey emotions and ideas, rather than just representing the physical world, is something that inspires me. As Kandinsky said, "Color is a power which directly influences the soul," and this is evident in his paintings.

Mark Tobey's use of calligraphic marks in his paintings has also had a significant impact on me, particularly his "white paintings" which feature a mix of white and light-colored brushstrokes. These paintings convey a sense of serenity and peacefulness, something that I try to emulate in my own work.

The drip painting technique of Jackson Pollock has been a source of inspiration for me. The sense of movement and energy that is created by his technique is something that I strive to replicate in my own work. As he said "I am nature," it reflects in his paintings.

The surrealist works of Joan Miro have also had an impact on me. His use of abstract forms and symbols creates a sense of mystery and wonder, something that I find very inspiring. The way he invites the viewer to interpret the meaning in their own way is something that I strive to replicate in my own work. Miro said "I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music."

Clyford Still's Color Field paintings are also a major influence on my work. The themes of energy and morality are expressed through their expansive fields of bright color, often compared to caves and vast crevasses that are momentarily lit up by light. His mature paintings demonstrate the striking conflicts between man and nature, and this struggle becomes a common theme in the majority of his works.

It's worth noting that Still had a unique approach to the art scene, he went to unusual lengths to control the selling, collection, and exhibition of his paintings. He completely shunned the New York art scene and upon his death, almost 95% of his artworks were in his possession and had never been exhibited. This adds an additional layer of mystery and intrigue to his work and is another reason why he continues to inspire me as an artist.

In conclusion, abstract expressionism is an art form that allows for self-expression and experimentation. The works of artists like Kandinsky, Tobey, Pollock, Miro, and Still have greatly influenced my own artistic journey and I continue to draw inspiration from them. I strive to channel their spirit of experimentation and self-expression in my own work.