11.01.2010

Inspiration : Sol LeWitt letter to Eva Hesse

I recently came across a letter from Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse discussing the creative process and pursuing new ideas. Every artist has doubts and fear about trying new ideas and this letter was written when Eva Hesse was just about to have her eureka moment with her three dimensional pieces. I've included a clip of it below. Advice worth remembering ...

Eva Hesse, No Title, 1970.
April 14th 1965, letter from Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse:
Just stop thinking, worrying, looking over your shoulder, wondering, doubting, fearing, hurting, hoping for some easy way out, struggling, gasping, confusing, itching, scratching, mumbling, bumbling, grumbling, humbling, stumbling, rumbling, rambling, gambling, tumbling, scumbling, scrambling, hitching, hatching, bitching, moaning, groaning, honing, boning, horse-shitting, hair-splitting, nit-picking, piss-trickling, nose-sticking, ass-gouging, eyeball-poking, finger-pointing, alleyway-sneaking, long waiting, small stepping, evil-eyeing, back-scratching, searching, perching, besmirching, grinding grinding grinding away at yourself. Stop it and just DO.

Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing #1268: Scribbles: Staircase (AKAG).
This comes at a time when the Albright-Knox Gallery will be featuring the largest commissioned scribble drawing by Sol LeWitt. Hats off to the creative process.

6 comments:

Chantal said...

Very helpful advice!

rae dunn. said...

i LOVE eva hesse AND sol LeWitt . . . i saw some of his work at the mass moca last month.

thanks for sharing.

Sophie Truong said...

Aeurgh!!! I'm printing it in big and posting it on my wall, next to my "JUST KEEP WORKING" sign... lovely lovely lovely!
and now I want to check out the Albright Knox - I wonder if the work will be similar to the one at Mass Moca?
Thanks for sharing!

kathrynclark said...

Two of my favorite artists too! Sophie, you're so lucky to live near such great galleries.

heather smith jones said...

That is so true. What a good reminder to tell inner critic selves to be quiet so we can focus on just making.
ps. You mentioned on my blog you're from TN also? I grew up there as a child as well. Curious if our paths have ever crossed? :)

kathrynclark said...

Hi Heather, thanks for visiting, love your blog! I was born in Knoxville but spent most of my years in north Fl and Huntsville, AL before heading out to SF years ago. Love how all the Southern states have different accents.

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