Courting the Presence


From Anna Hepler’s series, “Cyanotype 28,” on exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art. Hepler uses the idiosyncratic nature of a photographic process to explore how images can morph and disintegrate and, at the same time, expose the way light wraps a form and gives it a sense of presence.

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In any kind of creative work a point is reached where our power of free choice comes to an end. The work assumes a life of its own, which offers its creator only the alternative of accepting or rejecting it. A mysterious ‘presence’ reveals itself, which gives the work a living personality of its own.

–Anton Ehrenzweig

Anton Ehrenzweig studied art but was primarily known for his psychoanalytical examination of art making. The Hidden Order of Art is his best known work.

4 Replies to “Courting the Presence”

  1. Hi Deborah
    I’ve heard sooo many wonderful things from friends about you, your amazing family & your incredible art and now this (recently forwarded to me by a fellow art fan) Yay!

    This site of yours is more than just any old art blog! The visuals, the literature, et al… it is artwork of itself. Beautiful, truly, beautiful.

    I’m embarrassed to say that I just can’t figure out how-no matter how I try- to subscribe to your site… Gah!! Hoping this works 😉
    best-
    U-

  2. Re your “fallow & fertile” post, an interesting quote from Picasso:
    “The painter passes through states of fullness and emptying. That is the whole secret of art.”

  3. Ursula, thank you so much for your wonderful tribute. Do try the subscribe button and see if that works for you.

    Marie, the quote from Picasso is perfect and new to me. Thank you so much for posting that here.

  4. […] Courting the Presence « Slow Muse. […]

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