“……..It would be too much to say that art, the practice of it, will establish a “good,” a serene, a superior self. No.
But art will, if pursued for itself and not for adventitious reasons, or by spurious ways,
bring into sustained realization the self most centrally yours,
freed from its emergencies and the distortions brought by greed, or fear, or ambition.
Art has its sacramental aspect.
The source of art’s central effect is one with religion’s and those of other soul endeavors:
the discovery of the essential self and the cultivation of its felt, positive impulses.
William Stafford
The Answers Are Inside the Mountains
In the French magazine, “l’Art de l’Aquarelle” December 2009 – January 2010 issue
A beautiful and superbly produced cover article on Joseph, by Laurent Benoist
Interview in English, click here
Extracts of the Magazine (in French), click here (pdf)
“When much in the woods as a little girl, I was told that the snake
would bite me, that I might pick a poisonous flower, or goblins kidnap me,
but I went along and met no one but angels.” Emily Dickenson
“My last memory of John Fitz Gibbon is in 2005 after he, Lannis and I had lunched in a Broadway restaurant across from Lincoln Center .
It was the Sunday after my show’s Saturday opening at Nancy Hoffman’s Gallery in Soho.
John had written an inspired and wonderfully insightful, lively essay for the show’s catalog.
Many of John’s friends had been at the opening that day. It was very touching to see their love for him. I believe he was very happy.
He had been so courageous to make the trip I thought. His state of health was poor.
On Sunday after lunch, John had planned to go to a concert at Lincoln Center.
After we had finished eating, (he had devoured a great mound of Scampi, which he relished eating with his fingers),
we accompanied him across the busy Broadway thoroughfare.
Once on the plaza of the Center, we embraced for the final time, and there John walked away without turning back,
ready yet once again to wholly dive into the richness and fullness of ART.
I said to Lannis–”That’s John, alright,—-his love of Art, Artists and Music, is his life.
I can say now that when I think of John I think of someone who’s life was directed by Love”.
