Museums truly are the greatest places. I’m always hypnotized by what I see in galleries but today while working in a gallery classroom I came upon a book that belonged to another teacher. Here’s the first page…
It had me at hello with a drawing of my home state. I started reading about Saul Steinberg (whom I had only heard of and never gotten to know). Saul is an artist who fits no where specifically but is most known for his cartoon work for the New Yorker. I love an artist with a sense of humor and a strong use of line.
Untitled, 1948. Ink on paper, 14 1/4 x 11 1/4". Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
His work is shown all over the world. He’s big time. He’s unique and his work is quirky and beautiful. I’m all over it. Well, now I am.
Main Street--Small Town, section of The Americans mural, American Pavilion, Brussels World's Fair, 1958. Collage, mixed media, and enlarged photographs, approximately 10 x 20'. Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, Brussels.
I have been in a “who am I as an artist and what does it all mean” kind of place (also known as a “time to do your taxes and see if you’re actually making or losing money on this” place). And investigating Saul has inspired me to just do what I want to do. Right now I just want to explore.
Untitled, 1957. Ink on paper. Originally published in The New Yorker, June 1, 1957.
Gender role discussion anyone?
Kidding.
