Friday, April 21, 2006

More about the visual arts and microbiology.


Today I came home from work with one of my splitting headaches. I am usually incapacitated when this happens. So my entry for today will reflect just a bit more of Jonathan Talbot's response to me. In addition, this second piece was done at his workshop (the beginning of April). It is called "Into Despair." and is a reflection of how I was feeling that day. Jonathan had crammed so much into his workshop and I wished it would not end. I felt there was so much more to learn and experience.... This is a mixed media piece done on 300 lb watercolor paper. It is one of my favorites.

KL: " ...I retired after 20 years in my field to stay at home with my young children. They are now 11 and 9 (the twins). During my time in the field I developed a keen sense of observation (almost legendary at Abbott Labs)."

JT: " This will stand you in good stead in the plastic arts..."


KL: "became a sought after trainer because of those skills,"

JT: "This, too, will be useful as you redirect your energies to a new discipline..."

KL: "published numerous research articles including a chapter for a book, received prestigious awards for my work, and learned to say "WHY NOT?" or "WHAT IF" when others said "NO WAY."

JT: "Your ability to articulate your thoughts and feelings will enable you to engage in dialogues with yourself and with others about what you are doing art-wise and your art will be richer because of it..."

KL: "Intuition was as important as my book knowledge and so I would often find those "problematic" organisms sitting in my lab courtesy of my molecular geneticist colleagues."

JT: "When one stands upon a solid foundation of classical training and allows one's intuition "free play" the possibilities are almost limitless."

KL: " Some of those qualities mentioned above surely must be shared by those in the arts. Good observation skills, a rebellious nature, sense of adventure, childlike wonder, experimentation skills, and tenacity may be seen and felt by the observer."

JT:" Of course you are right... Just do some reading about artists (rather than art) and you will find confirmation of this. For a start I suggest John Berger's "The Success and Failure of Picasso," a short but pithy work will I believe you will enjoy. "

And here I will end for today. More to come. Oh, and I did read the Berger book. I will review that later as well. It is a must read, one that will open your eyes to Picasso.

2 comments:

Kari said...

Kathy, I adore this piece - well, everything you do really, LOL!

Your blog is brilliant and the JT interview is enlightening. I shall check out the university library to see if that Berger book is in and read it, sounds fascinating.

Cheers!
Kari x

Kathy L said...

Many thanks Kari.

Jonathan so highly recommended that book. I actually bought it on line from Amazon. I promise you won't be bored. I am flattered by your comments, they give me confidence!

K