Rothko

I was watching Charlie Rose the other day. discussing a new book Eric Kandell had just published called "Reductionism in Art and Science." He had previously cooperated with Kandell, a Nobel prize winner, in producing a series of programs about the brain.

Kandell's book illustrated parallels in scientific and artistic thinking and reminded me of a book a friend, Brian Gibson, once spoke of. His lecturer at Cambridge, Thomas Henn had written "The Apple and the Spectroscope" back in the 60s on the same comparative subject. In the event it was reviewed by the formidable critic, F.R. Leavis, who tossed the book into the audience with the words  "The Pineapple and the Kaleidoscope? -- all a Henn can do is cackle!" A cheap shot. The book is still in print, but Leavis, Henn, and Brian, latterly a Hollywood director, are all gone now.

The program touched on Rothko who experimented with color with his reductionist art and I thought I might use some of his tones and shades in my pottery.

Art really brings me alive. 

When I was working and traveling I always used to try and make it to a gallery in whatever town I was lecturing.

Which brings me to an exhibition of impressionist art we had a couple of years back in San Francisco. It was about winter scenes. Of course we bought a Monet and since have transported it to Saint Antonin in France where it's now hangs in my sister-in-law's house. The point was that on leaving that art exhibition, both Diana and myself were enlivened to all and every visual happening. Everything was a feast for our eyes for at least week!

So maybe I can now experiment in some glazes which will reflect on the earth tones of Mark Rothko or even the blue and green brightness of David Hockney.