Richard Diebenkorn
Berkeley #19, 1954
The University of Arizona Museum of Art
Berkeley #19, 1954
The University of Arizona Museum of Art
Before embarking upon what I believe was the most productive and fascinating period of his work, the American painter, Richard Diebenkorn, made a list of ten "guidelines," for lack of a better word, that he believed should drive the creative process. If you are a painter or some other type of artist, you will probably find, as I have, great comfort and wisdom in Diebenkorn's approach. One need not be an artist, however, to find wisdom in these words. Through the years, I have come to believe that Diebenkorn's advice is as relevant to the creation of a good life as it is to the creation of good art. See what you think as you read the document that Diebenkorn simply titled, "Notes to myself on beginning a painting."
1. Attempt what is not certain. Certainty may or may not come later. It may then be a valuable delusion.
2. The pretty, initial position which falls short of completeness is not to be valued — except as a stimulus for further moves.
3. Do search. But in order to find other than what is searched for.
4. Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities but consider them absolutely expendable.
5. Don't "discover" a subject — of any kind.
6. Somehow don't be bored — but if you must, use it in action. Use its destructive potential.
7. Mistakes can't be erased but they move you from your present position.
8. Keep thinking about Polyanna.
9. Tolerate chaos.
10. Be careful only in a perverse way.
Diebenkorn's advice resonates deeply with me at both an artistic level and a personal level, and my favorite points are the sixth, ninth, and tenth: the need to use the "destructive potential" of boredom; the need to tolerate chaos; and the need to be careful only in a perverse way. What about you? Do find anything in Diebenkorn's list that resonates with your personal or artistic life?