This morning I was talking to my best buddy, Jim, about Henri Matisse and what he said about his own art. He said he wanted it to be comfortable, like a good armchair. (I like to think Matisse would have enjoyed sitting down with us for a cup of coffee and some art conversation.)
That sounds like a good idea to me. I want my art to be comfortable too. I want you to look at it and say, “ahhh. that’s nice.” Then I want you to take it home, and enjoy it there. Show it to your friends and enjoy their saying, “ahhh. that’s nice” too. Sometimes artists don’t want that. They want you to scratch your head and say, “uhhh?” and that’s ok too. The purpose then is to make you think. Another worthy goal that many artists achieve.
Henri also said he didn’t want people to see how much effort it took to make such a pleasant and seemingly simple joyful work of art. He hid the “intense effort required” so it wouldn’t get in the way of the “ahhh” moment.
He was a smart guy, Matisse. His work is amazing. Take a look at it sometime online, but if you get a chance to see any of it in person, make sure you do whatever it takes. You’ll really feel good when you stand there in front of it.
Enjoy your day,
Dennas
