Inspiration – George Tooker

George Tooker died this week. You can read the New York Times obituary here. There’s also a wonderful short documentary that captures his gentle spirit here. And here‘s a short survey about the artist.

His work was evocative, awe inspiring, and it deeply affects those who explore it. He’s a part of the artistic lineage that I claim, particularly since I see myself as a symbolist.

““Symbolism can be limiting and dangerous, but I don’t care for art without it. The kind that appeals to me the most is a symbolism like a heraldic emblem, but never just that alone: the kind practiced by Paolo Uccello and Piero della Francesca.” – George Tooker

Sleep well.

Francis Bacon

“How are you gonna remake that in another art?” – Francis Bacon, 1985.

“What modern man wants is sensation without the boredom of its conveyance.” – Bacon, quoting Valery, 1985.

“I’m optimistic about nothing. Absolutely nothing.” – Bacon, 1985.

“CHEEERIO!” – Bacon, to Melvyn Bragg, 1985.

The South Bank Show profile of Francis Bacon, filmed in 1985, is a classic document of 20th century art.

You should watch it right now.