I am currently reading “Writings on Art” by Mark Rothko. This is a collection of letters, notebook entries, and essays by a very influential artist. Rothko writes a lot about creativity and education. He writes about how educating children on art should focus on inspiring creativity rather then instituting a regiment of lessons and disciplines. This reminds me that much of art making is letting go of the inhibitions we develop as adults. This is the part of art making that cannot be taught but only encouraged. So many believe that if they learn to draw they can be an artist. However, there are so many more intangibles components.
Many of Rothko’s texts are fragmented. However, this adds to the romance of discussing art. It is reminiscent of anyone’s studio journal which makes it fun to muddle through.
Mark Rothko, Writings on Art, Yale University Press