I just heard the news that one of my favorite artists of all times has passed away. Louise Bourgeois died at 98 years old on Sunday. I have a story about her for you - one of my most treasured memories. Back in my art-making heyday, I knew the folks who were her etching printers, Harlan and Weaver. Through them I learned that she hosted a "salon" every Sunday in her Chelsea townhouse. Artists would come and show their work and basically she would tear them apart. I mustered up my courage, gave her a call and made an appointment. I remember it was a muggy day in June, kinda like today. Her assistant led me through a dark hallway to the back room where a couple of people were sitting around. I remember the room to be quite shabby in a charming boho kinda way. Of course. This slight little old woman appeared through a doorway and took her place at a table covered with papers and books. She offered us coffee or bourbon. It was noon and it was 100 degrees.
The Puritan, 1989-96
Text & hand colored etchings on hand-made paper
Sweet Briar College Art Collection
Text & hand colored etchings on hand-made paper
Sweet Briar College Art Collection
It's well known that the subject of her work has long been about the physiological impact of childhood memories and the suffering human condition, drawing inspiration from her life. Because of this, I think many artists who use their art as their own kind of therapy are drawn to her. This does not always make for the greatest work. And Louise had no patience for a woman who began spewing about her past while showing blatant and oblivious drawings. I was cringing in the corner, my heart pounding. I showed her a small hand blown bell jar in which I place a handmade tornado made of string. She looked at it and said, "This is a little voice that wants to be loud". I almost cried right there. I want to tell her I think my voice has finally gotten louder.
Baby and Butterfly, 2007
drypoint and engraving
vintage paper & collaged cloth
drypoint and engraving
vintage paper & collaged cloth
I was sweating, sitting among some strange strangers and loving all of it. At one point I remember her insisting that this young guy sing. I think she even started singing in French at some point. She was well aware of her ranking and was haughty, opinionated and defiantly a little nuts. I emerged from this dark hole into a light filled day with the ruckus gay pride parade to greet me. What a crazy wonderful memory. She is truly an inspiration. And for all of you out there wondering when your blossoming is going to happen remember this, Louise Bourgeois had her first one woman show when she was in her 70's and then went on to make MORE work in her later years then she did prior to turning 70. So we have time. I should tell you I have been very lucky to have personally met many of the artists I admire in life. Sometimes it's better to keep art crushes at a distance. But my day with Louise only heighten her star for me. Shine on and thank you.
11 comments:
What a lovely story. I can imagine how you must treasure that memory.
That is a wonderful story! Her work has been an amazing inspiration to me. The world is better for having her. So thankful we had her for so long and she left us with so much work to enjoy . You story and posting is inspiring! Thank you!
Oh Denise,
Thank you for sharing this memory of a unique woman and artist. I had not heard of her before, so I am anxious to do some catch up reading and viewing.
Marjorie
what a great story! she inspired me too in my art-school days. her work is so powerful.
Lady, every time I read your blog I'm moved to tears either by the beauty you create visually in flowers or the stories you share and the visual pictures you paint through writing. You most certainly have a voice that is loud and lovely and most definitely worth listening to. So thanks.
A fantastic story, Denise. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I am so happy to have come across your "loud" voice.
I definitely thought about you when I heard she had died. I heard about Louise Bourgeois before I ever saw her work, so it was a wonderful surprise to me that when I finally did (a giant metal spider draped over a metal cage at the Dia: Beacon) I was touched and in awe and even a little frightened to get too close to it.
I attend Sweet Briar College and The Puritan is my favorite work in the collection. Everything I have ever seen of Louise Bourgeois has touched me. I can't believe she's actually dead. I mean, I knew she was in her 90s but it never occurred to me that she wouldn't be here someday.
always inspired by your art in every medium. LB would agree that your voice is now being heard. you are an endless source of inspiration and and your writing always touches my heart.
I'm in tears, that really is a 'moving story'! Thank you for sharing.
i enjoyed reading every word. It is interesting what you said about keeping art crushes at a distance. My husband is a part-time painter (but hopefully it will be full time some day when my little practice gets up and running) and his biggest art crush is on Chuck Close. We saw him in a gallery a year ago but he was too afraid to say hello. We still admire from afar, but even just running into him was totally random and made our day. I was very sad to hear that LB died. Her segment on Art 21 is still my favorite.
Post a Comment