Sol LeWitt helped establish Conceptualism and Minimalism as dominant movements of the postwar era. A patron and friend of colleagues young and old, he was the opposite of the artist as celebrity. He tried to suppress all interest in him as opposed to his work; he turned down awards and was camera-shy and reluctant to grant interviews. He particularly disliked the prospect of having his photograph in the newspaper. He died yesterday at the age of 78 in New York, April 8, 2007.
Sol LeWitt means a lot to me. He is one of the very first artists that I remember as a kid, and I think it was one of his pieces on a Walker Art Center field trip. I was around 10 years old or so, and I just stared at it because it was so big and so simple, but it honestly made me feel something over all others. Other art affected me, but Sol made me feel like I could do it.
Needless to say, 25 years later I am finally beginning to do it. I'm graduating on April 20, and these past two years of hell, mentally and physically have finally taught me about how to think conceptually, which is not to say that I am a better designer, although I feel like I've grown a ton as a designer. But Sol LeWitt was THE pioneer of conceptual art and design, and how can I compare? I don't. I just interpret what I think is correct in my mind, heart and gut.
Even though I may never have a show at The Whitney, let alone a complete retrospective of my life's work, I really found something to strive for, something to live for, something to work for. We all have to work, and I feel fortunate to have found my career. I will not waste any more time the rest of my life wondering why I didn't make it to where I wanted to. How many people do you know that love their work? I know a bunch, so I figure I'm on the right track and I'm with the right people.
In any case, raise a glass to Sol LeWitt, a truly brilliant mind and soul!
Take care, I love you, thank you for the inspiration!
