In today’s lesson, I juxtapose Zen Master Su’s calligraphy on the left and Master Knox Martin’s drawing on the right. Timeless Beauty both!

Compare the sensitive lines in the calligraphy with those in the drawing. Then note the compactness in the forms created thus. In Knox Martin’s composition, as in the individual characters of Zen Master Su, there are forms within forms and forms born of forms–extremely complex– both are the result of a  marriage of Spontaneity and Deliberateness. It is also a perfect orchestration of multiple expressions at a single sitting–not unlike a masterful conductor having multiple talented hands on the instruments, all at his disposal.

It is a natural state which only a true artistic genius can attain. Such geniuses are rare in any given time and space.

In the same manner, examine Georgia O’Keef, Jim Dine, Michaelangelo, da Vinci, Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Litchenstein,or you may examine the entire postmodernist world from cover to cover in Art in America or any art magazine you happen to come accross.

But don’t let me influence you, you must see for it yourself.

People involved in fakeries tend to dissolve under your stare so please examine them sternly! Don’t just fall under their spell because of certain obvious, superficial charms.

The love for greatness is not the “love at first sight” kind of deal. One must make an effort ere greatness can be detected.