I got to see Richard Tuttle speak on Friday, it was quite a lecture. He started out by showing 59 slides, Title, Date, Dimensions, Collection. It would have been pretty “Punk Rock” to stop right then as a J. Hittner put it. But honestly he was speaking so slowly and abstractly I was wondering if he had any idea of what he was talking about.

Right as I was getting a little frustrated, it hit…purity. The clarity of the thought and sincerity of his words really blew me away. He was making the parallel between the differences between Ideas and Inspiration, stating that they were analogous between Feelings and Emotions. “No one is interested in your feelings,” he stated ” it’s like if you walk down the street, and say I am so upset, I forgot to sharpen my pencil. No one cares. But if you say, ‘I’ve just found the love of my life we’re getting married’ that is EMOTION.”

He continued dismissing artists with lots of good ideas and ambition without inspiration, in that they will burn out before inspiration even hits.

It was a lot to ponder. I also appreciated his comments on materials. “I was always told that America is the greates country in the world, and that you could do anything you want. I was like “Woah, America maybe you and I can get together and make some good art.’ I spent the next few years living in a very affordable apartment, with an easy job that paid for the rent it was freedom to do what I want.”

I know that’s not an exact quote, but it’s close as I can remember.