When I read this quote by *Gerhard Richter (German Painter), I instinctively compared it to my own process.
First I thought “exactly”, then “no, not quite”. I do think - but what exactly? Do I constantly think about the painting? No, I don’t. Definitely not. Not only. But also. Actually, my thoughts wander during that time, circling around whatever’s on my mind. That can be anything: Current politics, upcoming events, or (yes, event that while doing things like mixing paint!) what still needs to get done later. Things that are important to me can flow into the work; they can shape the title and influence the painting itself. An example for this is "WE’RE ALL SEARCHING" from early 2025.
But there are definitely phases where I don’t think “rationally”, but instinctively, painterly. I respond to the painting, apply color, pour, splash, see what happens, respond again. It’s like being in a tunnel, immersed in doing. In those moments, I couldn’t explain why I do this or that, I’d just say: “It’s obvious, it had to be like that.” That’s probably exactly what Richter meant with “another form of thinking".
What do you think when you read this? What does your creative process look like? Or, if you’re not an artist, can you still relate to it?
Swipe for some pics of me working on the studio this summer. The works are "REVELING IN BLUE I & II" (1st pic) and "SOFT BLOOM, SHARP ARMOR" (2nd and 3rd).
#artistthoughts #gerhardrichterquote #paintingprocess #creativeflow #instinctiveart #contemporaryartist #artreflection #emotionalpainting #abstractexpression #weareallsearching