Partners in the dance of happenstance

If there is one rule in art I still believe in, whether in visual art, literature or performing arts, it is that form and content should dance an equal dance. Form without content is a passionless step. Content without form is a dance to no rhythm.

   Content and intent is also expected to go together – if you have an intention to “say” something, your painting will have meaning. I must, however, plead guilty to a lack of intent. While I would not present an art work without meaning, I seldom know where the meaning comes from or how it got onto the canvas. It seems to be a mostly subconscious process. Art as happenstance?

   If I can therefore expect a meaningful painting to “happen”, even when I approach the process without purpose or plan, why am I not in front of the easel today?!

   Well, I was, until the words called me away…