Volume 2. Chapter 1. Chaos and cosmos

Nature

Given that I am Swiss-German, whatever I choose to wear is a Swiss-German costume. Given that humans are part of nature, controversies about unnatural acts by us are quibbles. Yet, what about nature is not infinite in its complexity and more intricate than our trivial generalities?

Infinities

When you study number theory you learn that infinity has extent and (we’ll call it) density. There are an infinite number of inches on a line and an infinite number of points between any two points. There are infinities in works of art. From any point in a frame, many forces draw our eyes.

Gravity and energy

An increase of density creates gravity. It destroys a work unless it’s balanced with energy. Areas of dark need areas of light. In the simplest terms matter is energy tightly bound, a density in the vacuum of space. Electrons that buzz around a nucleus both keep the nucleus separate and define how it interacts with other matter.

Movement

Without movement nothing would ever have emerged from chaos. Movement both enables the cosmos and gives it form. Line, plane, tone, and color all can move.

Relativity

Green is not green except in relation other colors, and so it moves in value compared to blue, compared to yellow, compared to red.

Balance

A firm point of color doesn’t move. Movement exists between firm points. To live a figure must move but stay balanced between firm points regularly spaced and by the pattern of its movement.

Impressive and constructive methods

You can copy and you can become. Copying begins with your impressions and replicates the order in physical reality. Becoming begins with natural principles and builds a consistent system. You may mix these methods, but you must destroy them.

Figuration

The act of giving form is the goal, not the form itself. The art, the act of giving form must be determined by internal or external necessity and result in movement.

Essence

The essence of a work is a synthesis of its appearance and how it gets its form.