Imprints

After the slightly harrowing, ‘Thursbitch’, have been reading Marc Chagall’s autobiography, ‘My Life’.  Written over a century ago, yet I feel an immense affection for Chagall, the person.  Like his painting and stained glass, Chagall’s writing is lyrical, charming; his jubilation in the magic of the world, clear to see. 

I suspect it’s irrelevant whether an artist’s personality is likeable or not, when looking at their work.  Allegedly, Picasso wasn’t nice to women, but that’s not why I’m not a fan of his work, it’s just not my taste. 

An intriguing story idea; what if I met Chagall on a bus?  Would I ever want him to stop describing his view of the world?  Sheep floating over the ranting winter trees along with violin-playing crows, in glorious secondary colours, loosely brushed through the imagination.

Visited an exhibition of textiles designed by artists, which was surprisingly thrilling.  There was a Marc Chagall textile.  It was so him. I recognised it as his style before reading the artist’s name.  It made me smile, in that well-being way synchronicity brings, Chagall is here.  You’re on the right track.  He is absolutely who he is, in all media of his expression.

Recognised most of the artists by their designs; Picasso, Miro, Dali.  A Matisse headscarf!  Someone I didn’t know, Marcel Vertés, but guess his style influenced both Cath Kidson and Celia Birtwell, either that or they’re ripping him off.  But then, that line is thin – c.f. Timorous Beasties and William Morris’s trellis designs.  Stating you are ‘in debt’ then turning the trellis 45 degrees?  Plagiarism or homage? 

History will decide.

There’s a big difference between textiles designed by an artist, and textiles printed, with images of that artist’s work, like tea towels for art galleries; one is their glorious expression, the other, greedy degradation. 

Images for this journal have been posted on Insta @purplehaze_journal

Credit: ‘My Life’, Marc Chagall.  1922.  Published 1923. Edition: Penguin Classics 2018.

Credit: ‘Thursbitch’.  Alan Garner. Vintage 2004. 

https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/artist-textiles-picasso-warhol-exhibition-opens-aberdeen-art-gallery

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Vert%C3%A8s

https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O78220/trellis-wallpaper-morris-william/

https://pt.pinterest.com/pin/summer-trellis-wallpaper-by-timorous-beasties--2251868541999841/ https://www.timorousbeasties.com/  They are fabulous, afterall…