CY TWOMBLY 1928-2011

I was saddened to learn of the death last week of one of my favorite visual artists, Cy Twombly.  Please note that I am in no way a art historian, and therefore will not attempt to speak with any kind of academic authority,  but I am a great lover of painting, and a great admirer of Mr. Twombly's work. 

 I have purposely avoided the analytical chatter that has been all over the Internet this week;  his work is important because.....the historical relevance of his work is......what he's trying to say is.....blah, blah, and more blah.
What I know is that Cy Twombly's paintings illicit a deep emotional response in me - it's almost a Alice in Wonderland effect, I fall in and just keep falling.  I love his frequent use of pink, a favorite of mine, and his child(ish) like squiggles.

 I've been to enough museums and galleries in my life to know that seeing a painting in person can be quite a different experience from seeing it in a book or magazine.  I've stood before paintings while holding back tears (Renoir) because I was so moved by how much more beautiful it was in person. I've also stood before works ((O'keeffe) and thought I really liked it better as poster art in a dorm room.  Oops!

 I've not had the good fortune to see Twombly's work in person, yet.  Yet, I have been moved, very moved.  It's almost too cliche to say, but here goes:  he speaks to me.

 My personal life tends to be very quiet and small - and I like it like that - and it's rare when something from the outside world reaches out and draws me in.  I usually resist, but Cy Twombly's work to me is....irresistible.

 When I do get a chance to see it in person, if I change my mind, I'll let you know.

 Until then.....Thank you Mr. Cy Twombly for making the world a more beautiful place.

Have a BEAUTIFUL day.
YANCEY