The Travels to Inspiration
In 2013, I took my first trip with my girlfriend from Austin, TX to Marfa, TX in our 1988 Subaru GL Wagon. We wanted to tent camp in Fort Davis State Park and hang out in Marfa, check out Alpine, mainly get out of the city and into the country.
Donald Judd in Marfa
I had read about Donald Judd and his settlements/establishments in Marfa, but otherwise didn’t know too much about him. We signed up for a tour of the Manzana de Chinati aka “the block”. This was an old military compound that Donald Judd, a minimalist in the New York Modern Art scene, bought to live and to work from in a much more remote setting than the city. Touring his house, library, and the gallery space there, my mind opened to all sorts of sculptural possibilities. I was intrigued and inspired to say the least.
West Texas Inspiration
After camping in Davis Mountains State Park, under more stars than we had ever seen we returned to Austin and I immediately got to work making experimental plywood sculptures. Since then, my furniture designs and artistic tastes have evolved but still harness the same energy that was present at the beginning.
Sculptures in New York
Years later, my first trip to New York blew my mind once again. Seeing in person many of the famous works that I had previously only seen in books, was eye opening. It is difficult to convey in words the emotion one feels when standing in front of a Jackson Pollock or Rothko painting. Picasso’s sculptures and Stella’s canvases were monumental.
Get Out There
I am grateful to have taken these two trips that charged my artistic endeavors and guided me on the path of creativity. I believe it is important to pursue these interests in life, if there is something you are interested in, GO SEE IT!!! Don’t just look at pictures of it on a screen, or watch videos about it on the internet. Check it out, whatever it may be. I guarantee you, your perspective will change for the better.