Pen and Ink - a Blend of Emotion and Artistry
Beginning in 1968 Warsaw, my artistic journey through pen and ink drawings commenced amidst personal upheaval. Initially illustrating my poems, these drawings evolved from meticulous studies of Dürer and Rembrandt to unique, imaginative creations. While the first solo exhibition in Stockholm in 1970 marked a turning point, the LSD experience shifted my focus, leading to experiments with diverse mediums.
Girl against the Night - original drawing 1969
Solitude in the Cosmos: A Contrast of Innocence and Infinity
In "Girl Against the Night," we witness the profound simplicity of a maiden's silhouette set against the immeasurable depth of the night. The stark contrast of white on black, achieved with delicate pen and ink, captures a moment where purity and potential meet the unknown vastness of the universe.
The image invites contemplation of the individual's place in the cosmos, a solitary shape against the expansive backdrop of the stars. It's a poetic representation of the human spirit venturing boldly into the great unknown, yet remaining a singular beacon of light amidst the darkness.
Lady Jumper
Leaping into Serenity, Ephemeral Flight Over Eternal Peaks
The piece "Lady Jumper" illustrates the elegant motion of a woman as she appears to be leaping over a rugged mountain range.
This pen and ink drawing plays with the juxtaposition of human grace against the stark, immovable backdrop of nature's grandeur. The figure is captured mid-motion, her hair flowing behind her, mirroring the fluidity and wildness of the wind itself.
This artwork may evoke feelings of freedom and the joy of release as the woman jumps, perhaps a metaphor for overcoming obstacles or embracing new beginnings.
A Story about my Drawing "Meditator"
Form and Posture:
The figure sits in a traditional meditation position, suggesting a state of peace and introspection.
Intricate Patterns:
The figure's body is decorated with complex patterns resembling waves, clouds and heavenly bodies, which symbolize the meditator's unity with the cosmos and the natural world.
Flow and Movement:
The lines and swirls create a sense of flow and movement in the stillness of the meditator. This represents the flow of energy, the movement of thoughts, or breathing during meditation.
Heavenly Images:
The inclusion of stars, suns, or moons in the patterns implies a cosmic scale, suggesting that the meditator's consciousness is expanding beyond the physical realm into a universal context.
Nature and the Sublime:
The wave-like forms can also be seen as mountains or water, elements used to represent sublime nature. This may represent the meditator's contemplation of the magnificence of nature as the path to enlightenment.
Symmetry and Balance:
There is a sense of balance and symmetry in the composition, particularly where the patterns appear to radiate from the center of the body. This balance may mean a state of balance that the meditator has achieved through his practice.
Poetic Character:
The lines and forms that intertwine have a lyrical quality, much like poetry. They evoke emotions and depth, encouraging consideration of the meditator's inner experience.
Metaphorical Implications:
The drawing can be seen as a metaphor for the process of meditation itself - turning inward to explore a universe that is as vast and complex as the outer universe.
Visionary Aspect:
The drawing goes beyond the literal to present a visionary experience in which meditation leads to a profound encounter with oneself and the universe, between the physical and the metaphysical.
Contrast and Emphasis:
The contrast of black ink on white paper highlights details and patterns, emphasizing the importance of light and dark, which can be a metaphor for duality and unity.
"Meditator"
is a complex and multi-layered work that invites the viewer to reflect on the nature of consciousness, the universe and the self. It beautifully captures the transcendental experience of meditation through poetic and metaphorical visualization.
Pen and Ink did not suit my Character
This period was a turning point; from showcasing my drawings in Stockholm's solo exhibition to a transformative LSD experience, leading to a shift from pen and ink to poetry and spiritual exploration. My journey in the Visual Arts truly began in 1973 with Monotypes and evolved into the unique Print-Paintings technique, marking the start of a new chapter in my creative expression.