Alfred H. Blaustein, Resident Artist Lecture 1981

Al Blaustein gives a lecture at Skowhegan. He begins the lecture by talking about the important role drawing plays in his life. Blaustein states that drawing is something that cannot be defined in any way. He talks about the many different kinds of drawings: outline, painterly, texture drawings, black and white drawings, small drawings, and large drawings. Blaustein says that there is a sense of spontaneity and freedom that comes with expressing oneself through drawing. Drawing gives artists the sense that they can reveal themselves. People draw for their own private pleasure and because of that. they can be free, inhibited, and unpretentious. For Blaustein, it doesn’t matter if something is called drawing or painting. Instead, it is more important to make a work of art. Making a work of art is a moral and religious commitment, It allows artists to create a vital living organism; something that is alive. Making art tries to reach excellence which guides artists to their deepest concern. Blaustein then tells the participants that there should be no absolutes in art either. The more artists make art absolute, the more fragile it can become. Blaustein considers his work abstract and allegorical at the same time. All of Blaustein’s work is essentially a struggle to find relationships. Blaustein explores these thoughts in his drawings and paintings by also always working in series. Blaustein then states the importance preliminary sketchbooks play in his work. Sketchbooks allow Blaustein to make new drawings. Blaustein ends his lecture by telling the participants that a work of art demands more then just a single theory or doctrine. It searches for life, and something that is whole. An artist cannot search for parts or fragments, it must feel as if everything is integrated.