William Zorach

William Zorach gives a lecture talking about his painting and stone carving practice. He states that his primary influences in his work have been cubism and primitivism, and also that what he sees and feels impacts the art that he makes. Zorach continues to ask what art forms he can use to express what is within him. He tells the participants that this mindset allows him to understand the importance that luck can play in an artist’s life, even though one has no control over it. Further, Zorach tells the participants that artists must retain their integrity and fight for it. He urges them to see a work of art not just as a beautiful thing but something that must enhance and animate life. This will allow them to see art as more than a process of copying nature and to see nature as an element of magic and power. When an artist understands this, they can catch the vibration of visions and see the world in new ways with an inner eye. Zorach also tells the participants that art will always be felt deeply and that artists must convey this feeling to others. This will allow artists to use art not just as a way to make monumental records of human achievements but as a vehicle for sheer love and beauty. Zorach ends his lecture by stating that if someone wants to be an artist they must also be a dedicated human being.