This was a fantastic find and discovery. I had never heard of the artist Herbert Crowley, who was a defining figure in the early 20th century avant-garde art scene in New York. After reading about him, I went on Google and viewed his amazing detailed pen and ink drawings that bore witness to his incredible, expansive imagination. To think that he would destroy a large amount of his own work is tragic. “In the end, by attempting to erase himself from the cultural record, Crowley proved that his highest allegiance was ultimately not to his work’s success but to the Temple of Silence in which he could pursue that work in peace.”
Indeed, Crowley is an inspiration. Both his life and his life’s work (what has survived of it) are spectacular! I too Googled him; what a treat.
My biggest takeaway from this piece though is the first paragraph, which isn’t about Crowley, but is absolutely explosive! I had to read it three times.
In this world, the time and space set aside for the rigorous and uninterrupted contemplation of almost anything have shrunk, and as this happens, this kind of time and space have taken on an intensity verging on the spiritual.
Yes! Being in the moment is transcendental. What a brilliant way to phrase it.
Thanks for posting that Bill! I read it in the beginning also, which is one of the reasons I continued. But then I got wrapped up in Crowley’s life and work and forgot about it. But it is so eloquently put. I need to copy that in a notebook for further inspiration. I also loved his Temple series - especially Temple of Silence.
This was a fantastic find and discovery. I had never heard of the artist Herbert Crowley, who was a defining figure in the early 20th century avant-garde art scene in New York. After reading about him, I went on Google and viewed his amazing detailed pen and ink drawings that bore witness to his incredible, expansive imagination. To think that he would destroy a large amount of his own work is tragic. “In the end, by attempting to erase himself from the cultural record, Crowley proved that his highest allegiance was ultimately not to his work’s success but to the Temple of Silence in which he could pursue that work in peace.”
Indeed, Crowley is an inspiration. Both his life and his life’s work (what has survived of it) are spectacular! I too Googled him; what a treat.
My biggest takeaway from this piece though is the first paragraph, which isn’t about Crowley, but is absolutely explosive! I had to read it three times.
Yes! Being in the moment is transcendental. What a brilliant way to phrase it.
Thanks for posting that Bill! I read it in the beginning also, which is one of the reasons I continued. But then I got wrapped up in Crowley’s life and work and forgot about it. But it is so eloquently put. I need to copy that in a notebook for further inspiration. I also loved his Temple series - especially Temple of Silence.