Number One, 1950 (Lavender Mist), Jackson Pollock
Meditation
Jackson Pollock is famous for his work in the abstract expressionist movement, and particularly for his unique approach to his paintings which involved splattering paint across the canvas. For Pollock, free movement and expression were integral in his creations, allowing him to become a medium in his artistic process.
Number One, 1950 (Lavender Mist) is an example of Pollock’s unique style. Upon first glance at the work, it can feel disorganized, wild, or even chaotic. But examining the work is to experience the very movements of a man 70 years ago – you can feel the flinging of an arm, the flick of a wrist. The chaos presented in the drips and splatters of paint are the external realizations of the artist’s most intimate movements and internal emotions as he danced and moved about the canvas. Art critic Harold Rosenberg even described Pollock’s work as a fossil of an event in human life. Both Pollock’s handprints and shoeprints can be found on the canvas, leaving his literal mark on this moment in time.
Movement and passion are often linked closely, but for many of us it can be difficult to integrate movement into our work in an intentional way. Today, embrace movement in your own creative process. In what ways do you feel fully immersed in your passions? How do you bring a spirit of creativity and freedom to that which you’re passionate about? How are you leaving your mark on your work?
Brianna Curran, Washington, DC
