African Mirror
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432494
Visitors since May 22, 1999.
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Sources of inspiration
As a craftsman I have grown used to that people normally doesn't judge me by my opinions, but what I create with my hands.
Since the issue has been raised, through email, regarding sandblasting techniques and the more profound question from people I have met; "how did you become what you are?", I have decided to tell you about some literature, music and art that has been important in my life, and, very much so, still is.
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"The Notebooks"
by Leonardo da Vinci
This book has really been a source of inspiration for me during my development as an artist. The book should not be looked upon as a collection of "old documents", it has on the contrary a rich source of ideas, and useful tips, ranging from "lights and shade" to "how to build your own drawing table". I can't think of any better present or birthday gift to a young person who desires to work with art.
Look at this item on Amazon.com
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"The book of learned ignorance"
by Nicholas of Cusa
This is one of the key persons in the early Italian renaissance. He deals with the issue of infinity and is what you could call one of the first relativists. Every word is weigh on the eternity, even though the title speaks for itself. This book is currently unavalible at Amazon.com, but please try "Selected Spiritual Writings", as the author is worth the attention.
Look at this item on Amazon.com
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"The Leibniz-Clarke Correspondence"
The question: "Is the universe a clockwork that has to be wound up by God occasionally, or do we already live in the best of worlds?". To bring the question up to date. Do you believe in a"dead" space where the earth is just a "mistake" ? Or do you believe the universe is a developing "organism" and life is everywhere?
Look at this item on Amazon.com
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"The Trial and Death of Socrates"
by Plato
When I was seventeen years old, my painting teacher, the late Sigfrid Södergren, thought that my conception of the world needed to be broadened, therefore he gave me a book written by the great philosopher Plato. The book contains the Sokrate's defense speech and Phidros. Sokrate's defense speech gives you a sense of what's really important in life, to be truthful to your "inner voice".
Look at this item on Amazon.com
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Music
The first time music had a profound impact on my soul was when my father, Knut Sitell, conducted "Requiem" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Another important milestone for me was when I heard "The Grosse Fuge" by Ludwig van Beethoven. If I would choose one composer to bring to a deserted island, it would be Franz Schubert, whom I think of as a soul mate. When it comes to modern music, I would strongly recommend Flesh quartet's record "Love Go".
You can find it on the Swedish music site CDON if you Click here.
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Arts
My inspiration above all has and still is the work of the dutch painter Rembrandt. If one imagines historians looking at our millennium in two thousand years from now, I am convinced they would consider Rembrandt to be one of the true modernists.
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What is it like to work as an art craftsman?
To illustrate that question I would like to tell you a story, which is not about a craftsman, but a musician. The story applies on both categories though.
"Once there was a famous violinist. His skill was known all over the world, hence his busy program. Regulary he received invitations from amateur orchestras from the countryside. He always declined these invitations, but one time he could fit one invitation in his program. He was invited to a local orchestra to perform the Beethoven's violin consertio. His reply was that he would come directly to the concert and leave directly afterwards.
Just before they were about to start, the conductor asked him in a polite way, since he saw that he hadn't any notes, if he was ready. He only nodded. The conductor wasn't convinced and said again "are you really ready?". "Yes, yes, I am ready" he said slightly irritated. The conductor didn't dare to ask more, so he tapped his stick and started the Mendelsohn violin concertio!"
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