I went to the Arnold Friberg show last night and will now have to edit his study again. He has a wonderful rich, deep warm voice. He looks younger than his years, but talked some about his feelings as an old man. He became emotional several times and reminded me of my Dad with his tender feelings. I overheard people in the crowd, and there was a crowd of black dress and business suits (I in my T-shirt and tennis shoes), talking about getting a transcript of the lecture because it was so good. One professional was video-taping but I don't know who she represented. Here are some notes.

 

My  Notes from the Event

 

    "The most important part of a painting is the invisible part," he said. He went on to explain that the invisible part is the "heart" of the painting, the feeling. If a painting doesn't have that, no amount of technique will cover it up.

    He always sees his paintings one way. It is part of his inspiration. The composition is integral to the initial inspiration. His George Washington painting he sketched out many times over many years before he did it, but the composition was always the same. He never thought to turn the horse a different way....

    He quoted a passage of Hiawatha, becoming emotional, as being the inspiration for his famous painting with the canoe. This is the cover picture on the book I recommended. In the text of the book, part of the poetic passage is quoted, but Friberg quoted a longer portion. I'll try to find this and reference it in the study.

    He has been asked many times "Why do another Bible picture?" Hasn't this been done before? He commented that Christ has been done so many times, and no one knows what he looked like. But everyone has a feeling for Him. He said that when people paint Christ they paint his presence not his form. He said there is always a little something that you can add from yourself. He displayed a nativity scene that he did recently as an example. The one I liked was his painting of Christ Stilling the Storm (not in kit, perhaps in Ensign). Many of the paintings in the show had explanitary cards next to them. On this one he wrote that many people had painted the storm, because it is so dramatic and beautiful, but he wanted to paint the peace and power of Christ. So, he was able to say something about the story that hadn't been said before, that the power of Christ is in the peace He can bring.

    I thought this statement about illustrators was important. Sometimes in the art world, illustrators are looked down upon. He said that illustrators have a great gift. "The gift of an illustrator is to reach people...no one has to ask, 'what is the artist trying to say?' You don't need to view it with your Art Appreciation 101 text tucked under your arm to find out what it means." The painting doesn't need to be explained because it reaches the viewer.

    Then he talked about Norman Rockwell and his talent. He talked about treating your subjects with respect. Rockwell always treated his subjects with respect, even the boy with the stickout ears. Respect and dignity come through in Friberg's paintings.

    He talked about painting being a way of connecting with the Creator. "It is my form of worship, really." He said that he had only been given one talent. And so, he tried to use that talent as best he could. He had been fortunate in circumstances. When he finishes a painting he asks one question, "Is it worthy?" Is it worthy of the themes? Is it true to the theme? Is it strong? Is it honest? And, as an old man looking back on his life and work, he asks "Is it worthy to be layed  on the alter of God?" Then he choked up and left the podium.