TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM GAMBINI.
- By W. Gambini (1918-2010)
Brushes still remain at attention in the old coffee can. Paint has dried on the floor. Tracks of color no longer make their way to the dining room table. I couldn’t image a world without a horizon line. Not until the passing of William Gambini. Just short of his 92nd birthday, he laid down his brushes and vessel for the last time. He left a legacy of paintings behind (at least 1,000)—one of the last Abstract Expressionists. Through the hospitality and generous spirit of both he and his wife (a woman to be admired for her unwavering support of her husband’s passion to paint), I discovered what it means to devote ones life to art. Without exception, whenever I came to visit, William Gambini was in the process of painting.
Now, as time never rests, I am preparing to return to my mountain studio. Before I pack it away, I will line up the work I have done this winter, and take note… Coffee in hand, I ask, “What do I know now that I didn’t know before? Has that information helped me to become a better painter?”
I learned some new tricks this winter, and even some rules, but to see progress, I need to apply what I’ve learned. Sometimes, not meaning to, I may break the rules. Sometimes I might get them right. And, when the rules bend, I will have to change my perspective. I find that the more I learn, the less I know. Once in a while I catch a hint of progress and I imagine those small breakthroughs are what will carry me.
Follow along. Bravo, Mr. Gambini. And thank you.
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Tags: abstract expressionist, Art, life, William Gambini
February 10, 2010 at 3:44 pm |
All I can say is: “ditto.” In our lives, as artists, we are dealing with the passion to
paint or create art for art’s sake. It’s not for fame or money. It’s for our own sanity. Also, you have hit the nail on the head when you come to know that the more one learns, the more questions come up that need answering. For a few, this is what keeps them alive… by never being satisfied for things to stay the same. Without growth, one has no challenges & without challenges, one has no growth. Once the mind stops this process, it dies. This is why we question if there been any change or growth in our work. Then I wonder, by what standards are you judging this growth? In some ways this can be wrong… A lot of times I, too, have questioned why I continued to create art, not having any major sales. But, those came when I least expected. I have always enjoyed looking at what you have created, whether finished or in progress. The latter can tell me more about the growth of the artists around me that I admire. –CowboyArtistPoet, Garland Arnaud
February 10, 2010 at 3:58 pm |
Get back to the mountains and join our never-ending paint strokes–I am revved-up. Can’t wait to see what you have to offer us.
February 20, 2010 at 4:15 pm |
Safe travels back to the mountain, where many are awaiting the tales of your adventures as well as seeing the new skill you’ve mastered. I will also mention the skills that you are still working on. There are many paintings that need to be painted….can hardly wait till you arrive back at our end of the world.