Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Untitled (a.k.a. Rapids), c. May 27, 1916; watercolor, gouache and graphite on paper, 14 x 12 7/8 inches; Burchfield Penney Art Center, Gift of Tony Sisti, 1979
Heaven is an inexplicable thing — It occurs seemingly without reason and at unexpected moments — Heaven inspired by feelings of virtuous living is a poverty-stricken substitute for the reality — The most “immoral” being may experience the sublime oftener than the morally correct mediocre mind —
I was sketching near roaring rapids today and by chance held my pad vertical — and at once a fine rattling sound issued from it, seeming like wind in dry grass; nor did it come if I inclined it the one way or the other. It was probably a “catch-place” for the sound of the rapids —
I became the mental wanderer again today — I traveled far —
Charles E. Burchfield, May 30, 1916