Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Country Crossroads in July, 1948-1954; watercolor on paper, 32 x 26 1/2 inches sight; Private Collection, Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
In my thoughts today I am reaping the harvest of last nights ramble –
Three great artistic men I love – I dream often of the possibility of a friendship with them were they living!!
They are Omar Khayyham the Poet; Wagner, the Composer; & Hokusai the Artist
I am only just realizing the meaning of Neitzsche’s remark to the effect “We desire – peace only to prepare for another war, - and that’s a short peace.”
My fault is to use all my mental vitality in one overflow – I have not yet learned to be mentally continent – Tonight I am mentally on fire – I would burn it all up now –
Is it not the meaning of Immortality that I may enjoy the friendship of men who are gone? And should I not so live that some future generation may find enjoyment in my friendship –
Going back to Neitzche – I have attained a peace, I have conquered something – now I must prepare for a new battle that shall raise me a step higher. How too well people generally are content with a sort of makeshift peace upon which they sit back, to degenerate into mental stagnancy – The ground of a genius is constantly at war with itself and shows no peace, but only “lulls.”
Charles E Burchfield, July 23, 1915