Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, Vol. 20, Sept. 6, 1914

In honor of Charles E. Burchfield’s Mother, Alice Thomas Murphy Burchfield (October 21, 1860 - June 23, 1933)

            The artist in me is growing stronger.  I can see that my diary is to become but a refuge for my thoughts.  I have a desire to paint clouds, wind & lightning and the wonderful rhythms I see in nature.  In all these their grand dignity impresses me first.  Therefore I must make my life & character sublime.  A small nature never sees the mountaintop much less climb it.

            Last night when I was finished with making a sketch of petunias, I remark[ed] to Mother that I was wearied of it, & she wondered why. I said I did not like to draw such things.  She asked me what I did like. I said I did not know, fearing to say what was at the bottom of my soul. She chided me then for not knowing what I liked and then I said I wanted to paint scenes, expecting a storm. She said, “Then you’re going to be an artist?” I said, “yes.” She said, “Here I thought you were going to be a designer,” but smiled & kissed me. A mother is always surprising you. You may think she is wonderful, but she is always doing something so unexpectedly loving & understanding that she is like nature—ever new.

Charles E. Burchfield, September 6, 1914