Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Thunderhead in Rain, 1916; watercolor on paper, 13 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, April 27, 1916
Saturday, Apr 27, 2024
A day full of doubts and despondency. I do not know what it is attaches me to this life —
Coming home at night from Travis’, I found that a Cecropia moth had emerged from one of my cocoons. After some maneuvering I coaxed it to crawl on my hand. Quivering as it clung to my finger, it gave me a strange thrill — and the beauty of nature poured in on me tenfold.
But I have lost it the aimless poetry of field wanderings — it terrifies me and overwhelms me with great sorrow —
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, April 27, 1916