Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Cricket Chorus in the Arbor, 1917; Transparent and opaque watercolor, brush and ink, and wax crayon on paper mounted on board, 22 1/16 x 17 15/16 inches; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Gift of Anne and John Straus 2009
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, August 10, 1915
Thursday, Aug 10, 2023
I noticed the brilliant yellow sunlight at noon – following a clear morning – A solitary katydid at times, while at noon the cicadas charm me.
This is the second night that the cricket chorus has pulsated. It stirs up in me longings that are insatiable for they are [inexpressible]. I despise my life. My contact with others only fills me with repulsion. My art is the only redeeming feature of myself. If I can bury myself completely in it, I will have attained some peace of mind.
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, August 10, 1915