Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Untitled (Hilltops), ca. 1920s; watercolor and pencil on paper, 21 x 30 inches; Purchased with support from Gary & Willow Brost, John & Carol Kociela, Cindy A. & Francis Letro, Monica Angle & Sam Magavern, Shelley & Ken Drake, Rita Argen Auerbach, James & Joy Brandys, Monica Angle & Sam Magavern, Jim & Joy Brandys, Joan & Gary Crosby, John & Candi Darby, Carol E. Heckman, Peter Heffley, Gina & Erik O’Neill, Ann Peruzzini, and Paula Joy Reinhold & John Reinhold, 2016
I long for old half-forgotten moods – For endless summer days spent in the Ohio hills – for the July days of 1918 spent in the hill country north of Salem – for the old burning optimum of the joy of God’s newly created earth – (to feel confidently at home when alone in the hills) – for the old homely interest in common objects, such as sunlit tin roofs over stables, & the rough crowds of town loafing places—
Unless I find some way out of this labyrinth of futility, I will be destroyed – Overindulgence in the joys of life will destroy these joys & life itself – Happiness becomes a menace. One should limit one’s enjoyment and not consume all that is set before one.