Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Autumn to Winter, 1964-66; watercolor on joined paper, 50 x 75 inches; Private Collection, Image courtesy of the Burchfield Penney Archives
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, November 2, 1959
Thursday, Nov 2, 2023
The agonizing mystery of Infinity. It is impossible ever for man to comprehend it, but it is always there in the background of my life. Infinity in time and space; it is impossible to our puny minds, yet it has to be. I know that it should not concern me; that of more importance to me are the beauties of the world I know – the joy of sunlight on the glossy needles of hemlocks in early spring, or the flaming glory of a meadow of dandelions in bloom, the song of a songsparrow on a pussy willow branch hanging over a stream – yet there it is, eternally nagging at my consciousness.
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, November 2, 1959