Chuck Close has an almost photographic memory for things that are flat, but for 3 dimensional things that move around – things like faces – he is effectively blind. His work is built around his talent, and his disability. Through the detailed grids, Close can learn about the faces of people he cares about and commit them to memory. The portraits are his way of connecting to people.
This is one of the many examples showing why I get so danged giddy when someone says they have a limitation for the “normal” way of doing things. We all have limitations and challenges in various forms. It’s adaptations to these challenges that can inspire the most interesting and original creative responses. Creative responses are part of the magic in authentic and engaging artwork. So – what are your challenges?
Curious about what a man with face blindness can see? Check out the Radiolab interview below, featuring Chuck Close and Oliver Sacks. I love listening to them talk about their experiences. This interview is one of my favorites.
“When you’re this way, you have to find other avenues for your intelligence.” – Rauschenberg as quoted by Close
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About Face
Oliver Sacks, the famous neuroscientist and author, can’t recognize faces. Neither can Chuck Close, the great artist known for his enormous paintings of…that’s right, faces.
Oliver and Chuck–both born with the condition known as Face Blindness–have spent their lives decoding who is saying hello to them. You can sit down with either man, talk to him for an hour, and if he sees you again just fifteen minutes later, he will have no idea who you are. (Unless you have a very squeaky voice or happen to be wearing the same odd purple hat.) Chuck and Oliver tell Robert what it’s like to live with Face Blindness in a conversation recorded for the World Science Festival, and they describe two very different ways of coping with their condition (which may be more common than we think).
Quiz time Watch this video, and test your face recognition skills
It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend. I’d like to take my Cityscapes workshop on a field trip. Do you know a good spot for urban sketching on the North end? Below are some cityscapes by people. Enjoy! ” load_in_animation=”none Two more spots in my Cityscapes Workshop THIS WEEKEND May 11/12. Ice cream shops are urban, right?
I am thrilled to be showing new work at SAM Gallery! This is a portrait show with six fabulous Seattle artists. I’ll share about the making of these paintings, and post to V. Notes soon. SAM GALLERY PRESENTS: FREE RADICALS JUN 12 – JUL 7 2019 SEATTLE ART MUSEUM SAM GALLERY 10 AM – 5 …
[image_with_animation image_url=”10046″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”] Gary Bennett I’ve been a recycling pro since I was a little kid, but over the years I’ve gotten confused about what’s recyclable and what isn’t. Standing in front of the bins, I hesitate with doubt. Used coffee cups? Metal bottle-caps? Gently used paper towels? I guess I’m not …
Few things are as evocative, intimate, and private as moments spent bathing. The bathtub offers an emotional framework. Door locked, body submerged, the bathtub is an internal world. The figure can literally be soaked in it. Most painted bathers are young attractive women, of course, so the gender, race, and body issues are very present. I’d …
Chuck Close; About Face
Chuck Close has an almost photographic memory for things that are flat, but for 3 dimensional things that move around – things like faces – he is effectively blind. His work is built around his talent, and his disability. Through the detailed grids, Close can learn about the faces of people he cares about and commit them to memory. The portraits are his way of connecting to people.
This is one of the many examples showing why I get so danged giddy when someone says they have a limitation for the “normal” way of doing things. We all have limitations and challenges in various forms. It’s adaptations to these challenges that can inspire the most interesting and original creative responses. Creative responses are part of the magic in authentic and engaging artwork. So – what are your challenges?
Curious about what a man with face blindness can see? Check out the Radiolab interview below, featuring Chuck Close and Oliver Sacks. I love listening to them talk about their experiences. This interview is one of my favorites.
“When you’re this way, you have to find other avenues for your intelligence.” – Rauschenberg as quoted by Close
[divider line_type=”Small Line
About Face
Oliver Sacks, the famous neuroscientist and author, can’t recognize faces. Neither can Chuck Close, the great artist known for his enormous paintings of…that’s right, faces.
Oliver and Chuck–both born with the condition known as Face Blindness–have spent their lives decoding who is saying hello to them. You can sit down with either man, talk to him for an hour, and if he sees you again just fifteen minutes later, he will have no idea who you are. (Unless you have a very squeaky voice or happen to be wearing the same odd purple hat.) Chuck and Oliver tell Robert what it’s like to live with Face Blindness in a conversation recorded for the World Science Festival, and they describe two very different ways of coping with their condition (which may be more common than we think).
GUESTS:
Chuck Close and Dr. Oliver Sacks
Player or link not working? CLICK HERE to go to Radiolab.
Related Posts
Cityscapes
It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend. I’d like to take my Cityscapes workshop on a field trip. Do you know a good spot for urban sketching on the North end? Below are some cityscapes by people. Enjoy! ” load_in_animation=”none Two more spots in my Cityscapes Workshop THIS WEEKEND May 11/12. Ice cream shops are urban, right?
Free Radicals Show at SAM Gallery
I am thrilled to be showing new work at SAM Gallery! This is a portrait show with six fabulous Seattle artists. I’ll share about the making of these paintings, and post to V. Notes soon. SAM GALLERY PRESENTS: FREE RADICALS JUN 12 – JUL 7 2019 SEATTLE ART MUSEUM SAM GALLERY 10 AM – 5 …
SAL Challenge: Recycling
[image_with_animation image_url=”10046″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”] Gary Bennett I’ve been a recycling pro since I was a little kid, but over the years I’ve gotten confused about what’s recyclable and what isn’t. Standing in front of the bins, I hesitate with doubt. Used coffee cups? Metal bottle-caps? Gently used paper towels? I guess I’m not …
In the Bathtub
Few things are as evocative, intimate, and private as moments spent bathing. The bathtub offers an emotional framework. Door locked, body submerged, the bathtub is an internal world. The figure can literally be soaked in it. Most painted bathers are young attractive women, of course, so the gender, race, and body issues are very present. I’d …