Zen by the Window
"Is there much you can see that way?"
"Yes, quite a lot. I only hope I'll have enough strength to convey this extraordinary beauty. The window looks on a landscape that constantly changes, sometimes within an hour. Look at how harmoniously the flowers in the room blend with winter trees sleeping outside."
"Nature seems to be your God these days."
"Conscience is my God. I think it a mistake to consider man the master
of nature. We are all equal in this world, people, trees, and animals.
I profess Zen Buddhism, if you will. And I generally agree with Antoine
de Saint-ExupОry who wrote that modern man needs God precisely to conquer
beast inside himself."
"Painting is physically hard, spending hours on your feet, often in an uncomfortable posture."
"Not so long ago I spent the whole day painting a study of potted plants
against fresh snow. I practically never sat down. I was tired, of course.
But then I looked in the mirror when washing the brushes and I was amazed
to see my own face. My God, I thought, you look years younger! The joy
of being in contact with real beauty seemed to have smoothed the wrinkles
in my face and softened my expression."
