Desy – Art and Cake

Desy
Venice, CA
Age 88

What keeps you excited in the studio?
Working in my studio isn’t usually exhilarating. Gathering utensils, papers, canvases, and paint tubes isn’t exciting; my mind is occupied with figuring out what I want to do with them. When I look at one of my finished paintings, I often feel the urge to create something entirely different—a “counter painting”—which might reflect my oppositional nature. Now that I’m free to do as I please, I enjoy challenging the norms through my art. My inner conflicts fade when I create against what is expected.

Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
My work has evolved in ways I never anticipated. Keith Finch, my beloved teacher in LA, guided me with his enthusiasm rather than asking for my consent. By consent, I mean that an artist is always a revolutionary, and I am no exception. I had originally wanted to become a composer rather than a painter. Instead, I found myself translating the works of composers like Bill Kraft and Pierre Boulez into paintings. Even after years of painting, I still regret not studying music to become a composer. However, I have an exceptional musical memory that allows me to deeply connect with the thrill of their creations. I can hum along to Bruckner’s 9th Symphony, Bartók’s Piano Concerto, and Beethoven’s “Spring” Violin Sonata, ideally with violinist David Oistrakh.

What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
Concerning the artist’s role in society, I believe that an artist’s creation should reflect what is happening in the world. This reflection can be disturbing, as we all know that current events are often quite troubling. However, I allow myself the freedom to improve this mirror image, using my art as a form of disgusting escapism from the harsh realities of daily life. Being self-critical is an asset when it comes to my creative work.

What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
Stay truthful to what the art piece wants to do or say. What the art says or does, and Sorry, but here comes the preaching: the art ought to become the lead on all the artist is able to create. As artists we must follow the lead provided by the art piece we are trying to create. Aren’t we lucky to find out that the artwork created was more truthful and exciting than we artists could ever be?

Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
I hope not and that I am not yet considered illegitimate!

What can we look forward to from you next?
I recently wrote a paper about the composer Alexander Scriabin. I have had the opportunity to listen to his music many times in my old Honda while driving between Dana Point and Venice. I already bought a large empty canvas, where I will translate into paint this piano Sonata #10. The title of this Scriabin painting will be “Arrebatos” which in Chilean Spanish means passionate hugs.

Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
I share a problem: when you get closer to the end, there is tremendous internal pressure to get everything of importance done before you leave this planet! Still ambitious at 88, there are so many papers and paintings I want to finish! Not to mention I still have the hope to leave some musical compositions if I am able. Perhaps I should return to French composer Francis Poulenc, whose influence was so strong that when I took classes from composer Gustavo Becerra in Chile long ago, he often complained that I had just brought him “another Poulenc!” I have recently rediscovered Poulenc and realize that his music has humor! Maybe that was always the attraction because humor helps make light of life’s many difficulties.

http://www.desy.com
@desy_safan_gerard