Standing as I am here between East and West cultures, I sometimes get dizzy as I find I can’t always make a synthesis and also that I admire both paths which should and will, I suppose, merge. My old friend, Takizaki, to whom I owe much, says that the new work is something never seen before, even in Japan, and at least has historical importance. [...]
With things as they are I can’t say much for life - success as one considers it here is difficult for the artists I feel, and fairly killing. Seems to me we Americans are losing contact with our subconscious; things are too mapped and our mail piles up and there are far too many demands from Museums and Galleries, etc. about things they should decide themselves. I wouldn’t want to be Picasso from what I’ve heard. What and where the answer is I wouldn’t know. Then too, I can’t help but feel that modern art has not fulfilled it’s great promise and that what is turned abstract is at a dead end. (August, 1957)

Alas, no more meditations; they were a New York product under very good conditions. (March, 1958)

I don’t know what to do about going (to Venice). I’m hard to move sometimes. Now I have to get at Income Tax and resort my things. Well, all hail to San Marco and Ye Gods, let’s hope my work will not be too below Rothko’s.
I think he is the very best of all the boys in New York City. It will be hard for me to see all my differences along side his continuity. (March 24, 1958)

Of course I would like to be there. I guess we need a little excitement and then to get a line on myself if that is possible. Anyway, I don’t resemble anyone but have some kin to Klee. I get pretty depressed with modern art. Nothing can grow that is watched too much, nor does the kettle boil either. (May, 1958)