I try to make of each picture a world in itself, and perhaps this one seems uninteresting however much one looks at the variations in the relations of lines and in the accents of touch which I have used in the center. A much vaster world can be found here than would appear at first glance. The use of many entwining rhythms indicates my search for height and depth. One must search while one is contemplating or else there will be no reward.

I have used some of the identical forms in improvization similar to the musicians using a motif by earlier or contemporary musicians. I did not have any specific painting in mind, rather more or less the feeling of these paintings upon and into which I built a modern complex structure.

I didn’t want finalities anymore, I wanted the endless extensions. I couldn’t stand the seperation between space and figures anymore. I had to demolish it in some way with moveable lines and vortexes. My idea is to have one plane with different dimensions within that plane.

Offhand, I really don’t know how I began this period - it happened one day, a suggestion of a brown-black painting which I felt could be carried on in blacks. How long I had this Sumi paintings in cold storage or had the delayed-unrealized desire to paint them I don’t know. It was a kind of fever, like the earth in spring or a hurricane. [...] I could say I painted the Sumis to experience a heightened sense of living.

I have been meditating which painting to send you and have about decided to send you New Crescent. It is different than your others but carries a color and light harmony which makes it a top one as far as I am concerned. It is very much less programmatic but has the same spirit. [...] I made it this last early summer. [...] This, Arthur, is one of my best from my point of view but it takes some looking. I think it contains the spirit of the more figurative ones you have but it’s less easy on the eye. Anyhow, I send it as I feel it’s very representative of my work now. [...] I have tried for radiance and very subtle space changes, reflections etc.

I look forward to some quiet place to live and work but I don’t see it anywhere as yet.