Book Description
Sounds of the Inner Eye explores the artistic and biographical connection among three of the Pacific Northwestís most significant and highly respected artists. Mark Tobey, often aligned with the abstract expressionists, was a pioneer in integrating elements of Asian art into mystical, calligraphic paintings. Morris Graves, known as something of an art world maverick, combined Eastern religious beliefs and a deep appreciation of the natural world in his work, focusing initially on the Northwestís birds and vegetation. John Cage, an avant-garde composer, philosopher, writer, and printmaker, began his visual creations with graphic representations of musical scores, and then evolved to include printmaking, drawing, and watercolor. Sounds of the Inner Eye explores the lives and careers of these three men who were instrumental in leading a community of artists, patrons, and scholars into a deeper understanding of the potential and power of art and, in turn, had a large impact on much of what followed in modern art in America. Known as the Northwest Mystics, they were influenced by Eastern philosophies and the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim. Their legendary nickname has remained over time, helping to establish the Northwest as a center for artistic talent, worthy of the admiration of the international art community.

About the Author
Wulf Herzogenrath is Director and Andreas Kreul is Curator of the Kunsthalle Bremen in Germany. Contributions by Ray Kass and Wesley Wehr are included, as well as writings by John Cage, Morris Graves, and Mark Tobey.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Sounds of the Inner Eye explores the artistic and biographical connection among three of the Pacific Northwest's most significant and highly respected artists. Mark Tobey, often aligned with the abstract expressionists, was a pioneer in integrating elements of Asian art into mystical, calligraphic paintings. Morris Graves, known as something of an art-world maverick, combined Eastern religious beliefs and a deep appreciation of the natural world in his work, focusing initially on the Northwest's birds and vegetation. John Cage, an avant-garde composer, philosopher, writer, and printmaker, began his visual creations with graphic representations of musical scores, which then evolved to include printmaking, drawing, and watercolor. Sounds of the Inner Eye explores the lives and careers of these three men who were instrumental in leading a community of artists, patrons, and scholars into a deeper understanding of the potential and power of art and, in turn, had a large impact on much of what followed in modern art in America. Known as the Northwest Mystics, they were influenced by Eastern philosophies and the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim. Their legendary nickname has remained over time, helping to establish the Northwest as a center for artistic talent, worthy of the admiration of the international art community.

SYNOPSIS

Published in separate German (Kunsthalle Bremen) and English editions to accompany a 2002 exhibition appearing at the Kunsthalle Bremen (Bremen, Germany) and the Museum of Glass (Tacoma, Washington), this catalog includes the artists' works as well as interpretive and biographical essays. The three artists were friends and collaborators linked by their connections with the Pacific Northwest, their appellation as Northwest Mystics, and, more deeply, by their shared artistic concerns. John Cage￯﾿ﾽcomposer, philosopher, writer, and visual artist￯﾿ﾽwrote extensively about Tobey and Graves, and his writings are included here as well. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

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