“I feel I am getting more myself in the sense of I have all my forces. I hope so anyhow. I have this sort of feeling that I am all there now and you know it’s not even thinking in terms of one’s limitations because they have to come naturally. I think whatever you have, you can do wonders with it if you accept them."
~ Willem de Kooning
(1904-1997)
Artists portraits have always fascinated me. I have long been a collector of them. They bring me instant connection to the artists I have admired and respected. In sheer practical terms, I could never afford to collect an original Rothko or Pollock or De Kooning, but at least with a great photograph I can live with their essence. Dan Budnik knew all the great abstract expressionists. They allowed him into their circle and accepted him as one of their own. This is the greatest portrait of De Kooning ever taken at the moment of his learning about the death of his dear friend, Achille Gorky. Just tender and heartbreaking.
