Richard Goettling

I never plan an image. I start with marks on paper and follow their direction. I am often amazed and even perplexed at where I end up. The images emerge from an inner conversation. The most satisfying aspect of this activity is when somebody else sees things in the work that I never thought of myself. This is exciting to me because it suggests a consciousness which extends beyond physical limitations. It causes me to wonder who is really creating the image. On a few occasions I have created portraits in this manner and later I have met the person in the portrait.

I never plan an image. I start with marks on paper and follow their direction. I am often amazed and even perplexed at where I end up. The images emerge from an inner conversation. The most satisfying aspect of this activity is when somebody else sees things in the work that I never thought of myself. This is exciting to me because it suggests a consciousness which extends beyond physical limitations. It causes me to wonder who is really creating the image. On a few occasions I have created portraits in this manner and later I have met the person in the portrait.