91 - TRUE VISUAL ARTIST

TRUE VISUAL ARTIST

13 ¼ x 7 ⅞ inches

(Sheldon Art Gallery)

My college art adviser taught that a true visual artist could pursue any visual profession—architecture, interior design, sculpting, painting, or whatever. He taught that the reverse did not hold true—he said some people may be gifted in one medium, but are unable to create in other mediums. To my eye, famed architect Phillip Johnson was a true visual artist.

Johnson designed Sheldon on the axis, bringing a sense of peaceful order that allowed the art to become the focus, not the building. He honored the dictum that form follows function. Even though designing on the axis is a traditional architectural design practice, this structure’s openness and light lend themselves perfectly to the art collection that Sheldon houses.

Mr. Johnson seemed to understand the importance of allowing Light to permeate our interiors.