Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), The Sky Beyond, 1940; watercolor on paper, 27½ x 22½ inches; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Gift of Mrs. Thomas Card
Charles Burchfield, Journals, July 6, 1940
Thursday, Jul 6, 2017
In Studio most of day – playing my collection of Jazz records, enjoying the reminiscences they evoked. I think the mental devastation caused by the war is about at an end — and now the inactivity and emotional joy I allowed myself to sink into seems unnecessary & rather futile. Perhaps it was unavoidable, but now, more than at any time, it is urgent that an artist do his work unrestrainedly, and with a detached unbiased outlook.
Charles Burchfield, July 6, 1940