it's not about the money, money, money

Some mid-week inspiration for you. On one hand this is a sad story, one we're all quite familiar with, but sad no less. Eugene Andolsek created these multi-layered geometric masterpieces at his kitchen table. A stenographer by day, Eugene never received any critical acclaim for his work. Well, whilst he was alive anyway. No one saw Eugene's art until he entered a carehome no longer able to see or work. Eugene drew purely for pleasure, for escapism, to be free from his humble surroundings and banal life. Kinda sad. On the other hand Eugene never saw himself as an artist, never wanted acclaim. He drew for himself and himself only. Eugene's work resonates with me on many levels. In a nostalgic way it takes me right back to the solace of rainy afternoons perfecting biro spirographs at the kitchen table. But more importantly, Eugene's work reminds me that art ain't all about the commerce. Creativity frees the mind and heals the soul. Sometimes i forget this. So here's to you, Eugene Andolsek, and your beautiful kaleidoscope of colours. 

All images courtesy of American Primitive