International studio (44.1911)

Birge Harrison


THE HEIGHTS OF LEVIS

BY BIRGE HARRISON

the painter who lacks this greatest of all gifts, or
who, having it, fails to use it, might just as well
close his color box, for his message to humanity
will not be worth the telling. “Be courageous,”
he says. “ Always dare to the limit of your knowl-
edge and just a little beyond. You must show
conviction yourself if you would convince others.
The public will pass by the man who says ‘I
think’ and stand rapt before the picture of the
man who says ‘I know!’ Aim to tell the truth,
but if you have to lie (in art), lie courageously. A
courageous lie has often more virtue than a timid
truth. Stick to your own vision if you would rise
above the throng. Stand aloof and force your
note—your own personal note. But first of all be
sure you have something to say, for an empty
boast awakes only a smile, and a bluff is soon
called!”

For all these years Mr. Harrison, save for cer-
tain literary adventures, when it was not possible
for him to paint, has confined himself strictly to
his art, has labored seriously, according to his en-
dowments, and has brought to all his work a fine
intellectuality, for the man has a well-trained mind
and his associations have been with the leading
thinkers of the age, native and foreign. Few
have a wider acquaintance with men who have
been doing things in this world, in an art direction,
and with his extensive travel in all lands he has
absorbed the best of modern ideas, and there has
come to him ample recognition of his efforts. His
greatest delight, however, is yet before his easel.
The glory of creation is still his dearest joy. To
this, with the enthusiasm of a student, he bends
all his energies, and counts that day lost when he
has not painted. Arthur Hoeber.

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