Mark Tobey on Life

"At a time when experimentation expresses itself in all forms of life, search becomes the only valid expression of the spirit."

"An artist must find his expression closely linked to his individual experience or else follow in the old grooves resulting in lifeless forms."

"White lines in movement symbolize a unifying idea which flows through the compartmented units of life bringing the consciousness of a larger relativity."

"My first lesson in relativity: ..we had a still life set-up to paint. Suddenly I saw that the pitcher was so big and the glass was so big. From that time on everything was all right."

"The Cubists used the figure, but they broke it up.. .But there was escape, too, even in those days, for there was Whistler living in the grey mists with a faded orange moon. The nocturne transformed itself into dreamy rooms with Chopin's music creating a mood that softened the hard core of self."

"England collapses, turns Chinese with English and American thoughts. Thousands of Chinese characters are turning and twisting; every door is a shop. The rickshaws jostle the vendors, their backs hung with incredible loads. The narrow streets are alive in a way that Broadway isn't alive. Here all is human, even the beasts of burden. The human energy spills itself in multiple forms, writhes, sweats and strains every muscle towards the day’s bowl of rice. The din is terrific."