A short interview with... Mark Van Yetter!

Summeracademy: Mark, what is painting for you? Why do you paint?

Mark: Painting is a way to respond to my time on earth, a way to filter existence.  As to why I paint, this is a question I often ask myself, the reason becomes most clear to me when I evaluate all other options of what to do with my time. Once I reflect on this I relies many endeavors lead to a goal of emptiness. If painting follows a similar path I am one to think it is only so because our society has little tolerance towards it. I guess I mostly paint because I enjoy it.  

[Mark Van Yetter, Damn Forest, 2016, oil on paper, 160x32cm, courtesy of the artist and Bridget Donahue Gallery] 

S: What role plays the colour?

M: Colours are a big part of the world.  It would only seem right to have them play a big part in a painting. So a big role. 

S: What do you want to teach your students?

M: To think for themselves, to questions everything and not assume that what is considered orthodox is correct.    

[Tex Rubinowitz, Mark Van Yetter and Sonja Bendel] 

S: What do you like about the Summer Academy?

M: The people and the positive atmosphere. These things make it great.  

[class of Mark Van Yetter 2017, photo: Mira Turba]