Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

Irwin takes a giant leap between 1962 and 1964 in the production of his ten late line paintings. During this period, Irwin brings his own sensibilities into the process. Why does he like or dislike something about his art? What makes sense and why? Irwin is aware that he possesses the very positive characteristic of persistence. Irwin's challenge is to determine how best to apply it. Part of this journey of self-discovery results in Irwin painting the same painting over and over again during the two-year period.

Irwin takes his lead from master artist Morandi, who in creating a multitude of paintings always uses the same subjects—a set of bottles. Although Irwin probably was not familiar with Kierkegaard's philosophy of "The Rotation Method," the philosopher's conclusion that fertility is created through self-limitation shines through in his work. While philosophy students struggle...