Meaning: This quote by Willem de Kooning, a renowned Dutch-American abstract expressionist artist, delves into the concept of desperation and its relationship to the creative process. The artist's contemplation of desperation and its role in his own life and work offers a glimpse into the complex and often tumultuous nature of artistic inspiration and expression.

De Kooning begins by acknowledging his interest in desperation, noting that it only captures his attention when he himself experiences it. This introspective approach suggests that desperation is not merely an intellectual curiosity for the artist, but rather a deeply personal and subjective experience. By acknowledging his own encounters with desperation, de Kooning hints at the intimate connection between emotional turmoil and the artistic process.

The artist goes on to express that desperation is not typically his starting point. This observation sheds light on the idea that creativity often emerges from a place of relative stability and clarity, only to be influenced and transformed by the onset of desperation. De Kooning's recognition of this shift suggests that desperation can serve as a catalyst for creative exploration and expression, disrupting the initial state of equilibrium and prompting a deeper engagement with the artistic endeavor.

Furthermore, de Kooning offers a philosophical perspective on the nature of thinking and activity, noting that in the abstract, both can be seen as rather desperate. This contemplation hints at the inherent intensity and urgency that underlies the processes of thought and action. It suggests that desperation is not only a personal state of being, but also a fundamental aspect of human cognition and behavior. From this vantage point, desperation becomes a universal force that permeates the human experience, shaping our endeavors and influencing our perspectives.

In the context of de Kooning's artistic practice, this quote provides insight into the emotional and psychological landscapes that inform his work. It suggests that his creative process is not insulated from the ebb and flow of internal desperation, but rather intricately intertwined with it. This intertwining of personal experience and artistic expression underscores the depth and complexity of de Kooning's work, inviting viewers to engage with the raw and visceral aspects of human emotion that permeate his art.

Overall, Willem de Kooning's contemplation of desperation in this quote offers a window into the intricate relationship between personal experience, artistic creation, and the broader human condition. By acknowledging the role of desperation in his own life and work, the artist invites us to consider the ways in which emotional turmoil can fuel and shape the creative process. Through this lens, desperation emerges not as a hindrance, but as a potent force that propels artistic exploration and expression, enriching our understanding of the complexities of the human experience.