Brief aan Héloïse Bernard-Bodin 1878 - 1941

This letter by Emile Bernard, shimmering with dark ink, feels like a painting in itself. Just imagine him, perhaps in late November, pen in hand, crafting these looping words. The forms of the letters almost dance across the page, each stroke a deliberate gesture, a kind of intimate performance. I wonder what Héloïse Bernard-Bodin might have thought reading these words, what kind of a person they were. As someone who’s stared at many blank canvases, I feel kinship with Bernard as he builds up layers of meaning. There's a texture to the language. I imagine he's encouraging Héloïse to keep creating. Painters are always in conversation with each other, even across generations. Bernard’s letter resonates with the spirit of other artist's letters, where ideas are exchanged, advice is given, and support offered. The way he layers words is the way painters layer paint, isn't it? Each mark adds depth and complexity, allowing meaning to emerge organically. It’s all part of an ongoing, beautiful conversation.