Brief aan Andries Bonger before 1913

This letter, by Emile Bernard, was written around 1890. The strokes appear hurried and energetic, as though the artist's thoughts were tumbling out faster than his hand could capture them. You can almost feel Bernard's presence as he bends over the page. I wonder what it was like for him to be forming his ideas and trying to articulate them clearly to a friend? The texture of the ink on paper and the way the letters crowd together, creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if we're eavesdropping on a private conversation. The gestural marks of the handwriting convey emotion and intention, offering insight into Bernard's state of mind. And it makes me consider my own daily writing practice. How is it similar or different from his? Maybe you feel that resonance too? Ultimately we're all in the same boat.