Burritt E. "Bucky" Benson III: "Wrong Theory"

Foreword!Sketchbooks often record much that more polished, more consciously finished artworks do not. Sketchbooks are a record of the moment, of what might be, of what is thought now and of what might be pursued - if only. Sketchbooks also allow the fortunate viewer the opportunity for insight into ephemeral conditions, into special moments and into (perhaps) random thoughts which were visualized for the artist alone rather than for any audience at large. !In this sketchbook by Burritt E. Benson III we have the opportunity to review the development of a prolific artist over a relatively long time: 2005 - 2014. In these pages we see the push and pull of influences as artistically diverse as Matisse, Keith Haring and Picasso and as common as television children’s cartoons, commercial advertisements and comic books. Moving from one sketch to the next we literally never know what we might find. !Certainly, the graphic work of Burritt E. “Bucky” Benson III is unique. Even so, there is a sense of familiarity about the line quality, the economy of space and the seemingly naive subject matter in his drawings. Many of the works presented here are in black and white and all are accomplished in pen & ink. Working in pen & ink is not for the fainthearted and it is in this bold world of strong contrasts (and sometimes bright colors) that Bucky Benson’s ideas shine forth strongly and vibrantly. !Moreover, in this sketchbook we enter a highly personal aesthetic realm unlike any other. In these graphic works by Benson we see many things: deliberate steps along the path of artistic development; a clear broadening of interests and deepening of thoughtfulness; and a sharpening of graphic intentionality. Through viewing these drawings by Bucky we are brought into a world of energized, yet often chaotic and highly amalgamated imagery drawn from many sources and merged through the creative imagination of an artist who sketches daily yet shares this work with a very limited audience. !In each sketch we see ideas that reference or quote other works in the pages of this volume. In this we are presented with a suite of possibilities that interrelate in mysterious and complex ways. Benson challenges us to enter his personal space and engage in the task of identifying, disentangling and speciating the riot of visual ideas and complex patterns he has developed. It is not often that a visual artist offers us such a remarkable mirror in which we can see the outlines of our own knowledge, influences and preferences. What we find in Bucky’s sketches may say as much about ourselves as it does about the artist. !Clearly, Mr. Benson’s hand is sure and his graphics are strong and bold. Following the lines of his drawings provides us with a roadmap through a remarkable and very personal universe that is very much worth the trip. As with any worthwhile journey, we come back from our meanderings much the better for the effort. !John Antoine Labadie Artist & Art Professor 14 October 2014

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