Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: Notes on an Unusual Book

David Hockney in Normandy in Conversation With Martin Gayford

Book Cover, photo by author Dunelair © Sue Moran Thole

In 2021 Thames & Hudson published this lovely book for fans of the ever-exuberant David Hockney.

At 82, Hockney engaged daily with his iPad and acrylic paints to capture the progression of spring as it arrived on his four acres in Normandy. His long-time friend, Martin Gayford, visited and kept in constant touch by email.

Their conversations provide glimpses into Hockney’s creative process. Not surprisingly, DH has lots of help to be prolific in varied genres. Three companionable collaborators ensure that his life runs smoothly and that he has technical support to evolve his creative impulses on his iPad.

There are 142 illustrations to enrich the text. Many are of Hockney’s Normandy springtime interpretations, some are of classic works of art, some are of photographs that DH created, and others illustrate book themes. No eBook could match the tactile and visual pleasure of perusing these many illustrations.

DH is a true original; whenever he explains his reactions to a work of art, the reader can be sure to take away a nugget from his unexpected observations.

For example, when he describes black as a color in paintings, he mentions that several different artists used the color masterfully. Using Ad Reinhardt’s black canvasses as examples, he explains why it is crucial to carefully observe the originals to discern what the artist has done to accomplish compelling results. Reinhardt used layers of color “to produce an intensely dark, deep shade… [that] you had to be there to see.”

These two men range widely over many subjects, like conversations between friends. Nonetheless, they always make linkages to Hockney’s artistic process.

In the 1980s, Hockney experimented with photocollages. These arose from his feelings for the times and places he experienced in his younger days and the books he reads to provide breaks from his work intensity.

DH constantly steeps himself in art masterworks to fire his creativity. Aspiring artists can do likewise.

Spring Cannot Be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy, with Martin Gayford