Dan's Papers: Issue #47, March 2, 2007
by Marion Wolberg Weiss
It’s not often that our cover artist is both a respected psychoanalyst and a painter, but such is the case this week with Tom Kranjac. During the course of a single conversation, we learn that Dr. Kranjac is unique in other ways as well, namely his varied talents and skills. Yet one aspect seems to connect his diverse interests: a belief in process and transformation. And while Dr. Kranjac never directly expressed his worldview, it’s obvious that he is firmly committed to the idea that everything is part of everything else.
Q: Where did you get your inspiration for the cover image, “Oceanscape?”
A: I’ve always been inspired by water. John Marin is one of my favorite artists. The sea is part of my roots, too. My parents are from the former Yugoslavia on the Adriatic Sea. And I have particular childhood memories relating to water. Although I grew up in Queens, I remember going to Coney Island quite vividly.
Q: Now for the primary question: What do you see as similarities between art and psychoanalysis, based on your own experiences?
A: The idea of transforming things, balance, synthesis. Art and psychoanalysis are also for me both venues for self-expression.
Q: You have mentioned that both call upon recollection. Can you explain that more specifically?
A: In psychoanalysis, a person suggests his/her own recollection, and you synthesize this into a coherent form. An image emerges from this.
Q: In the same way that an image comes forward when you’re painting. Another similarity, when you practice psychoanalysis, you say you help people make better choices.
A: Yes, and art is also about making choices.
Q: How about the actual process of painting. How is it like psychoanalysis?
A: You have to have empathy, a heightened connection to a person; in the same sense, the canvas is like that. It becomes a focus.
Q: Is that like being in an Alpha state, like a trance, that many artists experience when creating?
A: Yes, like a hyper state. I surrender to the experience: I’m “in the moment,” so to speak.
Q: That’s how actors describe their process, being “in the moment.”
A: Right. I’ve read The Method, a very important book on acting. It’s about discovering yourself.
Q: So what about the act of discovery in your profession and your art?
A: It’s essential. They should leave you contemplating. Particularly art should reveal what you created. You should say to yourself, “What happened?”
Q: What got you first interested in art?
A: When I was younger, I photographed art works, sculptures, at different galleries. But the real first experience I had with creating art was when I was ten, and I was making a dartboard. I took some brushes and enamel paint of my father’s to do the target. I recognized that it was beautiful. Another important experience was when going with my mother to the Metropolitan Museum. My first memory was a painting by Cezanne. That struck me on such a gut level. He still remains one of my inspirations.
Q: How do you react to your own paintings?
A: I look at my work a lot when they’re finished. I’m still surprised at how they turn out.
Q: What other art forms do you practice or are inspired by?
A: I play jazz guitar, and I love Broadway show tunes.
Q: Your curiosity about the world is inspiring. Oops, that’s not a question.
Dr. Kranjac’s work is on view at New York’s Terrain Gallery (141 Greene Street) until March 27. His website is: www.tomkranjacvirtualartgallery.com