Ferren, John
(b. 1905
d. 1970)
Painter, Educator, Sculptor, DesignerN.Y., ; Europe
Diaries and journal, 1926-1928 3 v.
Journal, September 1926-August 1928 in San Francisco (49 p.). He reflects on life, love, literature, music, art, nature, estrangement, philosophy, his sense of restlessness, confusion, loneliness, and his work habits. He describes the woman who was director of the International Art Institute in 1927, and gives estimates of his defects and weaknesses. He writes about his neighbor and friend Arneson; almost daily about his friend Frank, who was in Paris in 1926 and 1927; and about strained relations with his family. He also offers frequent prayer, insecurities about his work, and his impressions of sculptress Enid Foster (October 19, 1927). Microfilm reel 371, frames 696-745.
Diary with infrequent entries, December 1931-May 1933, in Paris (19 p.). He writes of his search for a studio, quarrels with his fiancée and others, his depression and illness, his difficult financial situation, and his marriage to a French woman. He tells of meeting Picasso, comments about him and his work, and criticizes his own work. Microfilm reel 371, frames 746-757.
Diary with brief and irregular entries, kept mostly during a trip to Mexico, January-April 1939 (46 p.). He writes about Natalie Scott, his painting, meeting other people, and comments on Diego Rivera's work. Microfilm reel 371, frames 758-781.
Microfilm reel(s): 371
Location of Originals: Originals were returned to Mrs. Ferren after microfilming.
Forms Part of: John Ferren papers