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January, 1949 Sir: In a piece on Arshile Gorky's memorial show- and it was a very little piece indeed- it was mentioned that I was one of his influences. Now that is plain silly. When, about fifteen years ago, I walked into Arshile's studio for the first time, the atmosphere was so beautiful that I got a little dizzy and when I came to, I was bright enough to take the hint immediately. If the bookkeepers think it think it necessary continuously to make sure of where things and people come from, well then, I come from 36 Union Square. It is incredible to me that other people live there now. I am glad that it is about impossible to get away from his powerful influence. As long as I keep it with myself I'll be doing all right. Sweet Arshile, bless your dear heart. WILLEM de KOONING New York, N.Y. Copyright ARTnews, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10017 Willem de Kooning- ARTnews, January, 1949. Washburn Gallery, Inc., 42 East 57 Street, New York 10022 (212-753- 0546)