Artist Inspiration

Clyfford Still was born in 1904 in North Dakota but spent his childhood in Spokane, Washington, and Southern Alberta.

Still was introduced to me quite recently in a History of Art lecture where I became more intrigued with Abstract Expressionism. 

Clyfford Still was with in the first generation of Abstract Expressionism which followed World War II. I was inspired by this movement in particular as it was a universal way of painting. It was very expressive with no recognisable figures. It was artwork that could apply to the individual how they see fit.  

I too wanted to do this in my own practise so the audience could analyse my work and interpret it for themselves. I find the brush work to be intriguing considering the scale of the piece.Another great example of the work that inspired me is another leading figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, Mark Rothko. He also appealed to me for the simplicity of how a viewer can engulf themselves in these large scaled paintings. I love the atmosphere it creates for the viewer, it creates a calming ambiance. However, everyone’s experience may be different.