Paul Jackson Pollock (28 January 1912 – 11 August 1956) was an American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Today marks his birthday.
His passing was before I was born, but his influence continues. He was widely noticed for his technique of pouring or splashing liquid household paint onto a horizontal surface (‘drip technique’), enabling him to view and paint his canvases from all angles. It was also called ‘action painting’, since he used the force of his whole body to paint, often in a frenetic dancing style.
This extreme form of abstraction divided the critics: some praised the immediacy and fluency of the creation, while others derided the random effects. With out doubt my own style seeks to emulate and develop the techniques conceived by Pollock after the backdrop of world ‘destruction’ and ‘torment’.
What I delight in; alongside association with his style is, being able to develop then visionary techniques; stylize his marque and adapt these on structures beyond the plainer canvas.
There can be no question that Pollock’s imagery plays a major role in the mapping out of my creations. His personal ‘torment’ is reflective of the distorted canvases on which I now paint.
‘Destruction’ is replaced by the attention to the design and delicacy of the frame, sewing of the canvas, riveting of the seams and hemp rope corsetry to torsion a base on which to pour my paint.
Like Pollock I have a calling to paint on untreated canvas which purposely combined with the modelling of the frame allows the painting to be viewed from the rear. This affords a dual image that emanates by filtering out the textures and provides for an alternative perspective. Some say the back’s better than the front, frankly I’m not one for arguing, just hungry for the accolade.
To date my growth as an artist has been immense and breath taking. Where this is to lead to matters not; my undertaking is to continue this journey and I intend to enjoy every minute of it.
What I am certain of it that had there not been a Paul Jackson Pollock, there would not have been a ‘Stiffy’!
RIP!
