Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Cliff Meacham - Painter

Cliff Meacham

Name: Cliff Meacham
City/State: Brooklyn Center
Email:cliffordmeacham at gmail.com
Bio~ 
I am a local acrylic painter. Most of my formal art education came in the form of a internship from my grandmother. I began my college career as a studio art major at UMD, but desired to branch off on my own to develop my aesthetic. My greatest inspiration is Jackson Pollack, his ability to paint directly from his subconscious appealed to me, it convinced me that art should be deeper and more methodical than planned. I rarely have a definitive idea before producing a painting, I instead will paint in a more free and deliberate manor. When drawing with pencil, or charcoal I usually try for realism, however with painting I enjoy abstraction. My main goal is to force people to think about the art that they are viewing. Rather than create a realistic painting that is easily discernible, I enjoy creating visually stunning art that is thought provoking. I hope you all enjoy!



Tell me about your work? What are you currently working on? How is this different from past projects?
I am currently working on a series of paintings related to the human condition, specifically the soul. The 'destruction of the soul', my latest painting is a visual representation of the perils of modern life, and how it has torn down the common norms associated with morality.



How did you decide to become an artist?
I never decided to become an artist, it chose me. At a very young age I was recognized for being artistic. I come from a family that has a long history of artistic ability. My grandmother who was instrumental in my artistic upbringing, was a full-time commission portrait artist. Even though I changed my college major to pursue employment, my true destiny is and will always be art. 



What was the best advice given to you as an artist? 
To stay true to your artistic message. Even when told directly to try another medium, or technique, always maintain the image that you are striving to achieve.



Many artists struggle to find ways to sell their art.  How do you sell your work?  How do you market yourself?
So far I have been trying to promote my work through social media and word of mouth.



Who are some of the Minnesota artists you enjoy?
Travis Hetman


Do you have any exhibits coming up?
I am one of the artists in "Man Up" through Altered Esthetics Gallery.  (See details below)

"Man Up"
Artists of all genders examine what it means to be a 21st century man.
Event Dates: 
Thursday, May 1, 2014 (Gallery Hours) to Saturday, May 31, 2014 (Gallery Hours)
Opening Reception: 
Friday, May 2, 2014 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Artists’ Discussion: 
Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Submission Deadline: 
Monday, March 31, 2014 - 11:45pm
Altered Esthetics is excited to commemorate our 10th year with the launch of “Ae Without Walls” - a pop-up exhibition tour of the Twin Cities. Celebrating a decade in the Arts District, Altered Esthetics will still base out of the Q'arma building, maintaining a presence at its home in the Arts District, but will no longer have a permanent space housed there. Exhibition locations will be announced monthly.
Event Location: 
ARTSPACE JACKSON FLATS - GREY GALLERY 901 - 18 1/2 Ave N.E., Minneapolis, MN, 55418

Cliff Meacham


Paintings
1. Portrait
2.The beast with in us all
3. Dance of Color
4. Collide
5. The duality of the Soul
6. The Destruction of the Soul