Alex Clark shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alex, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
I have a part-time job to help my family, so I can’t always work every day. It’s at an art supply store, so my art supplies come with a discount. When I have a painting day, it starts with coffee, my notebook where I keep sketches and ideas, and thought. Then about 3 hrs. of painting on any one of 3 or 4 paintings I have going at one time. Almost always in oils, though some smaller things or commissions I’ll do in acrylics. When I need some support or an opinion, I have a couple of friends I call or message, and trust to get advice from.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Alex Clark. I am a long-time painter originally from Manhattan, New York City.
I’m living now, with my family, in New Orleans, La. My website is alexclark-newnarrativepainting.com.
I paint in a naturalistic figurative manner,, in oils and acrylics,, and focus on sociological, environmental, and political ideas. My father, also a painter, asked me once years ago, ‘Let me get this straight: you’re trying to save the world!’ I responded that ‘Yes, that’s what artists do.. they start by influencing their friends, then their neighborhood, and through a gallery and exhibitions, the larger world’’.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been me, never changed my ideas to suit somebody else. I was raised by artists in a studio, and always understood what I admired and wanted to do. Artists often don’t have much, but we have character, intention, and the drive to create meaningful expression.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It would be to listen carefully to wise advice, live in humility, and love and respect all people who struggle to learn, grow, and survive. Love and support your family. Without these principles, your work won’t have much meaning for others.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes; make sure the public you is the authentic you. As an artist you represent something very important to society. You represent the ability to design worlds that work- something threatening to fascists and dictators.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
He was a good painter and draftsman, willing to live by his convictions, and didn’t mind shaking the tree.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexclark-newnarrativepainting.com
- Instagram: AlexClarkA 573
- Facebook: Alex Clark
- Other: https://hyperallergic.com/918101/a-view-from-the-easel-235/
