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Artist Bio: Zerric Clinton
It was Wassily Kandinsky that said, "Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.” This statement by Mr. Kandinsky describes the way that I create my work. What speaks to my soul are the social issues that affect people. My work tells a story about social issues that affect people. Listening to music is also a huge part of my creative process as it stimulates my thoughts in terms of the way I use color and create a sense of rhythm. Often pure contrasting colors are used on various shapes that I employ to shatter the image which compels the viewer to not only focus on the subject. Cutouts are employed in my work as a way to symbolize the intricacies of life that we all face no matter what race we are or what economic we happen to fall in. Also my intention is for the viewer to pay close attention to the textural qualities and symbolism that exist. I also focus a lot on rhythmically showing how the interplay of these pure contrasting colors enhance the image. My work is based on things that I see in the media and hear lyrically through music. What I have learned as a visual artist is that to be true to my soul I have to create based on things that compel me to tell a story.
It was Wassily Kandinsky that said, "Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.” This statement by Mr. Kandinsky describes the way that I create my work. What speaks to my soul are the social issues that affect people. My work tells a story about social issues that affect people. Listening to music is also a huge part of my creative process as it stimulates my thoughts in terms of the way I use color and create a sense of rhythm. Often pure contrasting colors are used on various shapes that I employ to shatter the image which compels the viewer to not only focus on the subject. Cutouts are employed in my work as a way to symbolize the intricacies of life that we all face no matter what race we are or what economic we happen to fall in. Also my intention is for the viewer to pay close attention to the textural qualities and symbolism that exist. I also focus a lot on rhythmically showing how the interplay of these pure contrasting colors enhance the image. My work is based on things that I see in the media and hear lyrically through music. What I have learned as a visual artist is that to be true to my soul I have to create based on things that compel me to tell a story.
Published on April 13th, 2022. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What are you currently excited about in your art practice?
At this time it seems like my creativity has increased drastically. Each day I have ideas that just come to me and I am eager to sketch them all out. Additionally, I am learning so much about abstract art from fellow artists. I am really having a great time discussing art and bouncing ideas off of other artists and they are asking me lots of questions about my style of work. I have learned that dialoguing with other artists is necessary to grow and that it motivates me when I am having one of those less creative days.
What were some of the challenges you faced last year as an artist? Was your work/ art practice affected by the pandemic this year, if so how?
Actually, I think that in a unique way the pandemic kind of jumpstarted my creativity. I was so touched by what was going on that I was compelled to work on projects that were responses to the impactful events occurring around me. I guess it was my outlet or release from all the tough things that we were all experiencing in one way or another. I think that artists have been important during this pandemic in terms of providing visual expressions of things that some have a difficult time putting into words.
What does a typical day in the studio (or wherever you're making work) look like for you these days? What time of day are you at your studio, what are your studio must haves (ex: music, coffee, tools, etc), and what does your creative space look like?
On a typical day sometime during the morning I begin to work in my sketchbook. Sometimes I have a preconceived idea that I want to work out on paper. Other times I just put the pen or pencil to paper and begin to sketch. Interestingly, I have been able to create some in-depth sketches using both of these methods. In the afternoon when I get to my studio, I often look at work on social media and learn what other artists are up to. Then, I turn on music or listen to different motivational speakers that I like as I go through my sketchbook. Often this method somehow works. I think it helps me to relax and then focus and lock in on the task ahead.
What resources for artists have you found helpful that may be helpful for other artists?
There are several books that I have found useful to me as a visual artist. For instance, I use Art Education for Social Justice as a resource in my class and I have found it has inspired me as well. Art as Experience is also a book that I read parts of on occasion. Art Synectics is a book I like as well that spurs creativity in a rather simplistic way but it is powerful. Semiotics and Visual Culture: Sights, Signs, and Significance is very impactful to me as well. I have also learned that just reading about the process that other artists use is very intriguing and sometimes there may be something that you can incorporate in your own work.
What in your art career are you looking forward to in the upcoming year? Do you have any specific goals or projects in mind?
For this upcoming year I am looking forward to several art shows of renowned artists whose work will be coming to Atlanta, GA. Additionally, I am in the process of learning whether or not I will be selected for a couple of commission projects. There are exhibition opportunities that I continue to apply for. It is great to go to the shows in person again and actually meet the artists to ask questions that only they are able to answer.
What are you currently excited about in your art practice?
At this time it seems like my creativity has increased drastically. Each day I have ideas that just come to me and I am eager to sketch them all out. Additionally, I am learning so much about abstract art from fellow artists. I am really having a great time discussing art and bouncing ideas off of other artists and they are asking me lots of questions about my style of work. I have learned that dialoguing with other artists is necessary to grow and that it motivates me when I am having one of those less creative days.
What were some of the challenges you faced last year as an artist? Was your work/ art practice affected by the pandemic this year, if so how?
Actually, I think that in a unique way the pandemic kind of jumpstarted my creativity. I was so touched by what was going on that I was compelled to work on projects that were responses to the impactful events occurring around me. I guess it was my outlet or release from all the tough things that we were all experiencing in one way or another. I think that artists have been important during this pandemic in terms of providing visual expressions of things that some have a difficult time putting into words.
What does a typical day in the studio (or wherever you're making work) look like for you these days? What time of day are you at your studio, what are your studio must haves (ex: music, coffee, tools, etc), and what does your creative space look like?
On a typical day sometime during the morning I begin to work in my sketchbook. Sometimes I have a preconceived idea that I want to work out on paper. Other times I just put the pen or pencil to paper and begin to sketch. Interestingly, I have been able to create some in-depth sketches using both of these methods. In the afternoon when I get to my studio, I often look at work on social media and learn what other artists are up to. Then, I turn on music or listen to different motivational speakers that I like as I go through my sketchbook. Often this method somehow works. I think it helps me to relax and then focus and lock in on the task ahead.
What resources for artists have you found helpful that may be helpful for other artists?
There are several books that I have found useful to me as a visual artist. For instance, I use Art Education for Social Justice as a resource in my class and I have found it has inspired me as well. Art as Experience is also a book that I read parts of on occasion. Art Synectics is a book I like as well that spurs creativity in a rather simplistic way but it is powerful. Semiotics and Visual Culture: Sights, Signs, and Significance is very impactful to me as well. I have also learned that just reading about the process that other artists use is very intriguing and sometimes there may be something that you can incorporate in your own work.
What in your art career are you looking forward to in the upcoming year? Do you have any specific goals or projects in mind?
For this upcoming year I am looking forward to several art shows of renowned artists whose work will be coming to Atlanta, GA. Additionally, I am in the process of learning whether or not I will be selected for a couple of commission projects. There are exhibition opportunities that I continue to apply for. It is great to go to the shows in person again and actually meet the artists to ask questions that only they are able to answer.
Find Zerric Clinton on Instagram
