Jackson Pollock

Growing up in the west, Jackson Pollock became familiar with the Native American art style at a young age. In addition, Pollock was influenced by Benton and the Regionalists, but was deeply touched by the Siqueiros and the Mexican muralists, such as Diego Rivera. Pollock felt an instant fondness of their almost violent and expressive way of painting in these strong murals. Another learning point that Pollock explored was psychology, which allowed him to understand the human mind better, but more importantly his personal life. The major condition Pollock struggled to beat was alcoholism, trying psychotherapy was one of main treatments he tried to end his addiction, but was unsuccessful. However, the disease of alcoholism may have consumed Pollock’s mind, but fueled his inspiration and his artistic capability. Soon he adopted the way of Surrealists by painting automatically without hesitation. In the 1940’s as Pollock continued a life of isolation, he began to experiment and discover his true sense of paintings. In 1947, he created the perfect “drip” technique which made his name as an artist famous. In order to create one of his masterpieces, Pollock would place his canvas on the floor and began to cover the canvas in trails of paint. Pouring the paint out of the can without hesitation, Pollock started a trend known as “Action Painting”, which was a frenzy for the Native American culture. The reason Native Americans became instant fans of Pollock’s was because of his infused memories of the traditional ritual dances he witnessed as a child. Ultimately, Pollock is brilliant due to the fact his art has no definite meaning, thus allowing individuals to have their own personal take on the piece. Although he did not place a direct meaning within his art, Pollock’s masterpieces were fueled with the characteristics of energy, tension, passion, and drama. Unfortunately in the 1950’s Pollock slowed down and lost his life due to a car accident in 1956.

Quotes from Pollock:

"Abstract painting is abstract. It confronts you. There was a reviewer a while back who wrote that my pictures didn't have any beginning or any end. He didn't mean it as a compliment, but it was."

"Every good painter paints what he is."

"He drove his kind of realism at me so hard I bounced right into nonobjective painting."

"I don't work from drawings. I don't make sketches and drawings and color sketches into a final painting."

"I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own."

"My painting does not come from the easel."

"On the floor I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more part of the painting, since this way I can walk around it, work from the four sides and literally be in the painting."

"Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is."

"The modern artist is working with space and time, and expressing his feelings rather than illustrating."

"The strangeness will wear off and I think we will discover the deeper meanings in modern art."