Artist Statement

The abstractions are an integrated system of symbols from movements, not unlike a calligraphic or picture language. These paintings intend to form a more universal, unspoken language, derived form gesture, much like the sign language of the hearing impaired - our most successful universal language to date.

They do not "pick up where modernism leaves off". They are primitive. And by considering, and sometimes bowing to the modern, they move beyond. They are not intended to be special, as that would inhibit the communication any language would impart. The importance of the artificial language movements of the last century have influenced direction in my art but have little to do with the formation of symbols since these movements involved the rearrangement of letters already in use, phonics, and sounds.

It is through the action of the doer that this language is controlled. But it can only be controlled through abandonment. Any "forced move" shows up as false to the medium, or doer of this action. So, achieving a certain state of mind is necessary. This state varies from moment to moment. It is like a prayer or meditation. The meanings of the specific symbols are complex concepts that are difficult to put into words alone, although the definition of each symbol is its title (or meaning). Some symbols may need more than a sentence or two to define the concept, and still there is an ambiguity due to our language constraints. I hope to create a system of symbols that will enhance all languages and exist as a universal code above and beyond them. These symbols will be able to be strung together or used in conjunction with ordinary words in sentences - much like the emoticons used in email.

Not unlike the dadaist of the early twentieth century, I believe the creative energy and process to be sufficient - the end product a mere shadow of the act. My art is intended to be a stairway to ultimately freeing the mind of the need to prove, satisfy or create - and hopefully please or provoke. The intent is a constant move towards simplicity. Over time the work zooms in on detail, gets larger and more surface as it telescopes inward.

Notwithstanding, my journey as an artist - giving my life to the process of it because it is a psychological need - all things beyond the action of creating becoming secondary, I believe : The high mission of any art is, by its illusions, to foreshadow a higher universe reality, to crystallize the emotions of time into the thought of eternity.

Clark Vreeland

Born - New Orleans - January 29, 1951                    

Fine Arts - LSU                                                    

Gentilly Studio School                                           Living in Atlanta since 1984   

Clark Vreeland has been active on the arts scene since the mid 70's and continues to work and exhibit in Atlanta and New Orleans.

He is among the founding members of Public Domain Inc. and RailRoad Earth, Inc.

He is also known as the producer of the subdudes for Sony/BMG. 

Shows/Representation

Fosberg Gallery New Orleans

Bienville Gallery "

Contemporary Arts Center "

N.O. Jazz & Heritage Fd. "

The Blue Rat Atlanta

RailRoad Earth "

King Plow "

Urban Nirvana "

Eyedrum "

Living Zen Gallery "

In the collection of

Clay Harper

L.S.U.

The Estate of Christine Sibley

Lee Brannan

Jim & Heather Ford

Dave Miner  

Christopher Berry

Eva Sotus

Amy Chilag

Trip & Sheri Pare

Jessica Goldfinch
Wayne Wahl

IBM

Paintings currently on display in public

Pacific Kitchen - Inman Park

La Fonda - Candler Park

Fellini's - Buckhead

The Lucky Exchange - Midtown/Ormewood
RailRoad Earth, Inc. - Emory