Thursday, July 5, 2012

The Think Tank Thursday #104 Jackson Pollock

I hope those of you that celebrated the 4th of July had a safe, happy holiday!  Today we are going to use art, to inspire our muse.  Our artist today is Jackson Pollock.  Honestly, I have mixed feelings about his style. There is something about his paintings that intrigue me.   Jackson Pollock was known for his abstract style,Pollock's most famous paintings were made during this "drip period" between 1947 and 1950.  His technique was called 'drip and splash'.  He didn't use a traditional easel, but put canvas on the floor and would proceed to pour and drip his paint, from a can. He did not use paint brushes. He liked to use sticks, knives and trowels as his brushes. Sometimes he would mix broken glass, sand or other foreign objects into the paint. His work was influenced by other Surrealist artist.
His paintings were a major influence in the abstract expressionist movement.   His action type painting was thought to be a direct result of his mood. 

"He became wildly popular after being featured in a four-page spread, on August 8, 1949, in Life magazine. The article asked of Pollock, "Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?" The Life article changed Pollock's life overnight. Many other artists resented his fame, and some of his friends suddenly became competitors. As his fame grew, some critics began calling Pollock a fraud, causing even him to question his own work. During this time he would often look to Krasner to determine which paintings were good, unable to make the differentiation himself." ***** 

I'd like you to dabble with our prompt #104 Jackson Pollock. I can't imagine painting with sticks and glass.  Can you?    Pen a poem adding your own drips and splashes!  I look forward to your art work :D

Jackson Pollock #5




 
Lavender Mist 1950 by Jackson Pollock



Pollock's art was subject to much sarcasm,  in 1956 Time magazine called him `Jack the Dripper'.

 
Jackson Pollock
Ocean Greyness, 1953
Oil on canvas

There is mystery in his work. Here is an article decoding his style.
Some say they can see letters in his paintings. Some believe he signs his name, or maybe another word, or message.  What do you think?!  


 Interesting facts about Pollock:

His painting  "No. 5, 1948" sold at an auction in 2006 for $140 million.
His first name was Paul.
He chopped off the end of a finger at the age of four, playing with a hatchet.
He once knocked down a wall to make a room large enough for a 20-foot canvas.

Here you can view many of his paintings for further inspiration.

There is a painting app for Jackson Pollock here
More info about his life here
  


On the floor I am more at ease, I feel nearer, more a part of the painting, since this way I can walk around in it, work from the four sides and be literally `in' the painting.
-- Jackson Pollock, 1947


 "It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well."
– Jackson Pollock
 
 
 “The painting has a life of its own.”  -Jackson Pollock


19 comments:

  1. Ack!
    Pollock/Pollack?
    I'll be back.

    Hee hee.

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  2. Good to see you all again. I've been swamped... it's good to be back.

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  3. We are all swamp-ees right now. Sigh. Where have those lazy hazy days of summer gone?

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  4. Ella,

    I just loved this prompt to write. My mind went in its own direction and I have posted the result!!!
    I am off to the warmth of Spain for a holiday and I look forward to recording my discoveries in new words:)
    If I am unable to reply to comments this week, I shall visit on my return from Spain.
    Thank you to those who do read and leave a comment. All appreciated:)
    Eileen

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  5. Forgive me, lol I had a crowd surrounding me..."C'mon let's go."
    Seven people chanting...I think I somehow imposed my LACK of time in this challenge. PolLACK, lol

    Have a laugh on me ;D Thanks Sherry~

    Welcome back Laurie :D

    Eileen, I hope you have a wonderful time! I'm sure you will find many views to inspire! Take photos :D I will try to do better and post today. We went tubing and I still have a house full! It was so hot, our engine over heated... Time to be home and under a ceiling fan, as we hit 99 degrees Fahrenheit, today!

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  6. Whew, I spelled it Pollack! I have mine written. Thanks, Ella, for the prompt.

    We may break records here today with temps. It has been intense.

    Eileen, enjoy!!

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  7. anything abstract is a stretch for me, but gave it a go.

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  8. Don't like his art. But do like the colours :)
    Great prompt Ella.

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  9. Bren-I'm not thrilled with it, either. I do appreciate his technique and unique insight to push the boundaries of this art form.

    Awakenedwords-I understand, I do. I was on the fence about him, which made me more intrigued. What kind of poems would his work inspire?!
    Thanks for putting yourself out there, you and everyone!

    Mary-We are lacking energy, it is sooo hot. Heat index at my house is 107. Intense, for sure! I was scared when our boat engine over heated...I didn't even want to go! Happy you tried the prompt...
    I penned mine and will share as soon as the dinner hour is over~
    Hope you are staying cool :D

    Be proud of yourselves for stepping out of your zone! This one was a challenge, for sure!

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  10. No worries, Ellie. I was saying "ack! because I was trying to be a goof and rhyme my comment.........dont get much from his art either, but the colors helped where my response went.........

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  11. I was interested about his life so I wrote about it ~ Nice abstract works ~ My post is up ~

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  12. I would like to write more frequently for you. But I cannot get this site to load properly on my sad computer. I suppose it's the blogroll on the sidebar.

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  13. Pollock is pretty much my favorite painter. Have you seen the movie? It was so intense that it made me cry. His process is deep and soulful; it makes me want to join him.

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  14. Greetings everyone. Very intriguing prompt.

    Benjamin

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  15. I'm definitely not a fan of Jackson Pollock by any stretch, but I was able to find inspiration in a photograph of his studio floor, so I think it still fits the prompt.

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  16. Oh, what fun!! Thank you, Ella!! I can't wait to read you guys!!

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  17. Well, Saturday night, and I finally posted. Will do some reading tomorrow.

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  18. Good morning! Here's my attempt. http://miskmask.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/sedimentary-dreams/

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    Replies
    1. What in heaven's name happened to the spacing on my message above?

      Delete

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