Artist Statement
As a professional artist with a career spanning since the 1980’s, my journey has been one of continuous artistic evolution, at the heart of my current body of work lies a cryptic and typographical calligraphy language, a unique creation that blends abstract forms with a touch of modern and contemporary flair. I’ve painstakingly crafted depth through contrasts and surface treatments, orchestrating an interplay between the enigmatic symbols and their resting ground. In my artistic pursuit, I draw inspiration from the masters of the past, seeking to re-envision their techniques and push the boundaries of their styles within my own creations.
This exploration commenced with playful depictions of dancing figures, gradually morphing these forms into symbolic representations. Over time, I developed these symbols into a cohesive alphabet, enabling me to compose concise phrases akin to simple poetry. These phrases encapsulate fleeting moments or conversations from my life, and my artistic challenge has been to unify and clarify this project while drawing from a diverse range of styles, from the elegance of Art Deco to the abstraction of modern imagery.
My fascination with light and reflection has led me to experiment across various mediums, allowing me to convey my artistic statement while inviting viewers to engage both visually and mentally. What truly captivates me is observing how people interact with my work. It’s a delight to witness them realize that my art is a puzzle waiting to be deciphered. The moment they grasp that I’ve crafted my own language, and unspoken connection forms, drawing them deeper into the experience. My aspiration has always been to create artwork that is instantly recognizable, possessing a distinctive style adaptable to any medium, while also being visually striking and contemporary.
As a professional artist with a career spanning since the 1980’s, my journey has been one of continuous artistic evolution, at the heart of my current body of work lies a cryptic and typographical calligraphy language, a unique creation that blends abstract forms with a touch of modern and contemporary flair. I’ve painstakingly crafted depth through contrasts and surface treatments, orchestrating an interplay between the enigmatic symbols and their resting ground. In my artistic pursuit, I draw inspiration from the masters of the past, seeking to re-envision their techniques and push the boundaries of their styles within my own creations.
This exploration commenced with playful depictions of dancing figures, gradually morphing these forms into symbolic representations. Over time, I developed these symbols into a cohesive alphabet, enabling me to compose concise phrases akin to simple poetry. These phrases encapsulate fleeting moments or conversations from my life, and my artistic challenge has been to unify and clarify this project while drawing from a diverse range of styles, from the elegance of Art Deco to the abstraction of modern imagery.
My fascination with light and reflection has led me to experiment across various mediums, allowing me to convey my artistic statement while inviting viewers to engage both visually and mentally. What truly captivates me is observing how people interact with my work. It’s a delight to witness them realize that my art is a puzzle waiting to be deciphered. The moment they grasp that I’ve crafted my own language, and unspoken connection forms, drawing them deeper into the experience. My aspiration has always been to create artwork that is instantly recognizable, possessing a distinctive style adaptable to any medium, while also being visually striking and contemporary.
Bio
Clark Medley, born in 1971, is a renowned international artist whose creative journey has taken him across various mediums and landscapes. Currently, he divides his time between the serene town of Fairview Heights, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, and the vibrant lower 7th ward of New Orleans. With a career spanning 34 years, Clark has demonstrated his remarkable versatility, evolving from a professional tattoo artist to a multifaceted artist with a distinctive style that transcends various art forms.
Clark’s artistic voyage has been greatly influenced by his extensive travels, enabling him to infuse a multicultural perspective into his creations. His diverse repertoire includes crafting large-scale woodcuts, sculpting intricate forms, illustrating captivating imagery, tattooing with precision, and painting with boundless creativity.
In the early 2000s, Clark’s pursuit of artistic growth led him to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he focused on sculpture, expanding his knowledge and skills to propel his career to new heights. By 2010, he embarked on a journey to explore the world of painting, using this medium to study the graceful and enigmatic forms of dance. He meticulously developed a cryptic language of symbols, drawing inspiration from the human body’s movements. These symbols became the cornerstone of his artistic expression.
Clark Medley, born in 1971, is a renowned international artist whose creative journey has taken him across various mediums and landscapes. Currently, he divides his time between the serene town of Fairview Heights, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, and the vibrant lower 7th ward of New Orleans. With a career spanning 34 years, Clark has demonstrated his remarkable versatility, evolving from a professional tattoo artist to a multifaceted artist with a distinctive style that transcends various art forms.
Clark’s artistic voyage has been greatly influenced by his extensive travels, enabling him to infuse a multicultural perspective into his creations. His diverse repertoire includes crafting large-scale woodcuts, sculpting intricate forms, illustrating captivating imagery, tattooing with precision, and painting with boundless creativity.
In the early 2000s, Clark’s pursuit of artistic growth led him to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he focused on sculpture, expanding his knowledge and skills to propel his career to new heights. By 2010, he embarked on a journey to explore the world of painting, using this medium to study the graceful and enigmatic forms of dance. He meticulously developed a cryptic language of symbols, drawing inspiration from the human body’s movements. These symbols became the cornerstone of his artistic expression.
A Master of Diverse Artistry
Clark’s unique approach to art involves the masterful use of color, texture, and various techniques to harmoniously balance these cryptic characters. His creations are a testament to his sophisticated, modern, and contemporary sensibilities, making his work easily recognizable in any form.
The genesis of Clark’s remarkable collection is originally rooted in his personal journey with dyslexia, which posed significant challenges in his school years, particularly in reading and spelling. However, his indomitable spirit and determination to overcome adversity propelled him to transform his greatest weakness into his greatest strength. Through art, he found a means to communicate, express, and transcend the limitations imposed by dyslexia, taking him to the high level of accomplishment he has today.
Clark Medley’s dedication to his craft is evident in his daily devotion to painting, although he remains open to experimenting with any medium that allows him to convey his artistic vision. His enduring style serves as a testament to his ability to transform life’s challenges into beautiful and meaningful works of art. Clark’s art speaks not only of his talent but also of his resilience and passion for creativity, making him a recognized figure in the world of contemporary art.
Clark’s unique approach to art involves the masterful use of color, texture, and various techniques to harmoniously balance these cryptic characters. His creations are a testament to his sophisticated, modern, and contemporary sensibilities, making his work easily recognizable in any form.
The genesis of Clark’s remarkable collection is originally rooted in his personal journey with dyslexia, which posed significant challenges in his school years, particularly in reading and spelling. However, his indomitable spirit and determination to overcome adversity propelled him to transform his greatest weakness into his greatest strength. Through art, he found a means to communicate, express, and transcend the limitations imposed by dyslexia, taking him to the high level of accomplishment he has today.
Clark Medley’s dedication to his craft is evident in his daily devotion to painting, although he remains open to experimenting with any medium that allows him to convey his artistic vision. His enduring style serves as a testament to his ability to transform life’s challenges into beautiful and meaningful works of art. Clark’s art speaks not only of his talent but also of his resilience and passion for creativity, making him a recognized figure in the world of contemporary art.
Exhibitions
2023
• delirum. tensional continyym
• intercrossing, flashes in current art
• transrelational asymmetries
• contraventions
2022
• eyez colaboration show
• delectables and not
• ferments
• venice exhibition: american current imaginaries
2021
• concurrences/oblique views
• cross aesthetics a virtual and in-person show
• nowness. the pandemic station a virtual and in-person show
• covid 19. the art of isolation/survey 3
2020
• global art awards, parallel to the shanghai international art fair
○ 2nd virtual-edition finalist in the graffiti/mix medium
category
2023
• delirum. tensional continyym
• intercrossing, flashes in current art
• transrelational asymmetries
• contraventions
2022
• eyez colaboration show
• delectables and not
• ferments
• venice exhibition: american current imaginaries
2021
• concurrences/oblique views
• cross aesthetics a virtual and in-person show
• nowness. the pandemic station a virtual and in-person show
• covid 19. the art of isolation/survey 3
2020
• global art awards, parallel to the shanghai international art fair
○ 2nd virtual-edition finalist in the graffiti/mix medium
category
• subject matter acid times
• covid 19. the art of isolation survey 2
• hamptons virtual art fair
• covid 19. the art of isolation/survey 1
• wynwood juried show
• ruled-de-ruled
• premium/art basel season 2019
2019
• wynwood juried show/ fall edition
• prototypes
• orbits
• venice exhibition: form/formless exhivition
• de-quilt
• contemporary focus
• art palm beach international
2018
• wizo miami a brighter world art auction
• icff art fair
• art palm beach international
2017
• wynwood juried show
○ award: 3rd place mix media
• illinois artists – gallery 7 group show juried
• solo show at partizan gallery
• subject matter acid times
• covid 19. the art of isolation survey 2
• hamptons virtual art fair
• covid 19. the art of isolation/survey 1
• wynwood juried show
• ruled-de-ruled
• premium/art basel season 2019
2019
• wynwood juried show/ fall edition
• prototypes
• orbits
• venice exhibition: form/formless exhivition
• de-quilt
• contemporary focus
• art palm beach international
2018
• wizo miami a brighter world art auction
• icff art fair
• art palm beach international
2017
• wynwood juried show
○ award: 3rd place mix media
• illinois artists – gallery 7 group show juried
• solo show at partizan gallery
Experience
Owner of the Inkwell Tattoo / Art studio
Opened 1996 – Present
Sole owner and operator of a tattoo and art studio. Professional graphic artist since 1989.
Education
2002-2004
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville: Master mold making
classes continuing professional classes
1988-1989
Kaskaskia College – Art Classes
Press
