Ephemeral Perception: Beverly Claridge

Beverly Claridge expresses a contemporary narrative surrealistic style which embraces both her love of art as story and her strengthening philosophical nature. Earlier forays into narrative displayed a brighter, sunnier, and populist depiction of people, places, and still life as shown in solo exhibitions Oil Change in 2004 and the 2006 Noble People, Treasured Land at Anderson Park in Invercargill.

Influenced by Salvador Dali, the Pre-Raphaelites, and more recently by New Zealand artists Rita Angus, Edward Bullmore, and Kees Bruin, a visionary hyperrealist, her current works delve into considering human pursuit juxtaposed against the eternal,represented in her works by a dark, but dynamic depiction of the universe.

Beverly has been creating art for over 20 years, becoming a full-time artist when she moved to New Zealand in 2001. Before shifting to New Zealand, she founded and directed the Fine Arts Ministry at Central Community Church, a 3,000 member congregation in Wichita, Kansas. She curated two well-received exhibitions during her tenure.

She holds a four-year Bachelors degree in Biology. Beverly has won awards for her coloured pencil and oil works.

Beverly is now heading an artist's initiative in the Great South of New Zealand with the mission of helping make the Great South the best place to create and experience visual arts. To learn more, visit the Great South Professional Artists Association at http://gspaa.webs.com.

Artist Statement

Creating art is what I love and what I must do. My purpose is to produce excellent artwork that is contemplative, provocative, and intelligent. I desire that my work exemplifies the amazement I feel about the ability to create. My hope is to challenge, encourage, and help instill a sense of renewal in the viewer.

The aim for excellence begins with careful planning of each of my narrative compositions. Contemplating the philosophy and feelings I want to evoke, I consider the questions that need to be asked. Which ones do I answer and which do I leave with the viewer to ponder? Although tangents are intuitively explored along the way, the collection of written philosophy, plans, and preliminary drawings comprise a blueprint for each piece.

Each day’s work is a journey of faith to the original concept because of the conscientious application of many layers of paint. I love experiencing the fascination of seeing all my ideas and their tangents become reality on canvas, fulfilling or even exceeding my primary vision.