Today we’d like to introduce you to Clark Creamer.
Hi Clark, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Jacksonville and raised in Green Cove Springs. After High School, I joined the military and spent most of my time in Japan. I had always been drawn to ink and lines– comics and anime. Japan was a wonderful place to learn more about underground comics. There, I began a correspondence with award-winning comic creator Bob Burden. Upon returning to civilian life, I accepted an assistant position with Burden during his Flaming Carrot comic era. Under Burden’s mentorship, my skills in line work and details became strengths in forming the direction of my work in fine art. I had the great opportunity to connect and collaborate with some of the best artists in Jacksonville. It’s been a 20-year journey in learning the ins and outs of creativity and business. These days, my wife, artist Kim Barry, and I have two ventures, Duval Crest and SixThreeFouRjax. Duval Crest is a brand designed for all who participate in the 904 experience. I created this Duval (family) Crest during COVID-19 when everyone felt isolated and, in some cases, rejected. It launched 2 years ago. We have had such a great response. So many legendary local gems have embraced it, and we are grateful to create true local connection and joy for our home city- and jobs! Local pros do all screenprinting. SixthreeFouRjax was the vision of my wife. She has been doing pop-up experimental, self-funded art spaces since 2010. SixThreeFouR specifically began in Pittsburgh at her family’s historical home in 2018 and has morphed into our umbrella studio for all our projects. We are grateful to navigate a creative lifestyle together in our favorite city.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Considering I am a Gen X, self-funded artist here today, assume challenges and stubbles always! Ha! But I have come to learn that situations we perceive as struggles are growing pains to hone in on what one truly wants in life. Furthermore, Nothing is more attacked than someone attempting to live out their dream. Things go sideways, and people can get weird. But commitment and perseverance are my superpowers when it seems doubt and defeat are winning. Once I got accustomed to recognizing and jumping over the hurdles, I improved , and life improved; the more significant the hurdle, the bigger the reward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers, who might need to be more familiar with your work?
I have experimented with more than a few varieties, but capturing lines and details from landscapes, architecture, and comics has become a strength in setting my work apart. I have three series- Vintage Florida Postcards, SuperHeroes, and Bold Cityscapes. Being a natural collaborator, I am most passionate about the Bold Cityscapes. When my wife first returned to Jacksonville in 2021, we reconnected and began working on what we hoped would become the imaginative future of what is possible for Jax and beyond. Using her skills of blending forms and color and my detailing and line work, we have created close to 40 original pieces. The style tends to lean towards Art Deco meets Futurism meets 1980s Miami Color Palette. It’s fun!
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
Being a part of the art crowd meant everything to me when I was younger. I loved the interaction and inspiring ideas that flowed, but sometimes, an unexpected effect developed. Groupthink is the Russian Roulette for individual thought, perspective, and expression. When influenced by voices less about goodwill than power, it can stifle someone’s instincts to try something new. Though I have so many fond memories, as many of us do from the early 2000s, it has been an unexpected gift to take all those beautiful seeds and plant them in a quiet space where my head can think and build confidence to take risks. And what is art if there is no risk? I appreciate that these days. Co-creating is a buzzword these days. The word excites people into feeling a sense of immediate support for one’s reasons for being there. But it is a precarious thing when people have different incentives. That is a great environment if you need to learn skills and love to be around people. Sometimes, when growing something new, quiet spaces are required.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clarkcreamerfineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixthreefourjax/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clark.creamer
- Other: www.duvalcrest.com
Image Credits
Kim Barry
