CLEM PELTIER
BEHIND THE CANVAS
Ataraxia, Diptych 2 x 70x90 cm, Oil on canvas
Photo: Philippe Vernaeve
Photo: Philippe Vernaeve
Following passions
For as far as I remember, I've always been expressing my creativity. My mother played an important role herein, always stimulating and supporting me. As a youth I was involved in several disciplines: painting, music, photography, film and acting. But, early on, I chose to invest myself fully in painting, because it was my true calling. I went to an arts college, which is something I can recommend to every young artist, because it is an efficient way to learn a lot of techniques, discover other disciplines - stimulating exchanges, and creates a healthy pressure that challenges you to push your limits, improve your technical skills and eventually find your own style.
In 1970 I had my first exhibition at a gallery and launched myself as a ‘professional’ artist. I was fortunate to win a couple of prestigious awards early in my career: the Grand Prix of Expressionism in New York and the Grand Prix d’Ete in Nice, both of them in 1971. Today, winning awards has less impact on me, but in those difficult early days, that kind of recognition of my talent, convinced me I had chosen the right life path and strengthened my resolve to continue working intensively. Participating in contests is a good idea, especially for beginning artists.
For as far as I remember, I've always been expressing my creativity. My mother played an important role herein, always stimulating and supporting me. As a youth I was involved in several disciplines: painting, music, photography, film and acting. But, early on, I chose to invest myself fully in painting, because it was my true calling. I went to an arts college, which is something I can recommend to every young artist, because it is an efficient way to learn a lot of techniques, discover other disciplines - stimulating exchanges, and creates a healthy pressure that challenges you to push your limits, improve your technical skills and eventually find your own style.
In 1970 I had my first exhibition at a gallery and launched myself as a ‘professional’ artist. I was fortunate to win a couple of prestigious awards early in my career: the Grand Prix of Expressionism in New York and the Grand Prix d’Ete in Nice, both of them in 1971. Today, winning awards has less impact on me, but in those difficult early days, that kind of recognition of my talent, convinced me I had chosen the right life path and strengthened my resolve to continue working intensively. Participating in contests is a good idea, especially for beginning artists.
Spring 2010
ARTISTS IN THE ABBEY
Inauguration: Friday April 9th 7pm
Exhibition: April 10th-25th
Venue: Abdij van Dieleghem
Tiebackxstraat 14
1090 Brussels
more
ARTISTS IN THE ABBEY
Inauguration: Friday April 9th 7pm
Exhibition: April 10th-25th
Venue: Abdij van Dieleghem
Tiebackxstraat 14
1090 Brussels
more
Philotes (tenderness), 130x90 cm, Oil on canvas
Photo: Philippe Vernaeve
Photo: Philippe Vernaeve
Teaching
Besides my career as an artist, I had one as a lecturer. Teaching, enabling and stimulating young people to find their calling is in my opinion the most beautiful job there is. I tought advertising and art techniques, but besides teaching them knowledge and techniques, you also pass along plenty of life experience and values. As with my own children, I tried to stimulate my students to develop a more critical mind, more solidarity, a wider perspective, the desire to always discover new things and push their limits, and the love for books and voyages.
Besides my career as an artist, I had one as a lecturer. Teaching, enabling and stimulating young people to find their calling is in my opinion the most beautiful job there is. I tought advertising and art techniques, but besides teaching them knowledge and techniques, you also pass along plenty of life experience and values. As with my own children, I tried to stimulate my students to develop a more critical mind, more solidarity, a wider perspective, the desire to always discover new things and push their limits, and the love for books and voyages.
Moros (fate), 130x90 cm, Oil on canvas
Photo: Philippe Vernaeve
Photo: Philippe Vernaeve
Reading and traveling
Reading and traveling both confront you with alternative truths, that compel you to question yourself, to change established assumptions, to push existing limits, allowing you to further grow as a person.
Traveling has always been my first priority, also in terms of the household budget. That's how I managed to see a large part of the world. Asia will always be on top of my favorite destinations list. The discovery of great civilizations as the Indian and the Chinese, and see for oneself how traditions still influence people's lives today, is a true enrichment. Before I leave, I always try to know as much as possible about the culture of each region, their history, religions, art, customs, etc. It makes conversations with locals all the more interesting.
Reading is like a second nature to me. It is a bare necessity, just like eating or drinking. Reading books of great writers and philosophers, brings them into your living room. It almost feels like you're having a conversation with them. I'm convinced that somebody that likes to read, can never be bored. I take notes, compare hypotheses and reflect on them. It is a self-feeding process.
Reading and traveling both confront you with alternative truths, that compel you to question yourself, to change established assumptions, to push existing limits, allowing you to further grow as a person.
Traveling has always been my first priority, also in terms of the household budget. That's how I managed to see a large part of the world. Asia will always be on top of my favorite destinations list. The discovery of great civilizations as the Indian and the Chinese, and see for oneself how traditions still influence people's lives today, is a true enrichment. Before I leave, I always try to know as much as possible about the culture of each region, their history, religions, art, customs, etc. It makes conversations with locals all the more interesting.
Reading is like a second nature to me. It is a bare necessity, just like eating or drinking. Reading books of great writers and philosophers, brings them into your living room. It almost feels like you're having a conversation with them. I'm convinced that somebody that likes to read, can never be bored. I take notes, compare hypotheses and reflect on them. It is a self-feeding process.
2010 Clem Peltier All Rights Reserved