I was born at an early age, just one year before my first birthday. Actually, it was
August, 1945, and World War II ended the next day. So technically I am NOT of the Baby
Boomer Generation. I was named Clarence Blenk, but by the time I was a year old I was
called Chipper, which I have shortened to Chip. I grew up in Eden, New York.
Most of my life was in the technical world. After high school, I earned an Associate
Degree in Construction Technology, and started working in the Engineering Department of
a chemical plant.
In 1966 I was drafted into the Marine Corp, where I attained the rank of Sargeant. After
the Marines, I went back to school and earned my Bachelors in Architectural Engineering.
Much of my working life was in the administration of a maintenance department of a
large manufacturing plant, in Buffalo, New York. I was involved in tracking several hundred
Skilled Trades associates, and their Supervisors, their vacations, overtime, training, etc.
I designed and wrote the computer routines utilized. Thus I had to maintain a highly
technical and detailed work ethic.
After retiring, I started playing with painting. And developed a style and technique of
my own. I work primarily on Canvas board, Hardboard, Plywood, Plexiglas, or Acrylic sheet.
I develop a strong texture with heavy acrylic paint or acrylic caulking, as my mood dictates.
I then add background color, or colors, sometimes in a pattern. I use a large spatula to
project the paint on to the board. As I like to describe it, I choose the color, but the
color chooses where to land.
My concept of Abstract Art evolves around colors. I work with shades of a color or
complements of a color. I DO NOT try for a particular look. After the painting dries I
look at it for a few days turning it 90 degrees occasionally to see what it says. Sometimes,
a painting immediately is seen to reflect a particular scene, such as the ocean, or forest.
I let the painting define what it is, what it appears to be.
Not everyone sees the same thing in a piece of abstract art. The heavy texture adds the
potential to change in appearance as the lighting changes.
As for the Plexiglas or acrylic sheet, I paint on both sides, sometimes framing the
result. Sometimes I use heat to warp and distort the sheet into a three dimensional piece
of art. I have also cut pieces of large clear tubing, forming them into a sculpture.
My main goal in creating my art is to have fun, and let the paint fly!
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