Clifton A. Birjou
The genius of his work is merely an expression of the many years he has spent perfecting his technique. His paintings tell a story to each individual like a well crafted poem. His philosophy is simple – talent can never replace hard work. The gift of creativity is impressive for a time but nurtured by dedication it will be remembered for all time.
A Trinbagonian born self-taught artist, he has never clung to the ideology of pursuing formal training in art since it is his perception that, what is learnt within a mould sets constraints on the infinite imagination and progression of creativity.
At the age of nineteen Cliff A. Birjou hosted his first solo exhibition and has since exhibited in New York, Germany and Ecuador. For the past ten years he has been engrossed in works of private commission and is now offering his most recent collections to the public. Birjou’s initial choice of medium was watercolour. His painting method consisted of a variety of watercolour techniques including value, intensity to dry on dry to overpainting depending on the purpose of the piece. Birjou explains that he can feel the movement of the paint under brush as he constructs intricate tapestry of lines comparative to Peter Paul Rubens and Rembrandt for their very detailed choice of technique and Van Gogh for his passionate use of colour simultaneously promoting a unique spirituality beyond comparison. Though he now specializes in oils on canvas, the artist also focuses on portraits, murals and pottery embellishment.
What is fascinating about this artist is that his artistic inspiration was realized at the tender age of five. Birjou the child, utilized shoe polish, toothpaste, food colouring and a toothbrush in an effort to appease his burning imagination and desire to create. The artist sympathizes with this memory as he recalls the shoe polish melting in our tropical mid day sun. In essence, this seemingly misfortunate handicap only served as a tool to sharpen his creativity for in later years rare pieces were thereafter created with paint and a butter knife. His vision overcame the impossible and finally, the era of oils on canvas encompasses the artist’s present journey. It is here that we can understand, appreciate and relish the works of a master.
Contact:
cliffabirjou@hotmail.com
salishabirjou@hotmail.com
homepage:www.freewebs.com/cliffabirjou
