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1912 - 2003

Gordon Onslow Ford

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An English and American artist, theorist, author of several art history books. Born into the family of famous artists, Gordon Onslow Ford soon showed his talent in art; despite the fact that his parents chose for him the profession of a naval officer, he managed to become one of the main representatives of Surrealism in Europe and the USA.

The artist created unique canvases based on his extraordinary vision of the world, which he himself called “inner realism”. The main aim of Ford’s life and art was the reinterpretation of reality and the ability to “see the world again” in accordance with his consciousness, and not with generally accepted norms. The artist’s paintings, which are an interweaving of sinuous lines and a cluster of complex organic forms, separated by luminous spaces, create the impression of amazing and colorful visions. Their multi-layered patterns attract with their decorative, optimistic and spiritual depth, originating in the psychological teachings of Carl Jung, Zen Buddhism and his own metaphysical and aesthetic theories.

The artist is famous for not only his paintings, but also for his scientific works that had a great influence on the development of contemporary US art. To support artists who appeal to the subconscious in their work, Onslow Ford founded the non-profit organization Lucid Art Foundation, which still exists.

Key ideas:

– The main method of Ford’s painting was automatic writing, which implied complete immersion in one’s own subconscious, similar to meditation. The artist believed that only in this state he had full access to his real personality and inner world and could expand the boundaries of his perception.

– The artist created a theory about the meaning of primary elements in painting. Onslow Ford considered line, circle and point to be the elements, on which fine art itself is based. With their help, he created bizarre patterns of his dreams and fantasies on the canvas.

– Unlike many Surrealists, whose works were based on the theory of Freud’s dreams, the artist was more interested in the teachings of Carl Jung on the Collective unconscious. The theme of his work is based on the archetypical, non-representative aspects of consciousness. In his works, Onslow Ford tried to not only express his personal worldview, but also to convey the experience accumulated by mankind over the centuries and preserved at the genetic level.

– The artist paid much attention to scientific and historical research. Together with his colleague and friend Wolfgang Paalen, he participated in many expeditions dedicated to the study of ancient Indian cultures. The authentic art of the ancient inhabitants of Central America, the bright colors of their sculptures and the geometric patterns of ceramics influenced Ford Onslow’s painting style.

– Onslow Ford became interested in Chinese calligraphy and the teachings of Zen Buddhism. He was inspired by meeting famous Asian master Hodo Tobasa, who helped him discover Asian philosophy, its meditation technique, which can help one reach unprecedented heights in the study of the depths of Reason.

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1912

1926

1937

1938

1941

1942

1947

1957

1964

1978

1998

2003

The artist was born

Gordon Onslow Ford was born into a family of painters. His uncle and father painted; his grandfather, Edward Onslow Ford, was a famous Victorian sculptor. The boy was interested in painting and had painting skills. At the age of 11 he started painting portraits and landscapes under the guidance of his uncle.

The study at the Naval Academy in Dartmouth

After the death of his father, Gordon’s relatives sent him to study at the Naval Academy in Dartmouth. During his studies and short service in the fleet as an assistant navigator, he painted the starry sky and seascapes, and also created several self-portraits. Sea open spaces and travel had a great influence on the work of Onslow Ford.

Moved to Paris

He resigned and moved to Paris to devote himself to painting. Onslow Ford became a student of famous Cubist representative Fernand Leger. His stay in the capital of France opened up completely new painting opportunities for the artist. He got to know modern art movements and many avant-garde painters, including Roberto Matt, who became his close friend.

He met Andre Breton

He met Andre Breton and Surrealist painters. Onslow Ford supported the ideas of this art movement and became an official member of the group of surrealists in Paris. The artist participated in weekly meetings and joint exhibitions of the group.

He moved to the USA

When the Second World War began, he moved to the USA, where he joined the group of New York Surrealists. At the invitation of the Community of the Preservation of European Culture, Onslow Ford lectured on contemporary art at educational institutions in New York. Among his listeners, there were many young American painters, who later founded Abstract Expressionism. In the same year, the artist married Jacqueline Johnson and moved to Mexico.

Onslow Ford and Johnson settled in Erongarikuaro

Onslow Ford and Johnson settled in Erongarikuaro, a small Native American village located on the shore of the beautiful Lake Patzcuaro. The artist restored the abandoned hacienda called “The Mill”, where he and his wife lived for six years. Their frequent guests were their friends: Wolfgang Paalen, Remedios Varo, Roberto Matta and others. Onslow Ford studied the way of life of the Indians and participated in some ceremonies.

The artist moved to California

The artist moved to California, choosing the San Francisco Bay Area. He rented a ferry called Vallejo, on which he organized a traveling art studio. This ferry became a kind of cultural center, where many young artists worked.

He built a house with a large studio

Onslow Ford acquired a large amount of land covered with virgin forests in the hills of Inverness, California. He built a house with a large studio there, and also allowed other artists to build their houses there. This is how the art colony of the Episcopal Pine Reserve, which still exists today, appeared.

Painting in an Instant

Ford’s first book, Painting in an Instant, was published; it revealed the basics of art through the philosophical concept of Zen Buddhism. The second book called “Creation” was also devoted to the visual arts.

The large retrospective exhibition

A large retrospective exhibition of the artist passed at the Museum of California. After it passed, Onslow Ford began to lead a solitary life in his estate in Inverness.

Together with Bogzaran and the Robert Anthoine, he organized the Lucid Art Foundation

Together with Bogzaran and the Robert Anthoine, he organized the Lucid Art Foundation, which studied the relationship between human consciousness, art and nature. The organization is engaged in the development of modern art, holding art exhibitions, publications and seminars.