Jackson Pollock

Convergence by Jackson Pollock, 1952 Image via wikipaintings.org

"When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It is only after a sort of get-acquainted period that I see what I have been about. I have no fears about making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well."
– Jackson Pollock

Happy Birthday Jackson Pollock!

In honor of Jackson Pollock's birthday today, here are a few interesting facts about the famous abstract expressionist artist:

• Born in Cody, Wyoming, he lived from 1912 to 1956.
• He was a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement.

• He is famous for his action paintings where he dripped, poured, and splattered paint.
• His real first name is Paul. He changed it to his middle name Jackson when he moved to New York in 1930.
• The “drips” paintings from 1947 to 1952 are often considered milestones of contemporary art.
• Falling in love with and marrying artist Lee Krasner gave Jackson Pollock more stability and happiness.
• In 1945, Pollock and his wife moved to rural Long Island, where he worked in an unheated barn beside his farmhouse.
• Pollock began titling his later works with numbers because “numbers are neutral. They force people to look at the picture for what it is — pure painting.”
• Pollock’s process was not all physical, he spent hours considering the canvas at his feet before setting his paint in motion.
• During his lifetime, Pollock never sold a painting for more than $10,000.
• His painting Number 5, created in 1948 sold for $140 million in 2006.
• His nickname was Jack the Dripper because he literally dripped paint onto his canvas to create unique, intricate pieces.

Want to learn more about Jackson Pollock and his work? Check out our Jackson Pollock Pinterest board.