After graduation from a Texas high school in 1942, Clifton joined the
Air Corp and was a radar operator on a B-17 which was equiped for
air/sea rescue in China, India, Burma and the Pacific Theatre of
operations. The visual experiences of his travels inspired him to
pursue a degree in art from North Texas State University with majors in
plastics/metals design and commercial art. He continued with graduate
studies in the art of primative people, science and the use of color
and geometrical analysis.
In 1957 he took advanced courses in design problem solving
with Buckminister Fuller at the Contemporary Institute in Boston. Mr.
Fuller remains a strong influence in Clif's work and in his life. Also,
while working in the Boston area as a designer for Towle Silver
Company, he studied drawing at the Museum of Fine Arts.
His years of studying painting with mentor Otis Dozier at the Museum
of Fine Arts in Dallas resulted in a lifelong friendship with Otis
and his wife, Velma, who is an internationally known metalsmith; and
she continues to provide inspiration for Clif's work and in his
life.
Other work experiences include director of design for Plata Elegante
Silver Company in Monterey, Mexico; aerospace designer, including
the cockpit design of the A-7 aircraft; designer of lamps and
lighting fixtures, decorative home furnishings and multi-faceted
technical and media design. Clif has won awards for both his
sculpture and painting, but resists competition, preferring work and
exploration in many media to constantly create something new. He
refuses to be limited by any materials or to be bound to any style,
fashion or ism.
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"Nature is going to be what she is. An unending visual display,
unexpected power, surprise happenings and abrupt changes stimulate
me to make a response to nature. An unending flow of new information
including works of other artists, writers, the incredible sounds of
music and the revelations of science add to the inner urge to
respond by creating something new. As I respond through painting and
sculpture, I find out more . . . and the more I find out, the more I
respond."
Clifton Barr can be contacted at 830-456-8911 or a message can be left
for him at 830-997-4949 to inquire about his art and to obtain a
list of his paintings and metal sculptures that are currently
available for sale.
