Articles
Destino Mar/09 by Hurst
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOURS RE-VISITED
The 60’s and 70’s were magical times for the arts and humanity in general. There was “revolution in the air” to quote the icon of the times, Bob Dylan. Outmoded ways of thinking and seeing clashed amid the flower-power generation and the old rear guard, determined to keep things the same. New movements were born with new paradigms which hastened in the peace that had eluded America and the world for so long. These were the “baby boomers” that had found their wings to fly above the “old world order” and were inspired to change the way their world had been perceived for so long. And so it was that right in the midst of this radical upheaval three artists met and found a common ground that began the lifelong bond that would span the next 35 to 40 years.
Chris MacClure had just moved to the west coast from Montreal where he’d begun his art career painting scenes of Old Montreal for the tourists. The young MacClure was street-wise but innately intelligent and art was the life-saving choice for the rebel whose checkered background seemed to offer up either a life of crime, not a smart first option, or the alternative; pursuing his passion for drawing and sketching. The cool breezes and dramatic scenery of the west coast was freedom for a weary soul and MacClure took to the wilds like a pioneer. His sketches and paintings of the coast were snapped up on the streets and in the parks where he was learning the fine art of marketing his work.
The west coast was a magnet in those days for the free-spirited individual. Budding artists such as Jonn Einerssen, were determined to find their creative feet there, far from white bread America. Fate and the gods conspire unbeknownst to mere mortals and before long Jonn and Chris found themselves thrown into the heady studio lifestyle of renegade California painter, Loren Adams, whose talent was as awesome as the events which catapulted all of them together. Adams was only 28 at the time but was already a legend in the art business with his symphonic-like seascapes which commanded big bucks and this at a time when art was still considered more craft than fine art. Jonn and Chris both credit Loren with their breakthrough into fine art and the studio for the skill in learning how to survive as an artist.
The studio became a focal point for Chris and Jonn and although they were both cutting their teeth in the art business, their worldliness was mature beyond their years and this brought fantastic energy to the Adams’ studio space. The studio was buzzing 24/7 working with their crazy “mentor”, whose genius was undisputed and by exposing themselves to the lifestyle of the true artist, coupled with philosophical dialogues on art and life, both MacClure and Einerssen managed to exceed even their own expectations with regards to their work and in only a few short years. Not surprisingly, many other artists, including west coast artist Brent Heighton, gravitated to the extraordinary energy generated by the studio atmosphere. Brent was earning his livelihood doing caricatures, after a stint working with Disney, but he wanted to extend into the fine arts. Adams’ reputation was getting well known in the art community and Heighton had always learned from the best. At 23 he was the youngster of the studio but the camaraderie, hours of discussions on everything to do with art and life plus the endless quirky situations and events the studio was famous for would provide him an outstanding foundation for a successful art career.
For several years the waterfront studio was the place on the Coast and with philosophy, laughter, non-stop story telling and magical happenings a daily experience, MacClure, Einerssen and Heighton developed a fast, unbreakable friendship. The studio threesome relied on each other as much as on their own strength to get through the tough years ahead honing their craft.
Paintings, or the works produced are in fact only a by-product of the creative process itself, which involves all aspects in the evolving life of an artist. This is not accomplished or taught in any art school and requires stamina, intuition and persistence in the face of disappointment. There is no social net for artists and basic necessities such as eating and paying the rent require that: 1. the work produced is compelling enough and 2. that there is someone willing to take a gamble and buy the painting. There are no guarantees for artists and the willingness to carry on despite the hardships and frustrations involved mark the journey of all successful artists.
The 3 Amigos learned early on that there was always success in numbers and they banded together often for shows and exhibitions of their work. They loved these “road shows” and did them often over the ensuing 30 years, learning the ropes as they went along. Einerssen eventually created a traveling venue called the The WESTERN LIGHTS, showcasing his work, Heightons’ and several other artists. About this time, MacClure had discovered the Baja and in 1997 he set up his own studio/gallery in Cabo San Lucas. It wasn’t long before Chris had coaxed Jonn and Brent down to have a peek and they too became infatuated with the magic and beauty that is Los Cabos. The 3 buddies now hook up for several months each winter painting, laughing and re-enacting the “studio days” of old.
So it is that 35 years down the road Einerssen, Heighton and MacClure have created The SOUTHERNLIGHTS ARTISTS GROUP to showcase their work here in Los Cabos at resorts, hotels, golf clubs and private functions. The shows are self-contained portable and they usually invite local guest artists such as Cabo painter Fernando Tamés.