No. 14

A Life Painted Across Landscapes and Abstraction

Hassel Smith, a name perhaps less immediately recognizable than some of his Abstract Expressionist contemporaries, nevertheless occupies a pivotal position in the narrative of West Coast art. Born in 1915 in Sturgis, Michigan, his life was one of constant relocation during his formative years, dictated by his mother’s health. These early movements – between Michigan and the burgeoning artistic landscapes of the California coast – instilled within him a sense of displacement that perhaps fueled a lifelong exploration of place and identity through paint. He wasn't simply *passing through* locations; he was absorbing them, internalizing their atmospheres, and later translating those experiences onto canvas with remarkable sensitivity. Even as a young man, Smith demonstrated an adventurous spirit, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at fifteen and maintaining a deep connection to the outdoors throughout his life – a reverence for nature that would subtly permeate much of his work, even during his most abstract periods. His academic path initially led him towards chemistry at Northwestern University, but a transformative encounter with the vibrant art scene of 1930s Chicago—the Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo and the dazzling displays at the World’s Fair—redirected his focus toward the humanities, culminating in degrees in Art History and English Literature.

Formative Years and West Coast Influences

The decision to pursue art led Smith to the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute) where he came under the mentorship of Maurice Sterne. This relationship proved crucial, providing a foundation in modernist principles and an understanding of the fundamental challenges of translating observed reality into compelling two-dimensional forms. It was during this period that Smith also became deeply engaged with social issues, working amongst marginalized communities on Skid Row in San Francisco and becoming involved in left-wing politics. These experiences instilled within him a sense of empathy and a commitment to representing the human condition – themes that would surface intermittently throughout his career. A Rosenberg Fellowship allowed him to immerse himself in the landscapes of Northern California’s Mother Lode region, painting *en plein air* with a focus on both townscapes and natural vistas. However, the outbreak of World War II interrupted this trajectory, leading Smith to alternative service as a timber scaler and camp supervisor – experiences that, while seemingly removed from the art world, undoubtedly shaped his perspective and informed his later work through their grounding in physical labor and observation of the American landscape. It was during this time he met and married June Meyers, beginning a family life that would continue alongside his artistic pursuits.

A Crucible of Innovation: CSFA and Beyond

The post-war years saw Smith return to teaching at the California School of Fine Arts, becoming a central figure in a remarkably fertile artistic environment. Alongside colleagues like Clyfford Still, Ed Corbett, David Park, Richard Diebenkorn, and Frank Lobdell, he fostered a spirit of experimentation and intellectual rigor. The 1947 exhibition of Clyfford Still’s work at the Palace of the Legion of Honor proved particularly pivotal, profoundly influencing Smith's artistic direction and prompting his shift towards abstraction. This wasn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it was a fundamental re-evaluation of what painting could *be* – a move away from representation toward exploring pure form, color, and texture. The years spent in an apple orchard outside Sebastopol, Sonoma County, during the 1950s and early 60s were particularly productive, yielding works that critic Allan Temko dubbed the “thunderbolt period.” These paintings had a significant impact on artists across the West Coast, establishing Smith as a leading voice in the burgeoning Abstract Expressionist movement. His inclusion in exhibitions at Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles – alongside figures like Peter Voulkos and John Altoon – further cemented his influence, extending his reach to Southern California’s vibrant art scene.

Transatlantic Shifts and Late-Career Flourishing

Smith's artistic journey wasn’t confined by geographical boundaries. A move to Mousehole in Cornwall, England, in 1962-63 provided a new visual vocabulary and a period of reflection. Later, accepting a tenured position at the Royal West of England Academy of Art in Bristol in 1966 marked a permanent relocation across the Atlantic. While teaching, he continued to evolve his style, moving from abstract expressionism towards “measured paintings” – hard-edged compositions that explored geometric forms and precise color relationships. He periodically returned to the West Coast as a guest professor, maintaining connections with artists at UC Davis and SFAI. Retirement in 1980 allowed him to dedicate himself fully to painting once more, residing in an eighteenth-century rectory in North Somerset. The final years of his life were marked by a prolific output and further stylistic shifts, incorporating elements of gestural abstraction. Despite facing illness in the late 1990s, Smith continued to create until shortly before his death in 2007. His legacy lies not only in the striking visual power of his paintings but also in his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration and his profound influence on generations of artists. Hassel Smith’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of abstraction, the importance of place, and the transformative potential of art.

• Influences: Maurice Sterne, Clyfford Still, Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo, European Modernists (Van Gogh, Cezanne, Mondrian).
• Key Movements: Abstract Expressionism, Post-Impressionism, Hard-Edge Painting.
• Major Themes: Landscape, abstraction, the human condition, social commentary, musicality (jazz).