Art Therapy

Collector’s Circle artists share their wisdom

What inspired this body of work and what are you inspired by in daily life?
I was inspired to make the film in this show after seeing these little early 1900s comic strips displayed at the Historical Museum of South Florida, which depicted a young couple from up north who purchased land in Miami only to find that it was several feet underneath the Everglades swamp. It was an interesting historical subject and I was immediately surprised by how much it relates to the Miami developers of today. The title "Miamuh" is the turn of the century southern slang for "Miami".

The film recreates this young couple's journey to Miami with the added drama of a surprise hurricane; it’s filmed in the tradition of the early silent slapstick genre. As the hurricane becomes more intense the film and sound quality becomes more deteriorated which then takes the narrative into a more abstract/experimental direction.

In daily life I am inspired by bulk trash furniture, old signs, piers, harbors, deep sea walls, carpenters, dynamite, trees, old people, babies, birds, Americana music, voodoo, healthy food, crazy people, thunderstorms, Universal monsters, etc...

What would you like people to think about when they look at your work?
I have enjoyed making comical films and having a reaction of laughter. But I want to take the viewer to their edge, to a place that is a bit uncomfortable for most, a place dark but beautiful on an emotional/non-intellectual level.

When was the last time you felt that way?
Just this morning I watched the short film "In Absebtia" by the Brothers Quay, with music by Stockhausen.

What are three things you can't live without?
Food, water , love.

Favorite drink?
Seagull Wine

Favorite new album?
Scott Joplin's "Wall Street Rag". Oh wait...that was 1909!

Learn more about Clifton's work at cliftonchildree.com.