John Clare

About John Clare

Born in Widnes, he spent time in Jamaica and then lectured in Sociology at London University. He has since had an eclectic career in which jazz and psychoanalysis have formed a backdrop to his career as a painter. His work encompasses notions of the self, memory, desire, mourning and loss. He sees painting as being , like music, an emotional language which cannot be translated into words. It is a potential space in which to explore both inner and outer reality. As a psychotherapist he has written on Samuel Beckett and is the author of a book on dreaming and the sociol-cultural world. In 1974 he founded Honest Jon's Records (jazz and black music) now London's longest running record business. On the Boplicity label he reissued albums by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and many others. He now lives on the Welsh borders and has a studio with adjacent gallery. He has also painted for many years in South West France. In 1984, after working with sculptor Michael Werner, he met the eminent painter Basil Beattie, who became a friend, influence and mentor. Clare's work in the 90's with psychoanalyst Christopher Bollas led to a decision to increasingly write and paint as an adjunct to his work as a psychotherapist. Please note prices on the website are for overseas buyers and include shipping and other costs.