Oral history interview with Russell Chatham [electronic resource], 1990

Scope and Contents

SIDE A: Initial experiences with art; childhood: family, parents' occupations; education: art classes; first experiences with oil paints; drawing: drawing sessions; becoming an 'professional artist'; education at a junior college; early struggles with work; first marriage; influence of friends and colleagues; mentors and role models; discouragements in early career; discussion of painting materials: oil paints, printmaking; choosing to devote full-time to painting; relationship to artists' organizations: thoughts on unionization of artists. SIDE B: First professional recognition; artistic peers; thoughts on occupation versus career; work as writer; moving to Montana; patterns/periods in artistic work; barriers/setbacks in career; thoughts on success in the arts; major turning points in career: Tom McGuane; relationship to finances throughout career; costs of supporting yourself as an artist; thoughts on physical location and work space; interactions with public; criteria for success; ideas/themes in work: landscapes; critical review of work; opportunity to paint for the White House: George Bush; major frustrations in career; effect of marketplace on work; changes in materials during career: cadmium paints; advice for young artists.

Subjects

• Chatham, Russell--Interviews.
• Greeley, Mary, interviewer.
• Interviews.
• Oral histories.
• Painters--Interviews.

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York.