The extraordinary
Eyvind Earle lived “The Artist’s Life” to its truest perfection and fulfillment.
He was born to two creative nurturing parents. His mother a classical pianist
and his father a painter that studied with some of the most respected artists
of his time (most notably the champion Bouguereau.) It is not to say that Earle
did not have set backs. As a child polio caused a life-long deformation of his
mouth making it difficult for him to smile. But in spite of his affliction he
became perhaps more focused and remained true to his calling in a most
ambitious and dedicated way. In turn he would bring countless unconditional smiles
to the many within the span of his creative journey through life.
He studied
continually as he practiced his craft while traveling across country on his
bicycle looking for subjects and inspiration. Earle also had the desire to make
money from his work and was able to do so first with greeting cards and later
to a far greater extent as a background painter for several Hollywood studios
including United Artists and Disney. He was featured as the sole credited background
artist for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (something no other artist of yet has achieved.)
The Sleeping Beauty paintings distinctive look of detailed verticality was
influenced largely from medieval paintings and tapestries. He also contributed
to “Lady and the Tramp,” “The Legend of Paul Bunyan,” and others. Earle would
go on to opening his own production company where he garnished a number of
commercial clients; Chrysler, Kellogg, Marlboro and he even created one of
Universal Studios most intriguing animated logos.
Eyvind Earle
was always able to attract attention as a commercial artist. He returned to
greeting cards several times over both on his on and for hire. There are collections
devoted exclusively to his greeting cards. It would be within the refinement of
fine art that Earle would find his greatest achievements. He would eventually come
to work exclusively as a fine artist. He had realized early on that he had the ability
to sell his marvelous paintings. This he used to great advantage. As his
clientele’s scope grew and the polished works of his imagination became that of
a world class nature; he prospered. Earle became a man and artist of tremendous
success. He was particularly admired in Japan and the Asian influence along
with a personal aesthetic and sensibility were actually very Japanese. It is
much evident in his late work. Earle and Hiroshige surrogate brothers in craft
and spirit.
The works of
Eyvind Earl are among a select group of artists that lead the viewer to a
deeper, richer view of the world, life and the self. There is clarity within his
art that transcends the physical. When viewing and experiencing Earle’s work
there is a true feeling of the elevation of the spirit, of the heart. There is
the union of both vision and mind coming together in a way truly unique, a Zen most
sublime.
