William Packer

The opening essay, by William Packer, discusses the artist, his training and influences, and his work. This is followed by an Autobiographical Text, in which Schierenberg speaks for himself; and this comes as a breath of fresh air after the convoluted, multi-clause sentences of Packer. Schierenberg speaks naturally and lucidly, and what he has to say is both interesting and informative, he talks of his nomadic childhood, his time in Art College, and offers his thought on painting. Anyone who has attended Art College will immediately identify with his sentiments; and the experience he relates in which he received guidance from Euan Oglow, twenty minutes during one day of his last term at the Slade, is a gem – and very enlightening. The book concludes with a biography; there is no index.

While illustrations of Schierenberg’s work appear throughout the book, pages 45 to 108 are reserved exclusively for colour plates, although mainly portraits there are a few landscapes and other subjects too. There are in excess of 110 illustrations, all in full colour with the exception of a woodblock and a few lino cuts. While some are quite small most are a good size and there are a few full page bleed images; they illustrations include one or two examples of the work of other artists.

Tai-Shan Schierenberg is primarily a portrait painter; a realist, his paintings are big, bold and vital, his wild and free brush strokes coalescing to create a cohesive whole. This is a very attractive and informative book.… (plus d'informations)