Background
Westermann, Horace Clifford was born on December 11, 1922 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Son of Horace Clifford and Florita Lynd (Bloom) Westermann.
Westermann, Horace Clifford was born on December 11, 1922 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Son of Horace Clifford and Florita Lynd (Bloom) Westermann.
After his discharge, he returned to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1952-1954) and completed his studies in fine art where he worked primarily in painting, transitioning to sculpture in 1954.
His sculptures frequently incorporated traditional carpentry and marquetry techniques. Westermann worked in logging camps as a rail worker in the Pacific Northwest. During World World War II he served as a gunner in the United States. Marine Corps on the aircraft carrier United States Ship Enterprise, witnessing numerous kamikaze attacks and the sinking of several ships.
He toured the Far East as an acrobat with the United Service Organization, and enrolled in The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1947.
In 1950, Westermann re-enlisted in the Marines for service in the Korean War. The psychological effects of his wartime experiences were an underlying theme in his work.
Working as a handyman as a young adult and noticing little interest in quality workmanship on the part of his clients, Westermann took to making objects at home for his own satisfaction. In 1967, he was one of the celebrities featured on the cover of the Beatles" album, Sergeant
Pepper"s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
In one interview, when asked what an object meant, Westermann replied "lieutenant puzzles me too."
He was given a retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1978. Westermann is the subject of Pentimenti Production"s upcoming film, directed by Leslie Buchbinder.
(Book by Westermann, H. C)
Served with United States Marine Corps, 1942-1946, 50-52. Member Artists Equity Association.
Married Joanna May Beall, August 31, 1959.