60for60 is proud to present The ACC-ibold Gallery, a collection of artworks created by Andrew Campbell Clarke.
What started as a weekend past time in 2015 has now evolved into a passion project of countless hours, trans-Tasman art supplies and a growing collection of works.
For his 60th birthday, it was Andrew’s dream to host an anonymous exhibition at the Balmain Town Hall. As a temporary solution due to Covid, in honour of this birthday, we present 60 of his finest works to date for you to vote on.
Explore them all and tell us your favourite.
1/60 - Crooked Dock
At first glance you may be imagining Andrew listening to Otis Reading’s Sitting on the Dock, but with a wharf as crooked as that, this could only be a reflection of his time spent as a banker.
2/60 - My Corona
My, my, my, ay, ay, woah! Myyyy Corona. Another isolation special inspired by yours truly .. Covid.
3/60 - Seas the Day
“Seize the days” more like it - this one took a while! Nonetheless, we will all be Carpe DM’ing Andrew for our next artwork. That’s direct messaging for all you oldies not in touch with the social lingo. This stunner of a painting has us wanting to break lockdown rules for a cheeky dip.
4/60 - Jackson West
Well well well, half Jackson Pollock – half John West. This blue pole painting is putting to good use Andrew’s doomsday prepping essentials of canned goods. Quarantine across two countries has caused another pantry disaster worthy of a 60 minute special. Andrew will be cracking a tinny of the fish variety for a few months to come.
5/60 - This is not a Drill
Pencilled in like a mufty day at school, today is a visit to site. This is not a drill (site). Throw on those unworn those steel caps and the company crested hi-vis and PPE because these boots were made for walking (on dirt). Andrew rarely goes to site no matter who he’s working for, but when he does, we sure hear about it. He may not have harnessed the wind but boy we can all agree we are a Fan of this windmill.
6/60 - Down hill from here
Hooley Dooley, strap on the racing suit and clip on the planks because after 60 it is all downhill for Andrew. These days he’s part-time working hard and part-time complaining about working hard. With the law of small numbers, it seems like you’re not working very hard. This is a tribute to Andrews enjoying the fruits of his labour doing a quick pizza and the odd French fry all the way down to retirement.
7/60 - Lagoon or Beach
It is unlikely that Andrew was inspired by Season 2 of Laguna Beach, but this ripper of a painting captures that special place that borders both, land and sea along the Copacabana beach.
8/60 - Wizard of Aus
Woah – we’ve found his stage name. Andrew creating his own spin-off off with this yellow brick wall. With the state of America, lucky we aren’t in Kansas anymore. But if we had to rewrite the plot, it would go a little something like this. After a terrible corona virus hits the world Andrew and his pet Todo list is swept away to the wonderful world of Aus. They follow the yellow brick wall up to the emerald tree and en-route he is visited by his children scarecrow (Simon), Tiny man (Cam), Lionheart (Will) and Dorothy (Rose).
9/60 - Gin and Tonic
Andrew is known to enjoy a gin and tonic after a long day, typically getting the ratio right. Unfortunately for this unlucky recipient they’ve received half the mint tree with it.
10/60 - The Kids
Andrew may say hes not a realist, but by Jove has he painted a spitting image of his offspring in this family tree. If you squint, (from left to right) you have Rose and her 3 two-dimensional brothers. Can you guess which brother is who?
11/60 - Hoops
Hoops, he did it again. This painting is so good its playing with our heart, got lost in the game. Oh baby, baby.
12/60 - Pink Petals
Woah, step aside sunflowers. We’ve got a new Vincent van giving-it-a-Gogh on our hands. These pink petals are ear-risistable.
13/60 - Ugly Duckling
Cleanly shaven face but from neck down this is a dead give-away of another self-portrait. Work etiquette up top and full body Persian Rug is a Clarke trait (not a pretty sight in real life but captured perfectly in this painting). Andrew’s twins are spotted below, as they attempt to milk the benefits of being the babies of the family as long as possible. Can you guess who is the ugly duckling… Rose (right) or Will (left)? This is a lovely gift for Ollies first birthday (if ever finished.)
14/60 - White Rose
Originating from Alaska all the way to Mexico, White Roses are the Symbolism of purity and innocence. Andrew did not intend to capture this at all, he just ran out of red.
15/60 - Dotted Flowers
This painting showing Andrews depth of techniques and colour with overlapping dotted mosaic worthy of Roman Bath Halls.
16/60 - Dry Sand Only
This painting captures another typical day in the life of Andrew, as he avoids getting his toes wet from a safe distance.
17/60 - City for Ants
Even better yet, Andrew often avoids going to the beach at all captured here observing ant like movement across the beach.
18/60 - Beer O’clock
Andrew’s favourite phrase once the sky hits pale peach after a quick dip in the ocean and then into some more hummus dip and crackers… “Half job, don’t forget that beer Will…” he yells.
19/60 - Dancing in the Moonlight
Despite clear lack of dancing ability, Andrews brushwork has danced all over this canvas, capturing the essence of a full moon and giving the wolves amongst us something to howl about.
20/60 - High Fives
What type of tree likes giving high fives?
A Palm Tree
21/60 - Village View
Dedicated to Lou, this painting captures one of her favourite Italian villages.
22/60 - The Hills
Andrew gave us a real glimpse into his dreams with this landscape resembling something worthy of a Dr Seuss book.
23/60 - Red Sky
Andrew gave us a real glimpse into his dreams with this landscape resembling something worthy of a Dr Seuss book.
24/60 - Mountain High
One of Andrews newest pieces capturing his recent adventures across the ditch to his new homeland of Aotearoa
25/60 - Green Room
Hold up, Andrews got a backstage pass to the green room and he didn’t invite us. He should be called Kelly cya-later for dogging the boys on this one. I’m frothing over this barrel, gnarly painting bro.
26/60 - Isolation Movement
This masterpiece captures his son, Campbell’s, movements within his bedroom during isolation as he is in Lockdown in the UK.
27/60 - Bus Seat
Coming from the man who barely takes public transport, this piece can have reference none other than the furry blue bus seats of the mid 2000s. RIP those forever stain hiding seats.
28/60 - 3 Sisters and Granette
Rivaling Australia’s famous rocky three sisters, this painting captures Andrew’s own three sisters (Sue, Jo and David) standing aside their amazing mother known to her grandchildren as Granette. Hold onto that hat grandma.
29/60 - Cracked Screen
Those fortunate enough to not have cracked their screen at some point, well here it is. This smash of colour and bar-codes is a recipe for disaster in the digital age but somehow Andrew has certainly pulled it off here.
30/60 - Self Portrait
This self portrait is accurate in more ways than one. Andrew has extraordinary emotional and intellectual intelligence shown accurately in proportions here. All other proportions are accurate too. Appendix 1 - skinny legs (seen in all kids). Appendix 2- Rear end (seen in just Cam).
31/60 - Das Boot
Step aside New Balance, hello poor man’s Blundstones. In this work, Andrew channels his inner Shawshank, making you question how often you look at a man’s boot. These boots are a testament to Andrew’s hard work and dedication he’s continually shown. Next up, steel-cap boots.
32/60 - Yellow Wattle
Yellow Wattle, let your body waddle. Vote for this old painting and win the lotto.
33/60 - Salt Lake City
Ding dong, after thoroughly enjoying the Book of Mormon musical. Andrew was inspired on his own quest to Salt Lake City. For Elder Clarke, tomorrow was a latter day and this painting showed his love of Orlando.
34/60 - Trip to Ireland
Upon a recent summer roadtrip to Ireland with Will, Andrew promised stunning views and walks along the cliffs of Moher. Unfortunately this is all we saw. Andrew painted this several years prior, he must have seen this coming.
35/60 - Aftermath
Now here’s something we can all relate too. A quick fridge food dinner turns into artistic expression on the bottom of the pan with the dregs of oil, burnt onion and hoisin sauce. Unfortunately for us kids, whenever Andrew is on cooking duty these pan artworks are the real gift to clean up.
36/60 - In Laws
A couple drove down a country road for several miles not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws”
37/60 - Snail Trail
I know what you are thinking with snail trail but keep your head out of the gutter. How about that slime tracking along the foreground which you would not want to step on during the late-night bin run. That has got to be the sequel of The Barefoot Investor. Andrew’s artistic practice is not typically known for his speed painting, but this looks to be breaking out of his shell with this quickie.
38/60 - Desert Island
If you’re stranded on a desert island with Andrew, would you rather? Bring all the food left in his pantry (very dangerous), discuss every single one of his hockey goals all day (mild), have him recite all of his law essays from university (medium).
39/60 - Yellow Wattle
Guess whose back, back again? Really? Yes, Yellow wattle is back and don’t call it a comeback. It’s been here for years. This cracker is worthy of a still life prize.
40/60 - Lazy Sunday
Strap up your laundry bag after a quick prayer to the man above because today is laundry day. A lazy Sunday in the life of Andrew is often filled with the panic over whether he’s got enough socks and undies to last the week. This dreary scene is enough to make the neighbours worried about being cloudy with a chance of meatballs.
41/60 - Streaking
This painting is the only acceptable scenario that the words; Andrew and Streaking should be allowed. This collection of works is enough exposure of Andrew for all of us. Nonetheless, this painting captures the moment a train streaks past you.
42/60 - Dog Leg
This gorgeous path has an uncanny resemblance with one his golf shots. A pull, hook, dog leg left, or whatever you want to call it, it will give Charles Barkley a run for his money. Glad you’ve got painting as a retirement hobby to look forward too.
43/60 - Roses are Red
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Only one man could have painted this,
and his name is Drew.
44/60 - Mow My Lawn
Andrew rarely talks about his rural upbringing in the sticks of Quirindi to Castle Hill. This landscape alludes to memory of working the land. Andrew’s life couldn’t be further from this as he often jokes for someone to mow his non-existent lawn.
45/60 - Mother’s Dresses
This snapshot of history captures ‘Granette’ in her many hats. Over the years, she has always been bold in colour and personality. These are several outfits we have come to love and cheerish as distinctly ‘Granette’ style.
46/60 - Storm Brewing
Just like the silver fox he is, these white caps are not to be messed with. Andrew is often saved from taking out his Malibu by the threat of stormy waves. “Not today” he would say.
47/60 - Cam the Man
After gifting his favourite son with his own middle name, Andrew has glorified Campbell in this painting as he rips through another whitewash, elbow first flicking back his soaked fringe.
48/60 - Surf N Turf
Much like the way Andrew has mixed these colours to capture the beach in this painting, is a metaphor for a debate that divides the nation. Some say the mix is natural to our diet, others say it is breaking one of the 8 unholy rules of Hell’s Kitchen. After declaring to go for a swim Andrew returns dry as a bone, with a bag of king prawns and a leg of lamb declaring it’s a bit choppy out there. After not being able to decide which to eat for lunch, he’ll yell from the kitchen “por que no los dos.” What follows is an 8-hour lunch of Surf n Turf.
49/60 - Cool Dip
Andrew claims that growing up that he was cooler than the other side of the pillow. I mean what is cooler than being cool…. an iced cold dip in the ocean. Would you brave it and go for a dip in this landscape?
50/60 - Lost Glasses
A striking landscape of Thredbo during the peak of winter brings fond memories of Andrew losing his prescription glasses in 6 feat of snow on a trip to Italy. Let’s just say glasses were not the only thing that were lost that day. (Angry emoji)
51/60 - Light and Shadow
One of Andrew’s first paintings to explore concepts of light and shadow was clearly inspired from his challenges with losing his vision. Andrew must have gone to spec-savers for this one. Ripper painting.
52/60 - Shiny, Glimmer, Glamour
The theme of this painting is: Shiny, Glimmer, Glamour. A touch of moon shining off the surface into Andrew’s 20/500 vision. A glimmer of interest to swim (didn’t last long – he doesn’t swim often). And the glamour of him still wearing a rash vest to the beach despite not swimming. This is an outstanding painting, worthy of Andrews vote for Favourite.
53/60 - Will Surfing
There’s a great saying, “If you cant do, teach” that couldn’t be more fitting than this painting. Andrew is often seen yelling advice and tips from the sidelines… “Paddle faster, ahhh.. when will he learn” he mutters.
54/60 - A dollar a dot
Another famous quote of Andrew’s is that he wished he got paid for each dot. We might have to bargain the price of a dot down from a dollar during this time, however a very impressive piece worth hanging.
55/60 - Long Road
The only thing longer than this road is Andrew’s neck. Often describing his kids as a goose for their lack of common sense. I guess we get the last laugh on this one. Back to the point, an outstanding landscape with great depth of field and use of colour and shading!
56/60 - Asian Fusion
Inspired by a trip to Japan in early 2011, Andrew spent the next 5 years mastering Asian cuisine with a little mystery ingredient, XO Sauce. This painting is no different, as Andrew has clearly mastered this Japanese lotus tree.
57/60 - Compare the pear
With retirement on the horizon, the only word to describe Andrew’s future is Super. This still life may be superb, but Andrew clearly has his eyes on his Super fund. We are not comparing apples to apples here; we are talking pears. If we compare the pears, I think Andrew is trying to tell us he should have gone to Industry Super Fund. Well you in luck Andrew, it’s never too late.
58/60 - Piecemeal
If you imagine Andrew you may be thinking; calm, cool and collected. However, after years of observing Andrew, his work is more piecemeal than you might think. Whether it’s this excellent work or a meal from the kitchen, it is all done in a slow and enduring process worth questioning. The end result however is one of masterpiece. This is a true example.
59/60 - Irish Ribbons
If you imagine Andrew you may be thinking; calm, cool and collected. However, after years of observing Andrew, his work is more piecemeal than you might think. Whether it’s this excellent work or a meal from the kitchen, it is all done in a slow and enduring process worth questioning. The end result however is one of masterpiece. This is a true example.
60/60 - Family Portrait
One of Andrew’s earliest works, but a special one nonetheless. This one is secretly a portrait of his 4 kids, in no order of favouritism. On the left we have the triangle bodied Simon, a true reflection of his flat top Afro. Next, Will the tallest and most prominent alpha of the family. Third is Cam, the shorter and broader son. Last we have Rose.