Jeff Schardt, a student of painting and sculpture at The Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, graduated in 1983. There he began these clown images. These clowns are portraits of people or situations that I have encountered in my life. Some tell stories; some are just for the portrait sake. I became interested in the clowns for a couple of reasons. First there is really no connection, in my mind, to the circus. They are not your typical clowns, not necessarily ones you would easily approach. Instead I wanted people to look at them and wonder more about their lives, their problems and situations. As an artist I am more interested in the masks that people wear. The walls and shields they hide behind in their everyday world. Why people look and act the way the do. Are they shy, aggressive, passionate, lazy or what? I also like the patterns and colors clowns stereotypically exhibit. I want these pieces to be somewhat confrontational, kind of that New York in your face appeal. At the same time not so strong that you couldn’t have one in the room with you. I have been working on other ideas that will be added in the near future. Until then enjoy these few pieces. If you would like to order one please let me know at the number or E mail on the contact page.