Born in Oxfordshire, England in 1946, Richard Calver discovered at a young age that his artistic abilities were a way to distinguish himself from his peers, however it would not be until many years later that he would pursue a career in art. Calver immigrated to Canada when he was nineteen, settling in Quadra, B.C. It was in Quadra that he met renowned print maker Sybil Andrews, a turning point in his personal and artistic life. Inspired and encouraged by Andrews, Calver dedicated himself to his art, becoming a student of Andrews at age thirty-five. Under Andrews’ guidance, Calver learned the technique of the linocut, developing his own style.
Natural forms are the foundation of many of Richard Calver’s striking prints. As an avid gardener, botanical images are favourite subjects. The effect of movement, achieved through the use of strong diagonals and undulating lines, is also an important component in his stylized, and often symbolic compositions. Linocut prints are created through a laborious process, with colours printed individually and each composition potentially printed from as many as four or five perfectly-aligned blocks, a complex print potentially taking an entire day to complete. This intensive process results in a series of work where each print is truly unique, with distinctive colours and textures. Richard Calver continues to live and work from his home on Quadra Island and is represented by galleries across Canada and the United States.
