Con Slack
A Life in Wood& Color
Master craftsman, abstract artist, and local legend. Six decades of creating beauty from timber and canvas.
Con M. Slack
Self-taught, inspired by the boundaries of the canvas
In the golden years of American illustration, a young Con Slack made his way to San Diego and began his journey as an artist. He did odd jobs, painted signs and eventually became a master woodworker and abstract artist.
Con always balanced his love of playful characters and color with his love of craftsmanship. He put oil on canvas only after studying his subjects, filling thousands of pages of notebooks with his visions. Conversely, he could whip up a disney-inspired birthday card in a couple of minutes and was just as happy to put his name to it.
Childhood
Due to Con's poor eyesight, he was largely self-taught, learning to draw from feel and touch. He attributes his blurry vision to his love of drawing in abstract shapes and colors.
Early Training
Was short-listed by the University of Chicago for his art, and was offered a scholarship to study under Norman Rockwell but couldn't afford the tuition or supplies.
California Dreaming
Moved to California, and began working as a sign painter and handy man. Began exploring abstract and surrealism styles but mostly focused on his cartoonist style.
San Diego Legend
Established his workshop in San Diego, where he continues to create pieces that grace family walls andprivate collections throughout California.
"Life should not be a journey to the grave, with the intention of arriving softly, in an attractive preserved body and mind. But rather, to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'Whata ride!'"
— Con Slack
The Collection
A selection of works spanning six decades of artistic exploration in wood and paint.