This painting, Studio Clutter #2, 12 x 17.5 inches, signed on bottom right, by Jack Beder is a vibrant still-life interior that captures the creative clutter of an artist’s workspace. A notable object of note is the clear jar of sponges that Beder occasionally created with as a technique in his still lives towards the end of his career before he quit the practice for more favourable materials. Stacks of two books and scattered sheets of paper dominate the foreground and background, suggesting historical references, or reference materials. One book on top of the stack has a prominent blue and gold cover that adds a cool accent. Behind the jar, a bundle of paintbrushes is cropped from the scene beside a small carved figure, possibly Indigenous-inspired, introducing a sense of Canadian east-coast cultural or personal history. A mid-century radio sits in the far right corner, perhaps providing the atmosphere and music for inspiration in the studio. Other details in the foreground and background would be a blue-hued tapestry and Beder’s wallet. The overall colour pallet of ochre, yellow, and gold tones creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere somewhere that’s a big part of an artist's world and daily life.

This piece was displayed in our Rookleys exhibition, Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada.