Still Life with Flowers, 1923-4
Preston Dickinson (1889-1930) grew up in New York, the son of an amateur painter. While working as an office boy in a marine architect’s firm, his sketches caught the attention of one of the firm’s partners. So impressed by the work of the young boy, the man decided to fund his education in the arts in New York and Paris — kickstarting Dickinson’s career as an artist. Throughout his life, Dickinson traveled extensively, seeking inspiration everywhere from Cubism in Paris to Japanese ukiyo-e. Known to be a bit of a loner, he supported himself by selling socks door-to-door. Dickinson devoted his life to travel and art until his death from pneumonia in Spain at the age of 41. Today, Dickinson’s work can be found in major museums across the country, where he is hailed for his unique contributions to Modernism.
