by Kristin Kirsch Feldkamp
Clyfford Still was intense, dedicated, and driven by motives unsullied by the desire for commercial success. He had a reputation for being prickly and was unwavering when upholding the integrity of his work. But he had a softer side that didn’t inspire the same amount of press. He was a supportive and loving father to two daughters, Diane and Sandra, and the Clyfford Still Museum is fortunate to have countless treasures in the Clyfford Still Archives that give us a glimpse into his relationship with them. For Father’s Day this year we’re highlighting that special father/daughter relationship with audio clips, photos, and memorabilia. Enjoy!
Audio Clips
Excerpts from a 1974 conversation between Still and his younger daughter Sandra. Still and Sandra talk in the car while driving. The topic is primarily encouragement to Sandra and a discussion of artists making work on their own terms and for a higher end goal than money, things, or connections.
Photographs
![A black and white photograph of a man wearing glasses, a hat, and tie crouching down holding a baseball in one hand and a glove in the other and two women, one on either side, holding up baseball gloves](https://clyffordstillmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/baseball-768x621-1-300x243.jpg)
In this 1958 black and white portrait, Diane, Still, and Sandra squat in the parking lot at the artist’s West 23rd Street studio in New York City. Photo: Patricia Still, courtesy the Clyfford Still Archives.
![A photograph of Clyfford Still smiling holding his baby daugther](https://clyffordstillmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/diane.baby_-711x1024-1-208x300.jpg)
In this 1940 black and white portrait, Clyfford Still holds his nine-month-old daughter, Diane, against his chest. Both figures smile widely but Still looks down at his daughter as she looks toward the camera and waves her left hand. Photo: Unknown photographer, courtesy the Clyfford Still Archives.
Memorabilia
![Happy Father's Day from your darling daughter, love and hugs, Sandra card.](https://clyffordstillmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/car.center-e1529090967396-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg)
![Father's Day Card](https://clyffordstillmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/card-e1529090998869-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg)
Father’s Day card from Sandra, date unknown. Sandra, a photographer, hand drew the camera on the card as an extra special touch.