Sparring in the the Dark: The Art and Life of Maine Painter Henry Strater

"There is a wonderful feeling when you finish a painting, especially if its good. It’s like drinking a whole bottle of champagne. You’ve accomplished something. You’re not a complete failure in art, and you’ve given something to the world in a sense to pay for being here. I have a feeling of accomplishment that is more exciting than anything else in life."

Henry Strater

Book cost: $26.95

  

Synopsis

The painter Henry Strater (1896–1987) led an existence that inspired novels such as Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise and Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. A life of over nine decades brought him into direct contact with many of the most significant artists, writers, and momentous events of the twentieth century. During the 1920s–40s, Strater’s art received the widespread critical recognition he desired, and he became an integral part of Maine’s renowned Ogunquit art colony. In 1953, he realized his dream of founding the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and establishing an impressive twentieth-century permanent collection. Despite his achievements, Strater was beset by feelings of inferiority and self-doubt, resulting in imaginary opponents conspiring to diminish his standing in American art. In truth, Strater was “sparring in the dark” with nonexistent adversaries. And so this is a narrative not only of Strater’s successes, but of the consequential uncertainties that adversely shaped his life and his art.

Reviews

Michael Culver’s engaging and exquisitely researched biography chronicles the life of Henry Strater and his ongoing legacy as an artist, philanthropist, and founder of the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.  Strater’s story—sometimes infuriating, always fascinating—spans continents and decades, from his early life in Louisville, Kentucky to his experiences as an ex-patriot in Europe to his later days on the American art scene. Culver’s elucidating narrative, intertwined with Strater’s friendships with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, Ernest Hemingway, Gaston Lachaise, Reginald Marsh, and numerous other literary and artistic luminaries of the 20th century makes for compelling reading.

Bridget Moore, president, DC Moore Gallery, New York City


In his incisive biography of Maine painter Henry Strater, art historian Michael Culver offers an honest and compelling portrait of a troubled artist who “loved his art above all else.” An avid boxer and fisherman, Strater founded the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, a jewel in the crown of Maine art venues. Culver presents a lively tale with walk-ons by a who’s who of twentieth century cultural icons, among them Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edouard Vuillard, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein. Of revelation to this reader: Strater’s inspired paintings of the Southwest in which he sought to represent “the spirit of the land.” Kudos to Culver for rescuing this memorable member of the “Lost Generation.”

Carl Little, author of Edward Hopper’s New England

Henry Strater c.1930.
Courtesy Estate of Henry Strater

About the Author

Michael Culver has a PhD in art history and humanities from the University of Louisville. A Fulbright-Hays grantee, Culver’s writings on art and literature have been published in the U.S. and in England. For over three decades, Culver served as director and curator at museums in Maine, Florida, and New Hampshire. He is currently a museum consultant and independent curator. Culver also continues his long career as an exhibiting painter and photographer whose works are found in both private and public collections.

For inquiries about Sparring in the Dark, including speaking invitations and book signings, you can e-mail Culver directly at Culverpj@aol.com


Henry Strater, On the Terrace, 1928, oil on canvas, 19 ¼ x 24 ¾ inches
Estate of Henry Strater, 1988.1.80, Courtesy of the Ogunquit Museum of American Art

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