Terry Klausman (b.1964)
Meteoric, 2018
Materials: Prismacolor pencil on Arches paper, 30” x 22”
Location at Summa Health:
Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, Second Floor, Hallway Outside Patient Rooms H2-303 and H2-304
About the Art and Artist
At first glance, Meteoric might appear to be a painting or print, but a closer look reveals the meticulous precision of Terry Klausman’s drawing technique. Using Prismacolor pencil, Klausman achieves a near-uniformity of color and texture, skillfully blending hues of green, blue, and purple into a seamless composition. His technique, developed through years of practice, highlights both control and precision while maintaining an organic, hand-drawn quality.
In this piece, Klausman presents 11 meteor-like orbs descending diagonally through a fragmented mesh, resembling fabric fraying at the edges. This intricate web, constructed from overlapping, stitch-like lines, evokes both delicacy and strength. The genesis of this unique texture traces back to a pivotal moment in the artist’s life; a welding accident that injured his right hand. Forced to adapt by drawing with his left hand, Klausman embraced the less controlled, quavering quality of his new line work. Even after regaining use of his dominant hand, he continued to incorporate this characteristic, meticulously rendering each “stitch” with a fine, sharpened pencil.
Klausman’s evolving body of work extends beyond drawing, as he expands his signature stitch motif into bold, geometric compositions. His methodical approach results in compositions that, despite their mechanical appearance, are entirely hand-drawn. In Meteoric, the use of white pencil against black paper creates a striking metallic effect, further emphasizing the dualities present in his work, precision versus spontaneity, order versus chaos, fragility versus resilience.
His art invites close examination, revealing an astonishing level of detail. The texture he creates can suggest anything from woven grasses to barbed wire, shifting meaning depending on form and context. Through relentless repetition and variation, Klausman transforms a seemingly simple gesture into an intricate visual language.
Klausman has gained significant recognition, showcasing his work in sculpture, collage, and drawing across Ohio and beyond. Working from his Barberton studio, he continues to experiment with multiple mediums, bridging the gap between drawing and sculpture.
Where You Can See More of This Artist’s Work
Beyond traditional visual art, Klausman has engaged in performance-based projects that merge fine art with social commentary. Notable projects include Resurrection: A Performance/Fine Art Project (2016) and Anything Will Help, a 2019 photo essay documenting social issues in Northeast Ohio. His 2014-2015 piece, A Conversation in Motion, remains on display in the Special Collections department of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
Klausman’s work is represented by galleries in Akron and Cleveland and is part of numerous public and private collections, including those of the Cleveland Clinic, the Akron Public Library, Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, and even a royal collection in Dubai. His legacy is also preserved in the Artists’ Archives of the Western Reserve, ensuring his impact on the art world endures.
Summa Health is dedicated to integrating art into our healing environment, fostering a sense of reflection, inspiration, and comfort. Through the Healing Arts Collection, we celebrate artists like Terry Klausman, whose work enriches the spaces where healing takes place.