Dave McClinton
Big Medium and Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. are pleased to announce the 2020 Artist Series Beer, created by Austin-based artist Dave McClinton in collaboration with Brewer Gabe Kuchar.
Together, McClinton and Kuchar crafted Dark Matters, a concept beer inspired by McClinton’s artwork and made for discussing ideas, engaging with empathy, and expressing yourself. Brewed with Yirgacheffe coffee from Austin Java, this full-bodied brown ale has strong notes of chocolate, toffee, and a hint of blueberry.
“Discussing ideas over a beer and engaging with empathy toward people with whom you disagree is necessary. If we are going to evolve as a society we must engage with each other. So, here’s to having a few and expressing ourselves. As an artist I want to visually contribute to the identity of Black America. Distributing images that illustrate the strengths and trials of the African-American community is a big part of my motivation. I’m so appreciative to Thirsty Planet for this platform.”
In addition to brewing, McClinton created artwork for the packaging. Inspired by family photos, found images, magazine clippings, and historical documents, McClinton combines his love for photography and graphic design to create collages of landscapes and invented faces, bringing concepts of Black history and identity to life.
McClinton’s artwork will be featured on 6-packs and bottles of Dark Matters, which will be available for a limited time starting in November at select HEBs and Randalls around Austin, and during the 2020 Austin Studio Tour, November 14-22, 2020.
2020 Selected Artist
DAVE McCLINTON
Digital Collage
Dave has worked in the design industry for over 20 years. In addition to continually serving logo and branding clients, he is also an emerging artist who has exhibited highly personal work for the last few years.
About his culturally-based imagery, “In the African American community, we are slowly rediscovering our history that has not been fully illustrated. It’s my job as a visual communicator to review historical information and inform the community by bringing these concepts to life and help visually define our identity. And to distribute these stories about the strengths and trials of the African American community.”
“Being the Thirsty Planet Artist for 2020 will allow my art to gain a wider audience. Which is beneficial for my message which is to converse with one another. Particularly those with whom we may disagree. Discussing ideas over a beer and engaging with empathy can be a positive thing.”
