Meet the Artist
His Story
Cliff Potts was raised near the small town of Custer, Montana. At age fifteen, he contracted polio and nearly died. He lost the use of his arms and legs and spent a year in an iron lung. Because of this ordeal, Cliff developed a profound spirituality beginning with the realization that every breath he took was a gift from God. Cliff moved to heaven October 24, 2019. His wife, four children and six grandchildren continue his legacy.
Education & Family
Cliff attended Eastern Montana College where he earned a BS in Art and an MS degree in counseling in 1970. That same year, Cliff married and began a family of four children. Using a tongue controlled electric "golden arm" to manipulate his own left arm, Cliff produces original art-work in pen and ink, watercolor and oil as well as limited edition prints and cards. Many of Cliff's drawings and paintings reflect his rural Montana heritage and his spiritual reverence.
The Legacy of Hope
Hope is a predominate thread in Cliff's life and in art he frequently expresses it through the use of vibrant color. No matter what the medium or subject, his artistic vision brings him back time and again to the lessons he learned as a boy, awe for the majesty of creation and a belief in the power of God.
Experience his Legacy in his words
"In Montana we have an abundance of scenery and wildlife to inspire us to see the hand of God all around us."
"As an artist trying to capture the beauty of the land, surrounding plants and animals is enjoyable and never-ending."
"The majesty of the mountains on the western slopes creates an expanse and panorama that flows outwards as far as the eye can see."
SHOP A Passion for Life art Gallery
Summer in the Tetons
c. 2015
16 x 20 original oil on canvas
Unframed: $350
Framed: To be determined
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Fixin' Fence
c.2018
16 x 20 original oil on canvas
Unframed: $300
Framed: To be Determined
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Untouched Water
c.2004
16 x 20 Original oil on canvas
Unframed: $350
Framed: To Be Determined
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Spring Melt in the Tetons
c.2009
16 x 20 original oil on canvas
Unframed: $400
Framed: To be Determined
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Sinopah Mountain
c.2016
16 x 20 original oil on canvas
Unframed: $400
Framed: To be Determined
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Lakeside Sunrise
c.2009
16 x 20 original oil on canvas
Unframed: $450
Framed: To be Determined
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Autumn Rushing In
c. 2019
16 x 20 Original Oil on canvas
Unframed: $375
Framed: To be Determined
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Autumn in the River Breaks
c.1999
16 x 20 Original oil on canvas
Unframed: $450
Framed: To be Determined
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Denali Peaks in Summer
c.2011
16 x 20 Original Oil on canvas
Unframed: $300
Framed: To Be Determined
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A Passion for Life
Cliff's Autobiography
Cliff‘s autobiography depicts life as a little boy growing up on the ranch, to the day he realized he contracted polio and how that change of events fostered a lifelong relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ. You will also learn about the many people who graciously served as his hands and feet allowing him a most independent life.
The miracle of waking up breathing on his own and a promise he made at age 15 to do something productive for God is what kept Cliff positive and driven each and every day. He knew he served a loving, powerful and wonderful God and Cliff wanted to please Him above all else. His book truly relays the testimony of one man, but many, serving one another by the provision of our one true God. Cliff depended on God to provide each and every day for his daily needs, but the people who served him were also served by Cliff and the positivity and light he reflected because of Jesus. The miracle of survival and perseverance for the breath is a constant thread in Cliff's life. The gift of being able to put oil to canvas or ink to paper was just one of many ways Cliff has proven perseverance brings triumph. Surprisingly, Cliff was known as one of the most independent, dependent men you might ever encounter. We hope you enjoy reading more about Cliff's life and legacy.
You can request to buy a copy of Cliff's book by clicking on "Connect with us!" We'd love to hear from you.
Book quantities are limited.
Media in 2024
FEATURED: BIG SKY JOURNAL
Cliff's family member's home was featured in the Summer 2024 edition of Big Sky Journal. Every hanging piece of art in this home was painted by Cliff. His art was not only the inspiration, but the starting point for the interior design features of the home. Click below to read more about Cliff's artistic influence on this Montana Mountain Modern home.
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