Saul Field, OSA, CPE, CSGA, FIAL, printmaker, painter, and filmmaker, was born in Montreal in 1912, where he studied briefly at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts, and with several well-known Canadian painters including Arthur Lismer, Charles Fainmel, and LuoisMuhlstock.
Field moved to Toronto in 1952 and in 1958 he and his artist wife Jean Townsend opened the Upstairs Gallery on Castle Knock Road where they exhibited many young artists and new Canadians. He became interested in prints, studied with Nicholas Hornyansky and in 1963 co-invented (with Jean, who was already a printmaker) the acidless Compotina plate. This spontaneous method of achieving colourful hand pulled graphics suited his exuberant style.
Saul Field was an inspired teacher and gave workshops in Canada, United States and Denmark. He also taught at the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus, and at York University, Calumet College for 9 years as a Fellow. The artist's trademark, a Basque beret which he wore wherever he went, was almost as recognizable as his tremendous zest for life which permeated every project he undertook.
Typical of Saul, he never stopped working and half an hour before his death on April 6th, 1987, he approved his last proof.