The first thing one wants to do when viewing the work of this multi-talented artist, is reach out a hand and touch. From the smooth, sensual contours of a bronze sculpture, to the brilliantly colored, exquisite detail of his ceramic images, everywhere one looks there is depth and movement. 
"Cyclist" - bronze
|
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Chick spent most of his life living along the Vermont/Canadian border with his wife Marsha and their children, moving to Cedar Key only recently. Trained as an engineer, he had always felt the pull of his artistic side and in 1978 quit his job to pursue his art. Chick has worked in a variety of materials, rising to the challenge of learning new skills with each medium he has explored. 
Painted wood and ceramic
|
In the 1960's it was ceramics, when he created his "Looking Downs", a series of city scapes done in high relief sculpture. These richly detailed looks into the heart of big city living overflow with color. The works offer a glimpse of his acerbic wit with their charming details; like the bag lady, street vendors, and sign carrying protestors who people the scenes. 
"Looking Down" high relief ceramic sculpture
|
During the early 1980's he began working in bronze, and continues to find it one of the more demanding and rewarding materials for artistic expression. Producing a work in bronze is a painstaking process, taking months to get from the inception drawing to the completed sculpture. Here again, Chick's wry sense of humor often comes into play, as he expertly makes use of negative space to intimate the playfully erotic aspect of some of his work. The pieces may vary in size, patina and subject matter, but never waver in their ability to draw an appreciative gasp from viewers. They are stunning works of both artistic expression and expert craftsmanship. 
Bronze on hand-tiled base
|
More examples of Chick Schwartz`s work: 
Sculpture of ceramic, cement, granite tailings and wood
|
"Trees" - ceramic
|
Wood and ceramic sculpture of Chick and his wife Marsha
|
Examples of his work can be seen in galleries and museums from New York to California. If you would like to see more of his work you can visit the gallery at his home in Cedar Key on Live Oak Street or log onto his website at http://www.chickschwartz.com |
