Best-known for his Channel Islands seascapes and his controversial use of American flags for canvas, David SchwARTZ is one of 800 artists from over 80 countries invited to participate in the 2007 edition of the Bienalle Internazionale dell Arte Contemporanea. This bi-annual international exhibition the Olympics of the art world--positions SchwARTZ in the company of esteemed artists such as David Hockney, Christo, Jeanne-Claude, and Richard Anuskiewicz.
In September 2008, David was honored to receive a flag from the California State Capitol to use as the canvas for his most recent American Icon, "I WANT YOU to Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet!" The canvas, a gift from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, is the foundation not only for the artwork, but for a grassroots partnership between the artist, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies.
Thanks to the good work of the Valley Economic Alliance and the California Employment Development Department, business leaders like Jerry Feldman of CallSource are stepping forward along with non-profits like Lutheran Social Services Veteran's Employment Assistance Program to leverage the success of the governor's program to raise awareness of the challenges veteran's are facing when they return to civilian life. (See "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" link on this website.)
Art is more than a practice or the study of a technique to David. His work connects him to the almost incomprehensible power of the universe. The Shaman of my soul sings when I paint, he says. Sometimes, I feel I touch The Great Chord to which we are all attached.
David's work also can be seen at any given time in various venues throughout the United States and abroad. His commitment to professional development has helped him to host classes and weeklong retreats for other professional and budding artists at his home studio in Channel Islands Harbor. In addition, he has been the center of attention at corporate and private events where he presents a live performance of his painting technique, crossing cultures and bringing smiles to all who participate.
David was first inspired to become an artist by his grandmother, Goldie. An immigrant from Austria, she reestablished herself in America where she raised her family. David vividly recalls the tall sailboats that his grandmother would draw and paint for him.
Through ARTZworks.com, he is able to make his work available in prints, gicles, and canvas. His commissions also include interior and exterior murals. David SchwARTZ is an artist-in-residence at Tipp's Thai in Ventura, Universal City Walk's Cafe Tu Tu Tango where developed the ABSOLUT series and is seen regularly at Herzog Wine Cellars where his land and seascapes have been featured.
SchwARTZ received private instruction at the Gino Conti Studio in Providence, R.I., Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and at the Studio Art Center International in Florence, Italy. He also holds a bachelor's degree in studio art and printmaking from the University of Massachusetts as well as additional study at the University of Hawaii. For more information, call (805) 984-2816 or visit the website at ARTZworks.com for updates.
