about herb

herb schwartzMy journey began a long time ago in Brooklyn, New York. We were part of the Coney Island atmosphere - a rare glimpse of America that has never been replicated. Visually, the color, lines, textures and seemingly endless patterns have had a pervasive effect on the contrast and composition of my work. I have tried to create a marriage between this luminous world of sense and the discipline of fine craftsmanship.

As a child, I believed my art work should reflect a concept I had already manifested in my mind. I struggled with my art when I could not visualize the finished product. When I was about thirteen years old, I began to read African literature and found a proverb that altered my way of seeing me in relation to my work. "I dream before I am" became my mantra.

I commenced each piece of art work with a concept of what I wanted to say, but then began a "dialogue" with the material itself, as well as the lines, shapes, colors and rhythm intrinsic in any work. The art work began to speak with me until I felt guided to a completion. I would get lost for days without concern for time or control. This began a journey for me that has lasted another fifty years, and has kept me fertile and stimulated in my mind and excited by the possibilities in my next creation.

The themes of my artwork are varied and unique to each stage of my life, but I do see a structure that to me is cohesive, logically connected and intelligible. I hope there is a sense of harmony and balance permeating each piece.

I am optimistic that the joy and humor I feel, most of the time, does create buoyancy in the viewers spirit. I also hope to evoke compassion and a sense of humanity in other pieces, and perhaps, share a tender and merciful truth with civilized people.

Herb Schwartz

coney island 24”x36” Title (Mixed Media)

I think this piece is most reflective of my early influences.