George Oswalt
Fragmented History of Beauty by George Oswalt
For George Oswalt, art is a compass to navigate and connect with the world. George has been pursuing painting full-time since 2006, but his love for art began long before, as he could be found making imaginary travel maps in kindergarten.
The reception to George's artistic spirit was mixed during his early years. George was raised in suburban Oklahoma with his parents and two brothers. His father, who was brought up on a homestead and worked with livestock farms, exposed him to country living. A military veteran and county agent with a practical worldview, he did not understand George's love for art. His mother, a first-generation Greek from Massachusetts, was more attuned to George's artistry, her own culture clash providing common ground for the escapism creativity she shared with her son.
In school, some teachers recognized his talent and called upon him to make drawings. However, his aptitude for capturing the world did not amuse others. One caricature of a science teacher in Junior High earned a few licks and the badge of the suffering artist at an early age. Despite the mixed reviews, George persevered with self-taught art, growing his craft through doodling, cartooning, and painting. Art became a powerful means for George to overcome life's challenges and connect with others. He also developed a passion for sports which helped empower his creativity, as the discipline of athletics evolved into the dedication to paint daily.
Upon graduating high school, George studied commercial art at the University of Central Oklahoma. However, he didn't like the practical restrictions or the focus on sales. Luckily, those imaginary maps and childhood dreams of travel became a reality with two pivotal trips during his college years. The first was a one-way ticket to Hawaii with $25 in his pocket. The second was a trip to Europe which exposed George to a variety of incredible museums and artworks. These experiences made George realize he wanted to focus on art. In college, George found the connection and intellectual stimulation he'd been seeking all of his life. He formed a pottery group with classmates, labeled the ‘Formable Five,’ who would create exhibitions together. Being a part of the creative group culminated in his first one-person show with the Contemporary Arts Foundation (CAF), a massive milestone in his artistic career.
After graduation, George delved into a professional career balanced between making his art and sharing his artistic knowledge with others. He was an adjunct professor while receiving a Master of Art Education and led a museum's art school to promote various art forms. George then taught art in high schools for over 20 years while continuing adjunct work at the Rose State College. All the while, he kept a makeshift studio and painted during his free time.
George directs his life with a dedication to art and his craft. He says, "My art is a reaction to the world. It is the way I communicate with the world and the way I understand the world." George's creative process reflects this ethos, which mixes different mediums to create a shared space where the audience can investigate life's changes together. With his upcoming exhibition, "Toys, Decoys and Aggregated Myths," George explores how modern society exists among many synthetic and hyper-realities in a hybrid fairy tale. As he did as a child, George creates shared maps for navigating the world and connecting with others through his art, and his work is now a way finder for others.
A Prisoner of Dream, A Wish Kiss Diptych by George Oswalt
This desire for connection drew George to 1515. Susan's encouragement for the fellowship of artists and the gallery's community-oriented focus inspired him. And today, George's words reflect future aspirations that hold the same tenacious outlook as the boy who caricatured his science teacher and booked a one-way flight to Hawaii - "I continue to keep my eyes open for new opportunities. I want to remain hungry and try new things. We will see what happens."
We invite you to visit our website to learn about George Oswalt and purchase his artwork. You can meet George and experience his work at the opening of his exhibition "Toys, Decoys and Aggregated Myths" on Thursday, May 25th, from 5 – 8 pm.
