Eric Harley Schweitzer
About The Artist:
Eric is an abstract artist who works in a loose abstract gestural style throughout all his media, including stone. His paintings and other 2-D works are largely made without any plan other than to keep a constant reverence for composition and open mind. Often his compositions remain non-objective, but spontaneously works will evolve to become abstract figurative forms using a technique of layering paint.
Artist Statement:
"I paint to capture what I feel at that moment" and work to manipulate this image further using the principles of composition and spontaneity.
b. 1974- Nova Scotia, Canada
While enamel "house" paint is a medium of choice due to its fluidity, he also works with traditional oils, acrylics and mixed media. "Nothing is off limits."
He attributes his gestural painting style to the early impact of street graffiti back when it was more popular in the 80s and its stark contrast to his own New England countryside upbringing.
"I firmly believe that in the act of creating, especially art - one finds themselves closest to a higher power. I am driven to share this spiritual feeling throughout my work, present new ideas and compositions that reveal an immediacy and mood that is continuously dynamic and grows with the viewer."
"I engage my work, as I wake to each day - clean-slate, fresh, and with an underlying altruistic purpose."
News/ Publications:
“Eric Harley Schweitzer: Artist profile,” Stephen Mack, Examiner, August 15, 2011
http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/local-artists-in-washington-dc/eric-harley-schweitzer-artist-profile
“Eric Harley Schweitzer: Paintings & Works On Paper," Waverly Street Gallery, January 4, 2011
http://www.waverlystreetgallery.com/Schedule/Jan11.htm
“Editor’s Picks- “Eric Harley Schweitzer: Paintings & Works On Paper,” Natalie Neumann, Chevy Chase Patch, January 21, 2011
http://chevychase.patch.com/articles/editors-picks-for-the-weekend-of-jan-21
“Former Naval Technician Turns to Art,” Kate Oczypok, Bethesda Patch, January 26, 2011
http://bethesda.patch.com/articles/former-naval-technician-turns-to-art
“Working With The Abstract: Chevy Chase Artist Lets Colors Do The Talking," Jordan Edwards, Gazette, December 27, 2010
http://ww2.gazette.net/stories/12272010/entemon133640_32535.php
“Working With The Abstract: Chevy Chase Artist Lets Colors Do The Talking, Jordan Edwards, Gazette, Interview (Slide Show Presentation), Dec. 27, 2010
http://ww2.gazette.net/video/20101227EGeric/