George Carlson
b. 1940
George Carlson, born in Elmhurst, Illinois, is one of the U.S.'s foremost artists. His formal art training includes studies at the Art Institute of Chicago, the American Academy of Art and the University of Arizona. Carlson, a man of diverse talents, is highly regarded for his pastels, oils and serigraphs in addition to his remarkable bronzes.
A common thread throughout Carlson's work, be it sculpture or painting, is his interest in texture, line and movement. Carlson believes that a work of art should be engaging and that the viewer, not just the artist, should contribute to the experience. Carlson does not copy or duplicate nature. He uses the natural world as a point of reference, developing and pushing it to achieve his purpose. As Carlson says, "a good piece of art is a balance between the intellect and the emotions."
Carlson frequently produces works as a series based on intensive study of a particular subject. He has created pieces depicting the native cultures of North and Central America, the Belgian draft horse, and more recently, a series devoted to the interpretation of classical ballet and folk dance.
Carlson, now residing in Idaho, is represented in some of the nation's most renowned museum and private collections including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian Art, the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, the Denver Art Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and Lincoln Center. He has won numerous awards for both his sculpture and paintings including the Prix de West and several gold and silver medals from the National Academy of Western Art in Oklahoma City.
