Artists Corner: Stuart Dwork

Stop by the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and one thing is clear: local artists are making their mark in Tampa Bay.

One of those artists is Stuart Dwork, a Clearwater resident who has displayed his artwork at the Center, 4537 Lowell Road, for years.

Dwork, who currently has work on display this month during the Center's current show, Winter Wonderland, talked to Patch about how he got started as an artist and what his influences are.

Patch: How did you get started doing artwork?

Dwork: I was exposed to art at a very young age, as my farther was a fine artist and a graduate of Pratt Institute in New York City. In high school, I volunteered my time to various art needs and eventually received a full scholarship to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City. There, I studied fine art and graphic design. Shortly after, I served two years in the U.S. Army as an illustrator for their training aids, and then went on to pursue a career in art.

Patch: Who are some of your artistic influences?

Dwork: I have been greatly influenced by the art of the colorful Impressionist period, the perfection of the Renaissance painters and also some of the 19th- Century American artists. I continue to enjoy Greek, Roman and pre-Columbian art, which I have studied as well as Abstract, Realism, and POP art.

Patch: How did you get involved with displaying artwork at the Center?

Dwork: I am currently president of TESA, a professional art organization here in Florida. Our group has exhibited their works  at Carrollwoood Cultural Center. I have also had one-man shows there in the past. I am displaying three of my pieces now in the Center's “Winter Wonderful” event. I also will be displaying my paintings and poems in the “Visual Poetry” event in January 2012.

Patch: What is the biggest misconception about artists that you've encountered?

Dwork: I think the biggest misconception about artists is that they are in a world of their own, when actually the art they produce goes out into the world to be seen by many. That makes them no longer in a world of their own.

Patch: How can people get copies of your work if they want to purchase it or view it? 

Dwork: For more information on my art, you can reach me at 727-593-4391. My email is sdwork40@msn.com. You can see my work on arttesa.org.