KURT SHAW

Kurt Shaw's work is centered around a unique form of lyrical abstraction that has chemical and biological associations. The work represents the distillation of process, movement and reaction in literal terms as well as the artist's own visual language. The titles are purposely chosen for their obscurity so as not to hinder the viewer with any supposed connotation.
"My primary concern in creating the work is to make art that people can enjoy living with or working around. I want to create art that has harmony and is free of agenda. That is why I have always been attracted to abstraction: it allows direct access to dealing with harmonious relationships."
"People often associate my work with something that is far out in space or deep in the ocean. I like these comparisons because I feel my work has a natural flow and organic quality."
Kurt views painting as a physical and poetic experience. Having been formally trained as a painter, Shaw's work begins with painting and usually ends as sculpture. The work is primarily concerned with exploring the endless combinations of color and form. Formal balance and sophisticated employment of the paint substance come together in a visual record of controlled spontaneity.
Mr. Shaw began his career as a cartoonist and illustrator after graduating with a B.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1989. After having published cartoons in several national publications like Cosmopolitan and Esquire, Shaw turned his attention to Fine Art and opened his studio in 1992. In addition to his prolific output he has completed several commissions for both corporate and personal spaces. Today, Shaw's work can be seen in a variety of settings including on the deck of Royal Caribbean's Sovereign Of The Seas.
He is degreed with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University (1989). Also an art critic, Kurt has been a regular weekly contributor to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review since June of 2001 and continues in that capacity to the present day.