ARTICLE #19

Arts Around: DUCKWORTH ART
The Post and Courier - Charleston, S.C.
Author: Dottie Ashley
Date: Aug 25, 2002

The work of contemporary artist John Duckworth will be on display at McCrady's Wine Bar, 155 East Bay St., through Oct. 21.

"The words of Joseph Campbell really inspired the work in this show," Duckworth says. "His (philosophy) is a constant reminder that: 'It's not the destination that counts, but the journey.'"

Having co-created "The Entropy Show" and "The Great Art Caper" at Piccolo Spoleto, Duckworth notes that this latest collection reflects both physical journeys depicting scenes discovered during bike rides throughout the Lowcountry, as well as intellectual journeys, which are explorations of color theory and image deconstruction.

The artist says viewers may notice that his artwork, characterized by his intense love of movement, color and a fascination with the "captured moment," changes noticeably depending upon the intensity of light surrounding each piece.

Duckworth studied at the University of California at Davis, with painter David Baze in San Diego and with ceramic artist Les Lawrence at Grossmont College. He earned his B.A. in studio art from the College of Charleston.

Having traveled the United States extensively, Duckworth says his work reflects his interest in other people's lives -- the diversity of personalities, appearance and geographical areas. He feels he also has been influenced by the writings of Hoyt Sherman and Gyorgy Kepes and by the work of artists Edward Hopper, Roy Lichtenstein, Chuck Close and James Rosenquist.

As well as working as an artist and photographer, Duckworth is working as a graphic designer with a local marketing firm.