Tacoma-born artist Al Schwartz was raised in the Pacific Northwest and studied fine art at Western Washington University and the University of New Mexico. After launching his professional art career, he spent over 20 years living and working in Hawaii, where he created an extensive body of work in sculpture, ceramics, and painting. In 2019, he returned to Bellingham, Washington, to continue his artistic practice in the Northwest.
With more than 30 years of experience, Schwartz’s work is included in public and private collections worldwide, including the State of Hawaii’s permanent collection. He was represented by several prominent galleries on Maui and served as artist in residence at the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea for over two decades. His career also includes collaborations with interior and hospitality designers, numerous commissioned projects for private clients and corporations, and participation in juried exhibitions.
“A successful non-representational—or abstract—painting speaks in a language beyond words, one not always easily defined or fully understood. It evokes a visceral, emotional connection—a 'felt sense' of something honest and inherently true. Each time I create, I strive to tap into that truth, challenging myself to grow, to explore, and to reach a place of discovery. Through this process, I aim to share something new and meaningful with the world around me.”
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