Like many abstract expressionist artists, Hizny uses his emotion as his guiding muse. He does not confine his art to the constructs of a single style but instead, lets each piece be open experimentation. Each piece exercises considerable freedom of technique and realism to evoke the creative unconscious of his viewers within these universal themes. Hizny’s work can be distinguished by his varying use of fluidity, color, texture, and unstructured space. These elements create profound interpretations of universal human themes such as ecstasy, mystery, drama, and peace.
Hizny doesn’t just paint, he works with the paint to create.
By utilizing the drip method or action painting, Hizny is able to manipulate each layer by controlling the flow of paint and distribution of color. From delicate lyrical layers to bold and sharp movements, the emotion can be seen in every layer.
View Hizny’s Artist Statement here.
Hizny’s Background
Born July 31st, 1941 in the small coal mining town of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Hizny was the son of 1st generation Americans George and Dorothy Claudette.
After graduating high school, Hizny enlisted in the military where he was stationed in Okinawa and Korea. During his time in the military, he began researching painting and sculpting. After three years of service, he was discharged. After discovering Hizny’s interest in the arts, a friend in the armed service recommended he pursue his interest after his time in the service. This would prompt him to apply to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the oldest art school in the United States. His first application was rejected but Hizny did not accept his rejection. After traveling to Philadelphia to appeal his rejected application, an faculty member reviewed his portfolio and recommended he apply again. Upon applying for a second time, he was accepted.
In 1967, Hizny began his studies at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. During his early studies, Hizny’s primary interest was figure painting, “I was encouraged not to view the subject as something that I had to replicate in a photographic kind of way, so my work was very interpretative, even my representational work.” Hizny said. This philosophy would become the foundation of his art later on.
It was during this time that he discovered renowned abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollock, “He was a radical and I was captivated by his method of painting.” Hizny was in awe of Pollock’s abandoning of the traditional to breathe new life into the art world.
Much to his educator’s dismay, Hizny abandoned the conventional teachings of his education and began to experiment with the abstract expressionism elements. Hizny began to experiment with painting on larger canvases where his work could truly come to life. Slowly as he progressed, he began to develop his own personal style that his peers and mentors quickly took notice of.
After two semesters, Hizny was promoted from a preliminary intermediate student to an advanced status, allowing him to independently study in his own private studio. According to Hizny, this freedom allowed him to fully immerse himself in his studies for 10-15 hours a day.
Besides his inspirations of Pollock, Soutine, de Kooning, and Rothko, Hizny accredits much of his success to his mentor Hobson Pittman. Pittman was an recognized artist known for his still-lives and dream-like landscapes full of ethereal figures. His work has been displayed in museums and galleries throughout the country. Pittman was elected to teach at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1948. Besides being a talented artist, Pittman was recognized as a gifted teacher. It was said that Pittman had a way of teaching his students without transferring his own personal style or ideals of art but rather assisting his students to find their own.
After graduating in May of 1971, Pittman arranged for his work to be displayed at the Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia. To this day, Hizny continues to create experimental art from his famous “Inaugural” to his euphoric landscapes. His artwork is a continuous evolution, challenging the constructs of what art can be. He continues to create art that is volcanic, unpredictable, and push the boundaries of how art manifest from the creative unconscious.
“If you stop experimenting, you die.” That is the aphorism of Hizny’s art.
Hizny Today
Hizny’s work can be found at Bryn Mawr college in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Kinhaven Music School in Weston, Vermont, The Columbus Inn in Wilmington Delaware, and Barack Obama.
After almost 50 years of keeping his paintings primarily private, Hizny is unveiling his collections to the public with MC Creative Group. His work will be on display and for purchase starting in March 2021 at the offices of MC Creative Group 25935 Plaza Drive Unit 2 Millsboro, Delaware. For more information on Hizny’s collections or sales, please visit: geohizy.com