About

ARTIST STATEMENT:

This work is a journey of life and the imagination. Through a blending of observation and fantasy, experience and dreams, the images tell stories and pose questions. While many see humor in the drawings, others are left uneasy. More than anything, these illustrations evoke interpretation from the viewer. I take inspiration and reference from the old masters and also from photographs and images gleaned from the internet. Some of the works presented are derived completely from the imagination while others show a combination of the above. It is not lost on me that years of working in the entertainment industries are reflected in this ongoing series.

EDUCATION:

BFA, Painting and Drawing, Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL

Certificate of Independent Study, Sculpture, Ringling School of Art and Design

MFA, Sculpture, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Teacher: As an Adjunct Professor, Rusty taught drawing at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN for fourteen years.

As a Fine Artist, he has drawings, paintings and sculptures peppered across the country.

Rusty has also worked professionally as a:

Paperboy

Lawnboy

Bagboy

Stockboy

Dishwasher

Window Washer

Seafood Cook

Janitor

Bartender

Parts Man

House Painter

Carpet Cleaner

Oyster Shucker

Frog Leg Fryer

Ditch Digger

Factory Worker

Water Meter Installer

Warehouse Worker

Pipe Layer

United States Marine Corps Sergeant

Sign Painter

Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Radio Jingle Writer/Performer

Pattern Maker

Deck Builder

Sign Carver

Middle School Teacher

Handyman

Historical Restoration Artist

Gravestone Carver

Illustrator

Portrait Artist

In the combined areas of Theatre, Television, Video & Feature Film, Rusty has worked as:

Shop Foreman

Set Designer

Technical Director

Scenic Painter

Sign Writer

Carpenter

Prop Maker

Mold Maker

Plasterer

Sculptor

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RUSTY BARWICK:

He has lived in 12 states, over 30 towns, close to 50 dwellings, went to 13 schools before graduating from high school a year early, and left home at the age of 17.

As a young Marine stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Rusty was officially reprimanded and transferred to Barber’s Point Naval Air station (and nuclear supply depot) for circulating derogatory cartoons of his superiors.

Having failed a figure drawing class during a short stint at the Louisville School of Art, he asked the instructor out for a date. She declined.

A long time ago in Florida, Rusty’s dog, Cleo, swam nearly out of sight in Sarasota Bay. Finally returning, she delivered to him an unopened, undamaged, 16 ounce can of Budweiser beer. He really loved that girl.

One night in Sarasota, after attending a party that included artists, musicians, actors and circus performers, he and a friend gave a ride to a giant and his partner, a tiny dwarf who cursed and berated them both incessantly until the unlikely pair were finally dropped off at their motel room.

He had a really bad lizard experience in Arizona.