John R. Duckworth's artwork is characterized by an intense love of movement, color and a fascination with the "captured moment." Having traveled the United States extensively, Duckworth's work reflects his interest in other people's lives - the diversity of personalities, appearance and geographical areas.

A truly gifted American artist. Talent and perseverance has guided him to be one of the elite in contemporary art. The fruits of his labor, to name a few include: Artizom…a Gallery…a Website with Chris Moeller, an award winning collection of photographs depicting "psychology in a bottle" featured in the Cistern, the official publication of the College of Charleston, With Kevin Harrison, John has had great success inspiring a new wave of prosperity in the Charleston art scene. This project Cooked Duck art Stuff a project of nine years and beyond. He has successfully completed curriculum with a degree in Fire Science from Miramar College in San Diego and a Bachelors Degree in Art from the College of Charleston. He has actively participated in numerous art installations and shows, the latest being labeled …13th hour.

His adventurous exploration of the physical world is mirrored by his exploration of the creative environment of art - his extensive collection includes works in pencil, charcoal, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, acrylic, ceramic, photography, digiography and sculpture. From his award winning photography series featuring human forms trapped in various containers to his "crazy-mats," a series of visual stream-of-consciousness (termed "autonomic streamism") pen drawings to his contemporary, surrealist paintings, Duckworth's work straddles realism and fantasy.

Duckworth studied with ceramic artist Les Lawrence at Grossmont College and later earned his BA in studio art studying under Cliff Peacock, Michael Tyzack and Michelle Van Parys at the College of Charleston. And he is passionate about the artists whose work continues to have a strong influence in his work.

Both inspired and stunned by Dali's craft, Duckworth strives to recapture the irreverence often present in surrealist work, the subversive creative expression. And while he also pays homage in his work to Picasso, Hopper and Kandinsky, Duckworth has clearly forged his own identity as an artist. Or rather, according to Duckworth, his work has dictated his creative identity.

"I'm at the mercy of my work," says Duckworth, "The emotion of the piece runs through me like a lightning rod -- it determines the stroke of my work, how quickly it's finished and, often, major changes mid-stream." Duckworth describes this process as, "A kind of "creative frenzy" that is sandwiched between very deliberate preparation and finishing."

Although Duckworth has won awards for his photography and artwork, he hasn't always considered himself an artist.

After high school, John took courses at UC Davis in Northern California but changed schools to earn a degree in Fire Science. All the while, he worked on artwork at night, often staying up till sunrise to finish a piece. For Duckworth, art was simply a hobby, something that quenched his creative thirst. It wasn't until Duckworth's mother introduced him to David Baze, a professor at Grossmont Junior College in La Mesa, CA, that he began to consider art as a career.

Over the next several years, Baze, an accomplished painter who received national acclaim and success in San Diego, became a mentor, someone who both inspired and challenged him. Through Baze, Duckworth came to realize the excitement and viability of life as an artist. He took the nineteen-year old artist under his wing, including him in a close circle of artists who frequented Baze's house to discuss the philosophies and struggles within the art world.

"I can't stress how important Baze was to my career," says Duckworth, "He demonstrated to me how exciting and fulfilling life could be as an artist - I was inspired by the fact that he had a successful career as an artist."

Ultimately, Duckworth decided it was time to leave San Diego, to explore the country and his creative interests. He drove from San Diego to Seattle, and then on to Charleston, SC to visit friends. The dramatic landscape of Charleston, the marsh, ghost-like Spanish moss and historic cityscape, captured his imagination. The solitude of being in a new city, the anonymity entranced him and inspired his artwork. After tending bar for a year, Duckworth decided to go back to school and enrolled at the College of Charleston.

Two years later, Duckworth graduated with honors, a degree in studio art and was given the Laura M. Bragg Award, the highest honor given for excellence in the Studio Art Department. But his graduation victory was quickly followed by bad news. David Baze had died, and the news sent him into a tailspin. The two had lost touch in the years before his death, and Duckworth realized he would never have the opportunity to thank Baze for all his support and encouragement.

"David Baze was just an amazing artist," says Duckworth, "As a person, he really exhibited the passion you find in his work. His voice constantly reverberates through my mind, encouraging me, challenging me."

But Baze was not able to realize the final vision of his artwork, a series of goals he had set for years to come. Consequently, Duckworth is anxious to follow in his footsteps, to carry on as an artist in his memory. In fact, several of his pieces pay tribute to Baze, including a panel in "Transient Resurrection" that was borrowed from a one of Baze's self portraits, "The Lemon."

"I feel a sense of obligation to carry his torch," says Duckworth, "It is with this fire in my heart that I continue on my artistic journey."

Duckworth's artwork is currently being showcased at several locations throughout Charleston and the southeast.

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