George Moscowitz Celebrates A Legacy Of Creativity As We Look At His Newest Polymer Clay Jewelry Wearable Art Pieces
A man ahead of his time, George Moscowitz has been creating professionally for the past six decades, working with a variety of media such as paint, metal, ceramic, plastic, wood, and now polymer clay. Starting his professional career as a sculptor and jewelry designer, his early metal pieces were sold in Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Serendipity, Kaye Walton Boutique, Mac Wise Boutique and the Katonah Museum Gift Shop. His success as a jeweler led him to establish the George M Creations label. As we celebrate his 90th birthday on October 18th, The Rickie Report shares his polymer clay wearable art jewelry pieces and looks at his inspiring life! Polymer clay fans will appreciate his cane work!
George Moscowitz
“Art comes out of you because it’s in you.
I create because it’s in me.
My passion is my addiction.
At 90 years of age, I live to create, it’s what keeps me breathing.
“The medium I work with may change…
But the passion doesn’t!”
~George Moscowitz
Notice the varied cane work in “Sabertooth” polymer clay necklace by George Moscowitz
George’s academic training began at the Albright Art School at Buffalo Fine Arts Academy where he received a certificate in 1952. He studied at the State University of New York College for Teachers and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts Education in 1954. He was a member of Delta Kappa. George served in the Army soon after college and was stationed in Fort Polk. He was able to use his illustration talents to humor the men, as well as his letter home to his family. George’s talents landed him a post as an illustrator for his unit. He went on to receive a Master of Arts Degree from New York University in 1963.
“Klimt On My Mind” necklace by George Moscowitz
Notice the intricate polymer clay cane work in George Moscowitz’ necklace inlays.
George started his career as an art teacher in public school. He influenced his students both inside and outside of the classroom. He was active in his labor union, endeavoring to make conditions better for teachers and students alike.
Notice the intricate cane work in George Moscowitz’s earrings
Marketing George’s creations was a family endeavor!
The themes of social justice, gaining a better understanding of the world around him, and sharing that with his students and his family were of the utmost importance to George. He was always helping other artists succeed and his insights to the art world still echo in 2022. In an article he wrote for the Putnam Review on Sunday, June 30, 1968, George said, “I have found that the public in general is hesitant to frequent art galleries. There are many reasons for what I call the “American Culture Block.”
Many titles of art such as “Dissenter” (above) expressed George’s understanding of the world around him.
On Sunday, July 7, 1968, George continues to use his artwork as a platform for social justice as well as generating interest in artwork by the public. He writes, “We, as Americans, are now being made aware of the inescapable fact that we have much to be ashamed of. With all of our pride welling-up within our national bosom, we have been pricked hard with the pins of racial prejudice, social disorder, poverty, malnutrition, war, and a host of other plagues that have fallen upon our house and nation”. Although much has been written about collecting works of art, George points out that our choices are often racially prejudiced.
“Lumumba” (above) served to express George’s understanding of the world around him and bring that world to others.
George notes, “When one criticizes an individual’s personal taste, he is attacking, in essence, part of that individual’s personality. Some people are not sensitive at all concerning the arts and therefore no matter what is said about ‘American Culture’ they could not care less”. George continues in this newspaper column to outline how to select an art object for your home: 1) The most important element is that you thoroughly like and enjoy the work 2) The work must be an original and not a copy of someone else’ work 3) The art should be signed by the artist or craftsman 4) The art should be well made 5) Rely on a competent gallery or shop to help you make a decision if you feel you are not quite prepared to make it on your own.”
In March 1969, George took a 6 month Sabbatical to Europe traveling through multiple countries by car. The family sailed from New York City on the SS France and arrived in Le Havre, France where they purchased a Peugeot wagon 504 and traveled by car (well before Google maps!)
Family photo on the SS France. Barbara Moscowitz is wearing one of George’s striking contemporary necklaces.
George, his wife and three young children visited Spain, France, Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Holland. He studied the history of art and returned with a folio of images and knowledge to share with the community and his students.
“Blue Moon”Necklace by George Moscowitz
George has been creating for the past 60 years, working with a variety of media such as paint, metal, ceramic, plastic, wood, and now polymer clay. George started his professional career as a sculptor and jewelry designer. His early metal pieces were sold in Bergdorf Goodman’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Serendipity, Kaye Walton Boutique, Mac Wise Boutique and the Katonah Museum Gift Shop.
George Moscowitz uses semiprecious stones and polymer clay, creating a mixed media wearable art piece such as this necklace.
His success as a jeweler led him to establish the George M Creations label. In addition to teaching Public School art for over 35 years, George was the founder of the Red Door Art Gallery, a seasonal gallery that displayed works by emerging artists. George’s late wife, Barbara filled many roles in George’s creative life by supporting his unique talents and artistic abilities. Both teachers, she understood the complexities of balancing creativity with running a business. Barbara owned a Montessori nursery school where George had his earliest studio annexedand in the summers, when the school was closed, the space became the Red Door Art Gallery.
Jan wears George’s initial necklace for school picture day
Daughter, Jamie and George’s granddaughter, Brena wear initial necklaces to celebrate his 80th birthday
All of George’s pieces are one-of-a-kind. His work has been shown extensively in galleries throughout the US and can be found in private collections including: KOZ Gallery, NYC; County Gallery, Houston TX; Group Gallery, Jacksonville FL; Courtyard Gallery, Katonah, NY; Morin Miller Galleries, NYC; Brookfield Gallery, Brookfield, CT.
Notice the intricate layers of polymer clay George Moscowitz uses for “Baby Z” necklace
Today, George works in polymer clay. Polymer clay is a fantastic media created from 20th Century man- made materials. There are many different forms of polymer clay which include pearlized, translucent, fleck or metallic finish, making it ideal for jewelry or small sculpture. He loves the tactile, intimate and personal nature of expressing himself in the visual arts. George continues to make art. He lives in Delray Beach with his wife Nusha Sinnreich Moscowitz.
George Moscowitz uses gold leaf and polymer to create “Come Fly Away With Me”
Bakelite, an early plastic, was popular with designers was a precursor of the polymer clay we know today. German doll maker, Käthe Kruse, gave some to her daughter (known as “Fifi”) to use as modeling clay in 1939. It was later sold to Eberhard Faber and marketed under the name “FIMO” (FIfi’s MOdeling compound).
George Moscowitz’s “Trans Glass” necklace uses metal, glass, and polymer clay
According to George, there is a challenge and an achievement in translating something from your mind into something you hold, something you can see and touch, a tactile connection between a thought and an object. George manipulates the medium through feel and visualizing to make a form. He shapes and reshapes; uses color, adds elements, and it comes out as what he had visualized.
Nusha and George at Rainberry Bay Art Fair. Nusha wears George’s Van Gogh Polymer Necklace.
For more information about George M’s jewelry please visit:
GeorgeMCreations
