Not many artists can say they have their art on the moon, but for Westbury artist George Burgess, it’s one of his greatest accomplishments.
The Westbury artist worked at the Northrop Grumman Corporation during the 1960s and helped silk screen the US Flag that went on the Lunar Module. And while he may have art in space, Burgess’ art had much sweeter beginnings.
Growing up in New York City, Burgess began sketching in his dad’s candy shop as a young child.
“I used to go in there and take comics and recreate the characters,” says Burgess. “My favorite was Mighty Mouse, and then I did superheroes like Superman and Batman.”
He dabbled in painting and would sell his works for $5. When he got to fifth grade, he received a scholarship to the Museum of Modern Art, and took classes there for two years. There, he got his first taste of art education, learning painting, modern art and how to work with clay.
“That was very interesting. It was all very free flowing and a different approach than I was used to,” says Burgess.
His junior high teachers encouraged him to go to the High School of Art and Design where he learned commercial art. In 1963 he joined Grumman as an aircraft worker before being transferred to the sign/silk screen department and designed signs, decals and flags until he was drafted into the army in 1967. But even there, his art education continued.
“I took courses and developed my pencil work craft. I learned how to sketch and how to use poster paint. It gave me a foundation,” says Burgess.
Now that he’s retired, Burgess says he has more time to dedicate to his craft. He recently exhibited his work at the pop-up gallery at the Westbury BID Street Fair and says he’s looking for more opportunities to show his work.
“Art has never let me down. I always find inspiration and a peaceful place to express my inner feelings while engaging onlookers to enter my world,” Burgess said.
Burgess sticks mostly to realistic works, which includes landscapes and portraits.
“I love portraits because you have to go close to the character. You can get involved emotionally and bring the character to whatever state you want,” says Burgess. “It depends on what the expression is and what you try to relate to whoever is observing the painting.
Burgess has also done several political pieces, and says he enjoys getting a reaction and pulling the audience into this work.
“I paint so that it has dimension and so you can go into the painting. That really drives me—I want people to participate in what I envision,” Burgess said.
His art career has spanned his entire life, and Burgess says he’s hoping that it will continue.
“Once the paint hits the canvas, it’s a whole new day. I love a blank canvas and then I can tell my story. It’s an open door,” says Burgess. “I enjoy doing it and will keep on doing it as long as I live.”
