2024 Seabreeze Poster Artist Stuart McClean

 

Stuart McClean was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. At a very young age, Stuart became interested in arts and crafts. His father and mother Sylvia McClean and artist in her own right saw the potential in young Stuart, nurtured, and developed his artistic abilities. He attended the San Fernando Government Secondary School where he received a distinction in art. After school, Stuart opened a design studio where he produced shoes, belts and handbags. During his matriculation, he came to the United States to pursue a career in Art and Fashion. In New York, he started designing belts for companies like Bloomingdales, Patricia Fields, Graffiti and Treska for many celebrities and high fashion boutiques.

He moved to Texas to start a manufacturing company with his cousin. It was not until 1987 when looking for paint to repair a damaged shirt that he discovered the beautiful liveliness of acrylic paint on clothing. Thereafter, his passion for painting was rejuvenated. Stuart moved back New York where he opened a studio in Harlem called Clothes Art. Stuart McClean’s style is very different, and is recognized by his vibrant colors, and raised 3-D effect. He calls his art Feel Good Art that comes from within his soul and reflects his Trinidad and Carnival spirit. The liveliness of his work just makes you “feel like moving”.

Stuart creates art that appeals to the masses nationally and internationally, as well as faithful long time art collectors. Experiencing his work just makes you feel euphoric. He has been a featured artist and participated in many Jazz and Cultural events such as the Essence Festival in New Orleans, the city he now calls home, as well as Jazzfest and Capital Jazz to name a few.

 

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