GEORGE NOCK
Artist & Sculptor
George Nock, former running back with the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins, was inspired early in life to become an artist Nock's journey into
the world of art began at the age of three and a half when he impressed the nuns at his nursery school with his exceptional drawings - Nock created his
first sculpture, a horse, after being introduced to clay in the second grade. Inspired, he began sculpting animals on a regular basis and at age nine, sold
his first sculpture, a family of lions, for $15.00.
Nock's education in art progressed during his Junior High years where he met William Tasker and John Battle III, African American artists and teachers who became his mentors. Nock excelled in art classes and was chosen to work on special projects and create sets for school plays. While attending Ben Franklin High School in the 1960s, Nock also attended Saturday classes taught by Mr.Tasker at the Fleischer Art Memorial in South Philadelphia. During high school, Nock began to focus more on academics and sports.
Upon graduation, he attended Morgan State College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and earned all-american honors in football. In 1969, Nock was drafted by the Mew York Jets where he played for three years before playing out of his option to become a free agent and chose the Washington Redskins in 1972. After suffering an injury, he retired from professional football and continued making a living in the social service fields. Participating in an art show changed his focus, since that time he has paid attention to his first love - art.
The creator bestowed Nock with a natural gift for art and infused him with the ability to create his own images that portray strength, sensitivity and uncanny insight Being able to create his own images of nature and life is what inspired Nock as a child and inspires him still. Prolific in the mediums of pen and ink, watercolor and gouache, Nock likes sculpting best His uniquely inspired creations go far beyond the surface in depicting life's experiences from a Black man's point of view. Nock's images are so strong they cannot be ignored. They reach out and engulf the viewer to become a part of the creation.
Nock's work has been shown in galleries and exhibits throughout the U.S. and is included in the collections of Ethel Kennedy, Vanessa Williams, Evander Holyfield, Nancy Wilson, Joe Namath, Venus Williams and Dawn Staley to name a few. Nock has received many citations and awards including "Best in Show and "Best in Sculpture and Drawing at many juried art shows. He has been featured in newspaper and magazine articles, and has made countless appearances on radio and television shows.
In Nock's own words... It is my life's inspiration to create artwork which reflects moods and moments in life that will stimulate and intrigue it's viewers. Through various mediums, I attempt to convey images of Americana, wildlife and fantasy, while aspiring to be one of the worlds greatest artists - My visual images are a way of sharing what I see, feel and imagine with viewers. I want to always create what I feel.