The Seahawk

Issue date: 8/27/09 Section: Lifestyles

The Ann Flack Boseman Gallery recently featured the work of world-renowned artist George Pocheptsov, who also happens to be an Isaac Bear Early College High School student at UNCW. Pocheptsov's work hangs in museums in Russia, South Korea, and England, as well as galleries in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and countless other cities across the United States.

His unique and fascinating artistic style has also led him to be commissioned by Michael Jordan, Celine Dion, Colin Powell and the Cameron Museum in London, just to name a few. Additionally, George and his art are the focus of the Emmy Award winning documentary film "Brush with Destiny."

Pocheptsov, who started drawing at the age of 17 months, began selling art when he was just a young child. Now at the age of 17, George's pieces sell for upwards of $200,000.

"I sold my first piece of art at my first one-man-show in Washington, D.C. I was six years old. It sold for $200 and my mother was amazed that somebody would pay that much for an artwork created by a child with no formal training as an artist," Pocheptsov said.

On top of all of his artistic accomplishments, Pocheptsov speaks three languages - English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

As a student with the Isaac Bear Early College High School program, which is a specially designed New Hanover County school located on campus, Pocheptsov is taking UNCW college courses during his last two years of high school.

One of Isaac Bear's main goals is to make higher education more accessible, affordable and attractive by bridging the divide between high school and college. It also allows dedicated and talented students like Pocheptsov to get a head start on their college education.

"The early college experience has broadened my horizons in the academic world and allowed me to experience different fields and decide what topics I would like to study in the future," Pocheptsov said.

Pocheptsov's art has often been compared to the work of many famous artists, but his style is his own.

"His style is so distinctive. You see his work and you know it is his. That is a very difficult thing for most artists to do," said Shane Fernando, the Assistant Director for UNCW Presents and Boseman Gallery curator.

"The world already has enough horrors; I want my artwork to serve as a portal to an imaginary land with emotions of serenity and bliss," Pocheptsov said. He mixes colors and textures in scenes that seem like they are straight from a dream. Pocheptsov's whole exhibit radiates an aura of calm.

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