Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Crimmins.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was surrounded by many forms of creativity while growing up, but my love for art stems from early-life exposure to galleries around Atlanta, Boston, & New York City. Throughout my upbringing, my parents collected art and involved me with their passion. Filled with art from floor to ceiling, our home was funky, to say the least. My parents had a taste for folk art (It was the 90s), while I had more of an appreciation for figurative and surrealistic works. With every painting, drawing, and sculpture I was allowed to dip into a different world. That is how I became fascinated with the endless possibilities and the overall magic of art.
There were many creative outlets available to me through music and visual arts. I involved myself in many hobbies like piano, theater, & sports of all kinds. But my love for visual art always pulled me back in, and I knew I wanted to pursue it.
Creating art is cathartic for me. I challenge my preconceived notions, and I’m often re-evaluating what creating means to me. After a few years of being out of college, I am taking all of my knowledge, and past experiences to completely immerse myself in my craft. I am utilizing everything that has gotten me here to make it my profession. This is my time to really branch out, and completely follow through with my passion.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is a culmination of my personal experiences and education. It straddles the fine line between the metaphysical and reality.
Being behind an easel or in my sketchbook has always been my comfort zone. My art education started at an early age taking private lessons, skipping classes to visit the art studios in high school, and attending pre-college courses at Rhode Island School of Design. In 2016, I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. While in school, I was fortunate to have behind-the-scenes gallery experiences through internships and my love for fine art continued to blossom.
I have always been heavily inspired by big thinkers and artists who have the capability to put themselves out there. I found a deep appreciation for Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo because of their ability to transpose their imaginative worlds on canvas and ultimately have work hung in museums. I was fascinated with the artwork as much as I was with the artists’ lives, and how they developed to become the people they were. They were heroes to me, in a sense, and I pondered how they could bring such beautiful things into our world.
My heart is in surrealism, but I found my voice through many forms of art. I appreciate letting my intuition take charge at times, and typically the outcome is very surreal. I also create from direct observation. Through my botanical work, I’m able to share my love for nature and capture a moment, frozen in time. I’m currently working on a botanical-based series for Carrollton Center for the Arts. It is a homage to Carrollton’s lovely Greenbelt. The sixteen mile, paved trail, goes around the circumference of Carrollton. It is perfect for biking, peaceful walks and an easy escape into nature.
Throughout my upbringing, I was raised on the ideology that happiness is success. I knew I had to find my joy and passion to achieve that. Drawing came naturally to me, and I felt a sense of accomplishment when I was immersed in creating. I hope that one day my work can empower people to create. I believe that art has the power to open up entire worlds to others by sharing new ideas, culture and ultimately unite people. Art is my way of giving back.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I don’t know much about this subject. I’m pretty much always in my art studio with my cats and happy to be there.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Visit gregcrimmims.com to view my current portfolio and browse available works. I also have work at Relish Salon, in Glenwood, and my botanical series at the Carrollton Centers for the Arts will be open July 19th.
Contact Info:
- Website: gregcrimmins.com
- Email: theartofgregcrimmins@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartofgregcrimmins
Image Credit:
Keila Johnson
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