Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Tilley.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
For as long as I can remember, my dream was to be an artist. I have always had a love for science and an obsession with human behavior, but my passion for creating and building something remarkable has always been the driving force.
However, after being diagnosed in college with a rare form of a degenerative eye disease called Stargardt’s, my dreams of becoming an artist were quickly replace with a sense of uncertainty and fear.
The next two decades would be defined by my struggle to cope with a disease that was progressing, incurable, with no clear explanation by the finest doctors to its ultimate severity and speed of progression. And I was reminded of my fate every time I opened my eyes.
While I attempted to fulfill my love of art as a digital designer, I spent many years hiding my eye disease for fear of pity and being viewed as incompetent as a commercial artist. I held many positions, including senior designer at a major network broadcasting company where I would be tested in my ability to conceal my disease on a daily basis. Over my professional years, I had strayed away from becoming a true artist and approached my career as a path to build a business where I would ultimately have less input as the creator in case my eye condition became too debilitating to do the work.
That was until an art project I started five years ago changed everything. I have learned (and continue to learn) so much about determination, self-awareness and overcoming obstacles to become the artist I had always hoped to be and now use my work to remind others of the wonder of life and that anything is possible when you don’t give up on living the life you were meant to live.
Please tell us about your art.
I am growing a massive two-story, 360-degree art installation unlike anything you have ever seen. This 17 year long project will take us into 2030 with the final piece being revealed New Year’s Eve 2029.
The project tells the story of us, the Transitioners, as we journey into the future of humanity. It highlights our triumphs and struggles as the world transitions into a hi-tech, hyper-connected global community.
My vision beyond the art is to create fertile environments that cultivate creative thinking and collaboration to positively utilize our collective power, generating transformational experiences to develop a shift in mindset and clarity of purpose to help elevate our human intelligence.
I hope that my work will open minds to what the future can hold when we allow authentic human connection lead us into a world of advanced technology, social equality, and environmental sustainability.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I believe advancements in technology are allowing artists to extend their ideas and capabilities to create the art and message they want to put out in the world. With my case, in particular, I would not be able to be the artist and influencer without technology. Due to my eye condition, I have very limited central vision and technology allows me to create the intricate works I would not be able to accomplish otherwise. It’s a great time to be an artist!
In a time where relevant connections and relationships are increasingly lost, I see art as the key ingredient to make each of us visible to one another and deliver a chance to reconnect with the community. In my recent experiences, I see cities embracing this need and willing to widen their understanding of what art can bring.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Project website – http://grapevinewall.com/
Patreon Page – http://www.patreon.com/grapevinewall
Art Shop – https://craig-tilley.pixels.com/index.html
Book an Event – (opportunities to be part of the art and bringing the Flow Space to events) – http://grapevinewall.com/events/
Contact Info:
- Website: http://grapevinewall.com/
- Phone: 7703557779
- Email: craig@craigtilley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grapevinewall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grapevinewall/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrapevineWall
- Other: http://www.patreon.com/grapevinewall
Image Credit:
Craig Tilley All rights reserved
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