Happy !

This week’s feature is artist Greta Vick. We really love her style and could definitely see her work gracing the walls of any modern art museum. Her use of color is so bright and vibrant! When combined with her work’s compositions and textures, her pieces really attract the eye. One thing we noticed about Greta is that she never had a doubt in her mind that she needed to create. No matter where life took her, this was something that was unquestionable. It’s great to see people pursue their calling with that much fervor. To learn more about Greta and see some of her pieces, read her interview below!

: Tell us about yourself.

: Heterodox. Crazy Cat Lady. Chroma Engrossed. Sarcastic Goofball. On a more serious note – I grew up on a retired farm near Madison, Minnesota and now reside in Minneapolis. I’ve been creating since I popped out of the womb. I love the unorthodox, the contemporary, the abstract. Design, art, and creativity all consume my life. It’s glorious.

Given my creative complex, I found myself with a Bachelors of Science majoring in Interior Design from the Art Institute International. These days in addition to producing art, I work with architects, interior designers, and landscape architects to create space in both the natural and built worlds.

: Describe your artistic style/aesthetic.

: Obnoxious chaos expressed in a collected manner. Bright pops of color that slap you in the face. Texture….glorious thick, cracked, bumpy texture. The style in which the aforementioned details are executed constantly changes and grows. I have many different techniques that I incorporate at random moments, and am always thinking of new techniques to play with. To sum it up: contemporary abstract expressionism.

: What made you decide to do abstract art?

: I’ve been creating since I came into this world. I focused heavily on intricate graphite and sculptural pieces when I was young – I definitely painted but it wasn’t as desired as it is today. Out of college, I let go of definitions and made amends with the moment. I trained myself to stop thinking so logistically and just let go. This was what was most fun to me – this idea of allowing the moment to dictate and guide me. From there it transpired into this beautiful career.

: Who are some of your favorite artists?

: Gosh. The artists that I adore and truly inspire me are some of my closest friends. My partner constantly inspires me on a daily basis, he never ceases to amaze me. My parents even, but they don’t claim to be artists. Even my sister who again, is as far from claiming artistic talent as one can get, but she is an artist to me ☺

: What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?

: My biggest accomplishment with my art career has been the ability to let go. I struggled for a very long time to live in the moment and not be concerned about the end result. I’m a huge perfectionist and being able to give up control is something I constantly battle every day. To be able to conquer the ability to live in the moment when I paint is just monumental.

I’m also sincerely proud of myself for creating an art career in the first place. I’m driven by that constant desire and need to design and create – it’s my sole inspiration.  It was never a goal, never something I had sought out to do, to be selling and showing work – it just transpired and the opportunities that have been presented to me have been truly amazing. I’m still in shock, almost numb in a sense.

: What are your dreams and career goals?

: I have a lot of dreams! Some are good, some are nightmares, some are weird, I sleepwalk in different states even! First and foremost- my goal in life is to be happy. At this current time in my life, designing and creating make me pretty darn happy. That’s been a consistent feeling throughout my life, so I can only imagine that the future might be the same. I would love to have half of my career be with my art – just expanding my skill set and opportunities, while the other half of my career still be focused with designing architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. I love and adore all realms, having a balance between it all is a healthy fit.

: Describe the process of completing one of your pieces. How long does it take on average?

: This question varies immensely. I typically start out by just standing and staring. I’ll stand there, stare, and whatever I gravitate towards in the moment, I execute. I operate on an unplanned basis. There’s really no rhyme or reason, just what “feels right”. I’m also normally working on at least 10 pieces at once – it helps production move faster, especially when I have to rely on time for paint to dry. On a more layered piece – it can take weeks to dry and finalize. It all depends upon what the conditions are, if Minnesota is choosing to be hot and humid – my process slows. It also depends upon the type of texture I want to achieve as well. If it’s just a different style and not as layered, it may take me as little as two full days.

: When you’re not working on a piece, what else can you be found doing?

: I’m generally either working or creating, or unfortunately dealing with some chronic health issues. So when I’m unable to work or create, it means I’m ill and cuddling with my cats.  I’m a large introvert, perfectionist and art addict, so I’m typically ALWAYS wanting to create and tackle something on my list of to do’s. The effect of production gives me a natural high. The word “bored” doesn’t exist in my world.

: Where do you think your artistic style will go in the future?

: Great question! Honestly, I just hope to continue to experiment and evolve. Wherever the heck that takes me, I’ll be happy !

: Any advice for other artists out there?

: Just be happy. Be respectful.  Be empathetic. Do what you love with such immense passion and intellect, everything else will work itself out. Also – be a realist.

: What is your favorite part about what you do?

: Knowing that I’m doing something true to myself. I’m not just thinking about doing it – Not putting this desire and need on the back-burner. I’m putting it on the front burner, and makin’ myself some art stir fry!

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