Step into the world of artist and educator Gregory Euclide as he shares his profound connection to nature and its impact on his art. Hosted by Ekaterina Popova, this conversation on the Art & Cocktails Podcast will inspire you to pay more attention to our home, planet Earth.
Statement
"The depiction of land has often been used as a means of celebrating or critiquing culture. The use of pastoral views, banal architecture and everyday trash problematize the traditional definitions of a natural landscape. Through the process of transforming and miniaturizing materials found in the land, objects, in their new context, are no longer discernible as natural or man-made. The juxtaposition of representational modes and materials create a hybrid space where the romanticized and actual intermingle. Contrasts between the flat, painted vistas and artifacts from the land expose the illusion of representation and subsequently confuse the pictorial space, calling into question the authenticity of the objects. The forms fracture the pictorial space, at times, inhabiting the frames, robbing them of their ability to define a single view and inviting a phenomenological exploration by the viewer."
Bio
Gregory Euclide is an artist and teacher living in the Minnesota River Valley. His work has been featured in The Nature of Nature at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (2014-2015), Badlands: New Horizons in Landscape at MASS MoCA (2008-2009), Otherworldly at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York (2011), Small Worlds at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio (2011), and was presented as a solo exhibitionNature Out There, at the Nevada Museum of Art (2012). Euclide’s work has been reviewed and featured in publications such as: Art News, Sculpture Magazine, Art Ltd Magazine, Hi Fructose Magazine and Juxtapoz Magazine. His work is also featured on the 2012 Grammy Award winning album covers of the musical group Bon Iver and on the cover of McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern #43. Euclide was awarded three Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grants through the National Endowment for the Arts, and a Jerome Foundation Residency through the Blacklock Nature Sanctuary. In addition, he was a recipient of the 2011-12 Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Emerging Artists and the 2015-2016 Mcknight Fellowship for Visual Artists. Euclide received his MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Key Points:
Connection to Nature: Gregory's rural upbringing instilled in him a deep reverence for the natural world. Guided by his parents' curiosity for environmental intricacies, Gregory's art reflects his profound appreciation for nature's beauty.
Inspiration: Early experiences with photography ignited Gregory's creative development. From capturing landscapes through the lens to translating their essence into drawings, his work gradually evolved to explore the complexities of nature.
Environmental Consciousness: Gregory's art serves as a catalyst for contemplating humanity's relationship with the environment. Urging mindful choices, he emphasizes the urgency of addressing environmental issues through creative expression.
Creative Evolution: Embracing sculpture and cyanotype printing, Gregory continuously expands his artistic horizons. Through experimentation with different mediums, he creates visually captivating pieces that resonate deeply with viewers.
Sharing His Vision: Gregory's collaborative spirit extends from galleries to musicians and publications. Committed to sharing his artistic vision, he engages with diverse audiences to spark dialogue and inspire change. We also chat about how Gregory's work ended up on the EP of Bon Iver.
Sustainability and Creativity: Advocating for sustainable art practices, Gregory integrates natural materials and eco-friendly printing techniques. By marrying creativity with environmental consciousness, he sets an example for responsible art-making.
Art as Advocacy: Through thought-provoking artwork, Gregory addresses pressing environmental concerns. By raising awareness and inspiring action, he harnesses the transformative power of art to advocate for environmental stewardship.
Conclusion: Gregory Euclide's art serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's connection to nature. Through his unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy and creative expression, he invites us to embark on a journey of introspection and appreciation for the beauty of our planet. Join us in celebrating his remarkable contributions to art and environmental consciousness.
