Pushing Paper

Greg Crimmins

On view July 19, 2021 - July 25, 2021

View the virtual gallery experience below

Artist Statement

“Pushing Paper”,  is a compilation of works on a wide variety of paper, in multiple forms and layers. While earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design, I fell in love with the diversity and adaptability of paper. Employing a diverse range of mediums, the goal to expand my knowledge on the substrate extended out to the subject matter that inhabits this series. 

The origin of “Pushing Paper” began with an emphasis on simplicity, while pushing the medium, substrate, and my artistry to the fullest extent. Early concepts of the series revolved around Earthly topics, with a focus on botanical studies. The first piece in this concentrated body of work titled “Calla Lily Energy” utilizes acrylics, color pencils, watercolor, and oil, a mixed media artwork on an otherwise unusable piece of paper. Recycling materials as much as possible became a major focus during the creation of this body of work. Many of the frames, canvases, and paper have past lives, now they are reborn. As my career progresses, I feel the utmost necessity to create without causing unnecessary harm to our planet. 

Deeper into the series, the viewer will find themselves ascending from earthly topics. The fifth piece, “The Factory”, epitomizes my personal desire to grow by using imagery to convey ideas that are larger and insightful, never seen before in my work. From the ground up, expanding to the stars, this linear visual journey takes the viewer from conception to transcendence.

 As ”Pushing Paper” evolved, my later works explore theories revolving around space, time, and our place in the universe.

Artist Bio

Fine art was a quintessential factor of my upbringing. I was fortunate to be 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. 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.

My formal art education started at an early age, and I gravitated towards a studio whenever possible. I enjoyed seeing how a grungy space could be the same vessel that allowed for beauty to be produced. I wanted to be immersed in the lifestyle in every possible way. Encouraged by my middle-school art teacher, Nancy Brandley, I started taking private classes at Rhode Island School of Design. While there I learned that becoming an artist wasn't for the faint of heart, and real dedication was required to succeed. Still, I was unperturbed by the journey ahead of me. In 2016 I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration.

Even though illustration was my focus, Fine Art was always my passion. With behind-the-scenes gallery experiences through internships, my love for Fine Art continued to blossom.

Creating has always been a cathartic process for me. Straddling the fine line between reality and the metaphysical, my work speaks from a deep internal voice. I often challenge any preconceived notions and re-evaluate what creating means to me. As an artist and human, my goal is to never cease in the search for growth

Connect with Greg!

IG: @theartofgregcrimmins

Website: http://www.gregcrimmins.com