Artist’s Statement

In a society often subject to rigid definitions of masculinity, my work seeks to explore layers of male vulnerability and relationships between men. Through the richness of oils and the interplay of collage techniques, I create visual narratives that invite viewers to engage with the emotional complexity of male experiences often left unspoken.

My art is a reflection on the fragility and strength inherent in human connections, especially between men. With oils, I embrace the medium's ability to convey both subtlety and intensity, capturing unfiltered emotions that lie beneath the surface. In my collage pieces, the elements further enrich these portrayals, allowing me to juxtapose and layer diverse textures and images, echoing the multifaceted nature of male relationships.

Each piece is a dive into the heart of intimacy, vulnerability, and the quiet moments that define our connections with others. By confronting and celebrating these aspects of masculinity, I aim to foster a deeper understanding and empathy, encouraging a more open and honest dialogue about what it means to be truly seen and valued as men.

In my art, I strive to create a space where emotions are not only visible but also honored, where the complexity of male vulnerability can be acknowledged and embraced. My hope is that through these works, viewers will find a reflection of their own experiences and an invitation to explore the delicate balance of strength and tenderness in male relationships.

Biography

Gary was born in Baltimore, raised in western West Virginia and spent his early adulthood in Chicago and Philadelphia. There, he enjoyed working as a theatre artist semi-professionally while working in finance, marketing and training and development. He became interested in visual art during his 18 years living in Salem, MA and apprenticed as a flat glass craftsperson for 10 of those years with Kai Colombo in neighboring Peabody. He has recently been drawn to oil paint and has started to learn how to interpret and conceptualize images using that medium. He loves mixed media images as well, and hopes to incorporate collage, oil, and glass - if even possible - into future works. Gary is heavily influenced by the Art & Crafts Movement, the nautical and the beauty in the “small stuff.”

He currently makes his home in Bradenton, FL with his husband Craig and their two cats, Sanji and Camden.