Greg Pitts Bio taken from his website http://bit.ly/qphDl :
Born to a single parent family, Greg Pitts started out life at a disadvantage. Growing up without a father figure made life less than ideal. He did not meet his fater until the age of 12. As a young teen, he exhibited artistic capabilities, however the lack of understanding and from his family lead to discouragement. He continued to strive to express himself artistically. He purchased his first camera on lay-a-way from a camera store in his hometown of Lima, Ohio.
His artistic eye and fashion sense while a senior in high school lead to him was offered admission to a prestigious fashion design school, but because of stereotypical attitudes, students at school would call him a nerd and at home no one would assist him in the application process, stating that “that kind of stuff is for sissies.” Discouraged, he graduated without any formal plans. Later, he joined the Army in order to provide for his soon to be born son. Despite a difficult start in life, he continued to express his artistic side.
His artwork has been compared to that of abstract impressionist artist Jackson Pollock. He was featured artist of the month for February 2009 with Elements of Art. His photography and abstract artwork have been exhibited at Etra Fine Art Gallery and Ornare in Miami, Fl., Gallery 6 at the Broward Main Library, Art Expressions Gallery and ArtServe in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
I Became interested in art about 7 yrs ago when i was buying some frames for my photography and seen oil paints on clearance at 75% off. I ended up using that paint to do a selp portrait. that was later used for a comedic joke book I wrote.
Who were you early influences? And what role would you say the Harlem Renaissance plays in your art if any?
Oscar Micheaux, Gordon Parks, Andy Warhol. None because I feel the Harlem renaissance had more of a contribution to literature than it did to the visual arts.
What artists could you compare your style to? What message should your art convey? What point of view does your art come from?
I’ve been dubbed THE BLACK JACKSON POLLOCK by some of my early clients. But if I have to be compared to him I would like to think that I put my own personal spirituality to it. Andy Warhol because in the last 2 months I’ve done over 15 recycle pieces that’s getting great reviews from my V.I.P clients. Life’s challenges and how we react to them especially an African American artist.
In your opinion how much should educators incorporate art into the curriculum in school?How can art benefit the average person?
No comment, because my art teacher in high school gave me a failing grade. I view art as a form of self expression and how can you grade someone on how they choose to express themselves.
Where can we find some of you art work? What are some of your most popular pieces?
Bridges Aderhold-Gallery Director 305-200-5347
G.A.B Gallery in Wynwood Art District., Miami, FL.
http://fineartamerica.com/artwork/tag/greg+Pitts
Popular pieces include– SANGUINE- CHINA TOWN-LEVI- TRIBE, INNER TURMOIL. BENGALESE. My glass table top art is becoming a favorite.
Bengalese
Sanguine
How would you describe your journey as an African American artist? Please describe some of the highs and lows you experienced.
The journey has been beautiful. Art has no prejudices it respects all colors equally unfortunately humans have not been able to obtain this quality across the board. High’s- Having an exhibit with jay Lonewolf Morales and actually planning to paint a piece together for charity. Also winning Honorable mention for THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE an event in Miami for the prevention of AIDS. THE PIECE WAS TITLED ‘GOD SHALL WASH THEY SINS AWAY’. Another High was actually sketching LIVE at the G.A.B gallery while Jay Lonewolf Morales and his DRUM TROOP PLAYED and to actually give the piece to him and he accepted it with love was an awesome feeling.
LOWS- Being using by local art guilds just so that my membership and exhibition fees can fund their coffers, and my art work being rejected time and time again after my checks cleared the bank.
What motivates you?
Life
Are there any tips you can give to new artists starting on the same path as you?
Have thick skin, be resilient and write positive quotes all over the place and encircle yourself around positive people.
Describe the perfect piece of art?
Is the one know one in the world couldn’t imagine not having.
You have three colors left in the entire world, what colors are they and how would you use them?
Black, Red, White.. I’d use them to draw a path to save all mankind.
If you had to tell a story with your art, what story what it be ( you can choose a song, movie, play, tv show, book, etc).
Phil Collins- In the Air tonight.- Stylistics-People Make the world go round these 2 songs I use often.
What legacy do you want to leave the world?
My ART, I want people all over the world to know what I did for those less fortunate.
What can we expect from you in the future, and how can we contact you?
To see my art in some capacity all over the world. Contact info is 954-253-0288 Fax 954-389-8219 email blkjacksonpollock@bellsouth.net
View art and make purchases here: http://bit.ly/cMwg3g
