"Emerging from the Shadows: A Conversation with Local Artist Greg Alan"

Earlier this month, I caught up with Greg Alan, an artist whose path from doodling in the dark to splashing color on canvas is as fascinating as his work. After years of keeping his genius under wraps, Greg let the floodgates open upon retiring, driven by this urgent need to share his unique perspective with the world. His son, Aaron, gave him that little nudge he needed, and now he’s churning out striking pieces filled with stories and emotions.

This interview will peel back the layers of Greg's vibrant dive into the art scene, explore the creative sparks that set his imagination ablaze, and spotlight those key moments that shaped his artistic journey. Get ready to step into the mind of an artist who’s finally stepping out of the shadows to unleash his vision. It’s a tale that taps into the heart of contemporary art and the undeniable urge to create—because, really, who doesn’t want to make a splash?

Greg, let’s begin by exploring your transition from retirement into the vibrant world of painting.What motivated you to embrace such a creative endeavor at this stage of your life?
 

Having attended art school in 1974, I acquired the necessary basics (Composition, color theory, contrast, etc.) to create drawings that. resonated with me, and were more or less interesting. I had been creating for 40 years, mostly drawings, which I put away in my portfolio andb showed to very few people. I was sure my creations would not be understood by anyone; they were too weird, too personal. I felt my work wasn’t “mainstream” enough to be accepted. They drew upon my own inner world, and were primarily therapeutic, helping me to confront my inner demons. Who the hell would relate to THAT? As I neared retirement, an art student had expressed real admiration for my work, as well as others whom I respected. So, I decided that upon retirement, I would pursue what turned out was my true calling. I’ve come to realize that as a younger man, I simply wasn’t ready to expose my art to people. Once I started truly creating ONLY what I wanted to, the floodgates opened to the point that I have over 300 pieces of art at this writing.

 

Your son, Aaron Johnson, has been instrumental in your journey as an artist. Could you elaborate on how his support has influenced and shaped your career in art? 

Aaron has been my biggest supporter even before I decided to “go Public”. The art student I mentioned above was his then girlfriend, who saw one of my creations on his wall. Once I told him I was going to do this, he immediately offered his support and encouragement. We worked together on a plan of action including building a website (www.gregoryalanart.com), creating an LLC, and exploring options for approaching galleries. He also set up my Instagram account (@gregoryalanart), which has been the most important social media site for my work. We explored the Short North area and talked to various gallery owners. I’m from Cleveland, so AJ was my go-between for the Columbus art scene. Our last art show that particular evening was a Blockfort show featuring none other than a resurrected 83 Gallery. This show knocked me out, and I resolved to get in touch with this adventurous and cutting-edge gallery. My first accepted piece was jurored into a 934 Gallery show. Having been so encouraged, I approached Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby (Northeast Ohio, Lake County) and was accepted for a solo show, and became part of their roster. In the meantime Aaron reached out to you, and we’ve had pieces in your shows ever since. Inspiration is often a driving force in an artist's work. 

 

What sources of inspiration do you draw from, and how do they manifest in your art? 

I have developed a connection with the inner muse that has been with me for many years. I have the ability, but not the desire to do “traditional” art (i.e. landscapes, still lifes, etc.). Rather, I need to create something that is as authentically “Me” as possible, and avoiding cliché at all costs. Can you walk us through your creative process? What steps do you take from the initial idea to the completion of a piece? I draw upon the inner. I rarely plan or pre-sketch. I approach the empty (usually white) plane, put marker or pen or brush to it, and let it fly. As I progress, the ideas suggest themselves to me and I follow their lead. This can be hazardous territory, because I sometimes get in the way, and ruin them. But when I get it right, there is kind of a satisfaction that’s difficult to describe. It’s sort of a buzz. I find that this is the only approach I find tolerable, and the only reason I create, otherwise I’d be doing crossword puzzles and building model tall ships all day. 

 

It would be interesting to hear about your experiences in the Ohio Local Art Community. How many art shows have you participated in, and what have been some of the standout moments of your career thus far? 

At this writing I have been in at least a dozen shows. 2 Ohio Art League Spring shows, The Zanesville Museum’s 77 th annual show, a solo show at the Ashtabula Artsn Center, which was well received, a “Spotlight” show at Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights, as well as several shows at Stella’s Art Gallery in which I won Best of Show and two First place, a second place at Ashtabula Arts Center Mental Health show, The Fairmount Arts Center annual show, as well as many shows at your fantastic gallery, from which I have sold around six I believe

 

As you reflect on your accomplishments in art, what achievements are you most proud of? Additionally, what ambitions or goals do you hope to achieve in the year 2025? 

I am continually amazed that so many people have come to admire my work, most especially other artists. Ashtabula Arts Center actually put my show on a BILLBOARD, as surreal a moment as you can get. As far as 2025 goes, we as artists are going to have to step up and resist the ugly fascist rise to power in this counrty by continuing to not only produce art, but to support those who would be oppressed, something that I see 83 Gallery is solidly behind. As to myself, I wish to continually support other artists and create honest work that speaks from my heart. I believe that art is love. We need that now more than ever. 

 

Being a local artist in Columbus Ohio, what do you value most about this community? How does the city’s culture and atmosphere influence your artistic expression? 

Well to borrow an expression from my youth, Columbus is a GAS. Full of forward thinking cutting-edge fearless people of all stripes, colors and sexual identities. I see a new resurgence of art in Columbus, and I’m glad to be along for the ride. 

 

Do you have any upcoming shows or any people you think people should know about outside of 83 Gallery, of course? ?. 

I am currently planning a solo show (“Dissonance) at 78 th Street Studios in Cleveland in April, and a duo show with Josh Chevitz at Stella’s in July entitled “Unreal”.

 

Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring artists, whether they are young or simply young at heart, who wish to start painting? What wisdom have you gleaned from your own journey that might inspire others? 

1. Embrace rejection. There is no better way to grow in this business. 
2. Persistence is key. Keep at it. 
3. Network FACE TO FACE with other artists. You want an art education? There is none better. 
4. Understand that you must produce art that speaks to YOU first. Honor the Sacred call to create. 
5. A quote from Martha Graham: “It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”

As we conclude this conversation, let’s give a nod to Gregery Allen—truly one of the vibrant souls painting the picture of what it means to be a living, breathing artist in Ohio. Each of his submissions is a burst of excitement, a spark of creativity. He’s like a canvas that supports the local art scene, splashing inspiration everywhere. Surrounding yourself with his energy is like stepping into a Warhol piece—colorful, engaging, and full of life. Don’t forget to check out his intriguing work at @gregoryalanart and explore the universe he's created at www.gregoryalanart.com. Thanks for being part of this artistic journey!