Monday, March 26, 2012

31/31: Gary Reef


31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
------------------------------------
I am a bower bird, I collect, I recycle, I try to turn the ordinary into extraordinary and discarded things into treasure.


Burning, dropping, plashing, carelessness, cutting, scratching, layering, experimenting would be some words to describe my process.


Random chaos, mess and the chance to create accidents is the key to my secret garden. I care less for images and outcome, my work isn't about that. I live for the moment, the now and if something good comes as a result than I am pleasantly surprised.


------------------------------------
Gary Reef is an artist made for this computer age. If you do not know him yet, head on over to his many online homes. He could be at his blog. You might find him at his You Tube channel, where his videos has been seen over 1,800,000 times! Maybe he will be hanging out at his art and social network Loving Mixed Media. He could be anywhere. He beats to his own drummer and always has his finger on the pulse and that is one of the reasons I wanted him to be in my book.

Gary creates amazing textures and layers in all his artwork, no matter the medium he uses. His work is vibrant and grungy, with just enough 'quirk' to make it really interesting. I mean, how many people do you know that have held a sardine can shrine challenge?!? Thanks, btw, for letting me be the official judge on that one. I have not met Gary but one day, if he heads to NYC or I head to Australia, we just may meet. And if we do, I would like nothing more than to spend a day in the studio collaborating on some art.
------------------------------------
GIVEAWAY

NOW CLOSED

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

gary is a magnificent artist! i've never met or spoken to him, but i've come across his work several times and adore what he does and how he does it. i actually happened upon some of his youtube videos recently and enjoyed watching those as well. gary is a wonderful pick for your phenomenal book!

laurel said...

I really enjoy the variety of Gary's work. I've even bought some of his workshop dvd's and love getting to learn some of his techniques.

Ayala Art said...

This is so cool!! And I am one of Gary's fans, I have one of his art pieces ♥

Luthien Thye said...

he's one crazy, cool, funny, amazing artist who is ever willing to share his techniques with anyone who cares to learn :)

Unknown said...

what many-sided works!!! with pleasure will watch after creation of this artist!!!

Janine Whitling said...

Awesome work, love the works on paper, and the assemblages are also fantastic. Well, actually, all his work is fantastic, but the whole incorporated Mona Lisa works are spectacular. Thanks Seth.

Annette said...

fantastic another Australian artist.... well, just anyway.. wow.. looking forward to hearing and seeing more of his work
hugs

sukipoet said...

sardine can altar, super. a sense of freedom to this work.

lindjoy said...

Gary is an artist to watch! Thank you for introducing me to his work.

MadBirdDesignsUK said...

Gary is one of my all time favourites. So generous with his time and sharing his talent. He has encouraged me and many other to Follow your Passion. Well done Gaz great Art! Joan

Lottie Anderson, BFA said...

TEXTURE, you know how I love texture. Gary, Seth thank you both for sharing. More to think about.

Dianne said...

thanks for the introduction to gary...spent quite a bit of time reading his blog. a smart, talented and interesting guy...making brave choices that further his growth as an artist.

Cynthia S. said...

Hooray for happy accidents! I like his attitude and the pieces shown here.

Storyheart said...

Love Gary's attitude and humor!

Rebeca Trevino said...

i love the freedom, and carefree approach of Gary's work, i think i have seen all of his youtube videos. but the sardine can shrines were very fun.

Robert said...

Wow! Just taking a quick gander at 'Loving Mixed Media' has me completely captivated, and intrigued! Though I do have to say that I'm not really surprised. When 'The Pulse of Mixed Media' arrived in my mailbox last week, Gary's amazing self portrait simply blew me away. I felt an immediate sense of connection, though my art is nothing like his. I love the incredible richness that he achieves in his work through layering and use of stencils. It's like each time I come back to one of his pieces, there is always something new to see! Also, Gary's online presence is astounding! (Although, this kind of thing always impresses me because I am such a Luddite!) Just the fact that he takes time to involve himself in helping so many other artists, yet still finds time to paint, leads me to believe that he has figured out the magic of increasing his daily allotment of hours beyond the normal 24! This comment has gone on far too long, but I do have to say that my absolute FAVORITE quote of his from the book (under the 'quirky habits' question, on page 65), has do do with his ritual with a newly stretched canvas. More power to you, sir. I think this explains a lot! Thank you, Seth, for including Gary as a spotlight artist in your book. For those of us who didn't already know about him, he is inspiration, indeed!

Terrie said...

Well, if I hadn't already enjoyed Gary's page(s), I'd certainly be inspired to by the comment right above mine! Thanks again Seth for a great introduction.

Cathy said...

I'm looking forward to spending some time in Loving Mixed Media! Thanks so much for sharing all of these artists! It's a treat every day. :)

Carol said...

Really enjoyed learning more about this artist and especially watching the videos. Thank you!

ART*ticulation said...

I have learned a lot from Gary and it's wonderful and very inspirational!! I did one of his first workshops.

Darlene K Campbell said...

Seth,
I've been waiting with excitement for this one. I have followed Gary's work for years...he is a true spirit and I adore him and his work. He is one of the Kings of mixed media. I'm very pleased he is in your book.
Darlene

elle said...

The bower bird is such a great analogy for this eclectic art.

Bill said...

I've loved Gary's work for quite some time now. I'm a member of his group, and am waiting anxiously for him to start his new mixed-media classes. How great to see him here!

Unknown said...

Seth I have been enjoying each post each day of this month and have been wordy. Gary's work leaves me speechless. Let's enjoy the silence! *smiles* Norma

pfstuff said...

I have watched Gary's videos on you tube and he is just so creative-give him anything, I mean anything and he will make it into something beautiful-good choice, yet again.

~Babs said...

I love the way his mind works, and of course the results he achieves!

"Random chaos, mess and the chance to create accidents is the key to my secret garden. I care less for images and outcome, my work isn't about that. I live for the moment, the now and if something good comes as a result than I am pleasantly surprised."

layers said...

I like Gary's description of himself as a bower bird.. as I love the idea of collecting stuff and transforming into creative self expression.

Jo Murray said...

Gary is another 'fave' for me. I love the way he creates such rich and powerful art from his 'mess' aas he calls it.

Leslie said...

Thanks for the introduction, Seth! I'm not familiar with Gary's work, but I'm going looking for him now.

Leslie said...

Thanks for the introduction, Seth! I'm not familiar with Gary's work, but I'm going looking for him now.

Jill Zaheer said...

Just love Gary's work. Taken in by the colors, textures, composition and energy of all these pieces. So glad his work is in your book- what a super opportunity to learn about him and his art!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What a fun time I had visiting Gary and seeing his new studio. I am impressed with his energy and dedication to his art. I am glad I got to meet him through your book. This is turning into one fantastic book!

Bev said...

oh great artists i love Gary's work its so inspiring and he's an aussie to boot lol and a really nice guy...

hugz bev

Cheryl said...

A sardine can shrine sounds inviting. It's the perfect shape. Sounds challenging.

Marie-Aimée said...

I really love Gary's artwork !!

Canace said...

I have 'known' Capricornartist for quite some time. I seem to remember him in a fun hat, looking like pigtails at some stage. You have to love a guy like that!

When I grow up I want to be as free and talented as he is.

bettywisse said...

I just found out about you from Gary Reef's FB page. I can't wait to get through your blog.

Lynsey said...

His work has an ethereal quality that makes you think. Nicely done.

susan in seattle said...

Whoaaa! I just spent a LONG time on YouTube watching Gary's videos...totally fascinating! Thanks for the intro!!! I can't wait to explore more of his online stuff.

Kate Burroughs said...

Wow, what a variety of styles! Good not to be in a rut.
Aloha, Kate

Barbara I. said...

I'm enjoying your 31/31 posts so much Seth. I was not familiar with Gary's work so thanks for spotlighting him on your blog. I find his work intriguing. I too love to make art out of found objects. I have made a number of crushed aluminum can books. Trash to treasured art pieces!

lindacreates said...

Amazing work, I look forward to looking at his blog.

Carol Sloan said...

awesome!

Patricia Wolf said...

I have been a fan of Gary's ever since I discovered YouTube. I'm a member of LMM too. I absolutely love Gary!!!

Emma said...

This man has such energy, I'd like some of it, please ;)

Frances said...

Whoa! Now it's art makes my heart stop!

Carol said...

Gary is such a star and his art is so rich and vibrant. Seth, thanks for showing the world that we have some great art happening in Australia.

Anonymous said...

Wow!! I love his work, it's amazing.

Rusted Wings said...

what an exciting artist gary is!!!! looking forward to getting to know him and so many you've recently introduced me too!!!! thanks again seth!!

ANNETTE HUSBAND said...

Seth this book is awesome and I am so glad to have found you thru Jen Crossley(my teacher, my friend and my total inspiration). Gary is another person I am a huge fan of...both Ozzies wahoo too. What an amazing mix of artists you have chosen... I look forward to reading more about everyone.
Annette In Oz