Amani M. Heywood
Gregg Emery
"The Teachers Teacher"
Interview conducted by Amani Heywood
"My students have an honesty and an energy that is impressive... experimentation... has all been born from my work with students of all ages." - Gregg Emery
All photos are provided by artist
Photo credit to Joe Ro
Greg Emery is an artist whose journey is deeply intertwined with the meditative practice of sketching, a cornerstone of his creative process and a reflection of his inner world. Drawing inspiration from pivotal experiences—such as the powerful reception of Technodrome 1’s solo show in 2012—Greg has cultivated a bold artistic vision that resonates with audiences on a global scale. His work is not just a means of expression but a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be human, grappling with themes of longevity, connection, and the complexities of existence.
What inspired you to pursue a career in art?
For me it began with drawing/ sketching and always comes back to that as well. Sketching is my form of meditation, it is how I think and process the world, for me it is a form of prayer, a connection to something bigger than myself and it guides me, leads me forward while keeping me grounded. I always knew I wanted to do anything that would allow me to keep drawing and that is what I have done.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that influenced your artistic direction?
There have been many pivotal moments in my life, I think one was attending the solo show of Technodrome 1 in, I think it was 2012. It was a great show, great work but also the outpouring of love for his work and celebration of his journey was incredibly powerful. It made me want to put my work out into the world in a bolder and more purposeful manner. Other highlights have been international shows where I just can’t believe my artistic path has led me abroad to places I never imagined I would see let alone show my work in.
Who are your biggest influences outside of the art world?
My parents definitely and my students. I have been a full-time teacher for nearly 30 years and my students have an honesty and an energy that is impressive. They ask tough, sincere questions that I end up wrestling with amidst my process and time in the art world. Experimentation with materials, engaging with the digital and metaverse as well as investing in collaboration have all been born from my work with students of all ages. My parents have and continue to encourage me to work hard, be open to all and listen, appreciate and remain grounded in this world.
How do you balance your artistic practice with other aspects of your life?
They are all incredibly intertwined, I feel lucky because of this fact. I paint, I draw and sketch, I eat, work, sleep with art. Art is a part of everything even when it isn’t. There is no balance. I don’t even know if I can ‘shut it off’ but if I could, why would I? Art is life giving and life affirming, it brings up more questions to my questions and parts the waters of doubt amidst incredible darkness, it is light.
What medium do you feel most connected to, and why?
Hmmmm…probably sketching with graphite, it is what I have done the most of and continue to love and find joy and discovery in. Graphite sticks (6B) on Strathmore sketchbook paper. A sketchbook out in the wild, meeting and connecting with people in trains, cafes, on the streets and more. That is when I feel most connected to the material and to the world around and within myself.​
Can you describe your creative process? What steps do you take from concept to completion?
It is different with painting than sketching. I will often gather and collect ‘color’ that I see around me throughout my day. I collect photos of color relationships as well as completing quick watercolor studies of color too. I will take this and pair them with one another into, what I find to be, ‘compelling’ contrasts or pairings. Sitting down to mix those colors and prep the surface to paint on, I will ‘psyche’ myself up with music or even watching clips of movies or both. The painting process itself is something I compare to falling somewhere between a meditation and an athletic event, working on the floor and from all sides. It is a dance that make take one or several sessions, even weeks or months of looking and adjustments with brush or squeegees/ pieces of wood again. That is how build that larger layers.
How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?
I usually don’t have them and I think that is because I am always working on multiple projects and ideas at the same time. I may favour sketching or painting over other materials at some points but I never really stop working. Even having little things to work on when I come to the studio helps me get motivated to dive into the longer pieces.
What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work?
As with many other artists, I do think my work comes down to some basic questions and lately those are very much cantered around ‘what it is to be human.’ Issues of longevity, immortality and our connection to this world and one another.
How do you see your work evolving in the next few years?
I see even more collaborations in my future and I am in conversations now to partner with technology in a very purposeful and meaningful way to build installation and immersive work cantered around the same ideas I have been working with for several years.
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What advice would you give to other emerging artists just starting out?
Be kind, trust yourself and surround yourself with artists who lift up, encourage and help artists. This is a community and we all become better and stronger the more all of us experience all forms of success.
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