Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregson Lunz.
Gregson, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I would have to say it was my mother that guided my interest in the arts and creative endeavors. My sister and I lived with our mother in Essex and though her health was progressively deteriorating due to MS, it was always important to her to have us in creative endeavors. She enrolled us in local dance and musical groups. We lost our mother when we were young, but being introduced to the arts at a young age has been profound in my life.
Through my life I developed two artistic passions and endeavors, music and painting.
I originally tried my hand at painting in the 12th grade, creating my first seascape as a gift to an aunt and uncle and today it hangs in my studio. It is interesting to look at it and see that while my skill has grown, my style has always had the same feel.
My love for the ocean has influenced my direction in art and has made its way at times in my music. I started scuba diving when I was 15, moved to the ocean and started surfing when I was 18, so it was only natural that my art has focused on seascapes.
I developed musically by performing and recording twelve years in Christian rock bands, playing originals, performing in concert and gaining a lot of studio time. This has allowed me to develop professionally as an artist.
As of today, I have an art studio and gallery on Main Street in Reisterstown I sell original artworks, limited edition giclees and accept commissions. Concerning music, I have developed an online presence and have two solo albums. At this time, I am focused on my artwork, but will plan more with music as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If your endeavor is to make original art or music, you must go out and find your audience and that takes effort. There is an audience for everyone, but the chance that they will find you is slim. I paint from my passions so it is only natural for me to share with the community of surfers and ocean lovers. In a world where there are so many great and talented artist and musicians, you are a small drop in a large sea. I don’t want to sell people on my work, but rather just share. These are my people, not clients. I prefer to keep it organic and that keeps it smooth.
Financially, I chose a path where my livelihood is not dependent on the arts. Though I do market both my music and art, I have always maintained a “day job.” This has allowed my art to develop freely, but having a studio while maintaining a career elsewhere is demanding.
Also, I decided to concentrate on original music instead of playing all cover songs which does not fit well with the local scene. I will say that my music has been well received.
I have had many blessings along the way. I’ve received support from the art and music communities, great artists and musicians who have given of their time, invited me to present at their art shows, shared a stage and freely provided their talent to my recordings. I am forever grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Musically, I am a singer / songwriter and guitarist. ,I have recorded two -twelve song albums: Released and Ëlement, ebb tide +flow. My latest album is “Element ebb tide + flow” and features multiple types of percussions from around the world, combined with acoustic and electric instruments. I wanted to keep the foundation in rock but bring a variety of world influences. I would say that most people were introduced to me first through my music.
I am also a painter focused on seascapes at this time. My medium of choice is acrylic on canvas. My work has been presented in galleries and art shows and currently, I display at my art studio in Reisterstown.
What sets me apart is that my art and music are at times extensions of one another and have inspired one another. Two of my music videos feature my art. There are lyrics in my songs that were inspired by paintings. There are times when I considered a painting and a song as one composition.
What matters most to you? Why?
Accomplishments matter and is its own reward. I can always look at my art or listen to my music and know that I worked to bring something into existence that will out-last me. That drives me.
I believe strongly that we come into this world to do more than just survive through it, that we have a purpose. A wave starts from a storm in far-away places, the energy travels across great waters and then reaches and affects another shore. The energy we put out affects the world as well, maybe beyond our own existence.
I tend to write songs with a mindset to encourage hope and hope for myself as well as my audience. I paint to capture the beauty of moments. Maybe my work will bring a future smile and hope for someone I love or someone I have never met.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gregsonlunz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregson.lunz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregsonlunzmusicandart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gregsonlunz6635
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1TyuwRCUOAmYp0vXU4EcRB
- Other: https://fineartamerica.com/art/gregson+lunz
