Today we’d like to introduce you to Glennray Tutor.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I knew I was an artist as soon as I was born–that is: as soon as I became sentient. Yes, I remember the experience. Of course I didn’t know a language for a while, and so I did not know the word “artist.” I learned the word for what I am later.
I was the only child. My mom was a seamstress and my father was a welder. We were neither rich nor poor. I grew up in a loving family situation in which I was free to develop my artistic interests. I began painting with oils at the age of 15. As an adult I worked at various jobs–everything from a clerk in a department store to making donuts in a bakery, and painted in whatever time I had away from the jobs. College also cut into my artistic development. After college I began teaching. By my late 20s I had begun to sell enough paintings to only need to teach part time. By the age of 33 I was selling art on a regular basis and was able to devote all my time to making art. And since that time my daily schedule has rarely varied: I come to the studio and start painting; I take a break for lunch; I return to painting. That goes on seven days a week. There are distractions, of course, of one kind or another. I deal with them the best I can so that as little time is taken away from the painting endeavor as possible. The goal is to paint as much as possible each day.
Please tell us about your art.
I am considered a Hyperrealist. I was recently listed first among 50 of the best Hyperrealists in the world. (You can view this review by going to the web and searching for THE REAL HYPERREALISTS.) (If the reader is interested in learning more about Hyperrealism I suggest acquiring the book, JUXTAPOZ: HYPERREAL, edited by Evan Pricco, Gingko Press Publishers; and also doing a web search for Hyperrealism.)
To make my paintings, I apply oil paint to canvas or paper with brushes. Because my subject matter is complex, a painting takes a long time to complete. Here is a quick definition of my artwork: My paintings consist of contemporary objects used metaphorically; the paintings are my arrangement of matter to form an interplay of the visual, emotional, and intellectual. It’s important to understand that the objects that you see in a painting of mine are only part of what the painting is about. Because I’m using these objects metaphorically, the paintings are about a lot of other things as well. You might consider it this way: my paintings are made up of portals, or levels. What the viewer will see through the first portal will be objects he will recognize. And because I’m using these objects not only for what they are, but also metaphorically to express deeper thoughts and feelings, there will, consequently, be other portals as well.
I fill my paintings with joy and brightness. I think there are enough disheartening things in the world. So I try to stay away from any dark motifs.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Find a job that allows you as much time to paint when you’re away from the job as possible. Unless you are rich, or someone is supporting you financially, in your day to day artistic quest you will have to live frugally at first–or maybe always. However, if you are an artist, making art will be the luxury in your life.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
One can go online and search my name to see paintings of mine and to learn which galleries around the world are currently showing my paintings. Or you are welcome to contact me directly at GlennrayTutor.com.
One of the best ways to learn more about me and my artwork is to take a look at the book GLENNRAY TUTOR PORTALS. It reproduces in color over 236 paintings of mine. The selections range from the year 1983 to the present day. The book also contains an extensive interview with me by Zach Tutor. The book will be available for sale through any bookseller sometime this September.
Contact Info:
- Website: GlennrayTutor.com
- Phone: 16628018578
- Email: glennraytutor@gmail.com
FLIGHT, oil on prepared paper, 21 x 24 in/53.34 x 60.96 cm, 2013. Collection of Ray and Kim King Reed, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA.
Image Credit:
Except for the book cover(s), the images are oil on canvas, except for the hot sauces: it is oil on paper.
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