10 New Original Works On Paper ‘Happy Trails’ by Greg Gossel

1xRun: Tell us a little bit about the originals in this RUN, is this work part of a recent theme or body of work? 

Greg Gossel: Happy Trails is a new series of original mixed-media works on paper. This series began as a bit of a study, experimenting with new images & techniques as I prep for an upcoming solo show at White Walls this June.

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1xRun: When were these pieces created and what materials were used?
Greg Gossel: I spent time working on the series throughout the month of April. All of these pieces are on 400 lb Arches Cold Press, which was a great stock for the heavily layered pieces. I used a variety of mediums throughout the process, including silkscreen printing, acrylic, spray paint, enamel, and correction fluid.

1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Greg Gossel: Earlier this year I was getting started on a new body of large-scale work and thought it would be a great opportunity to experiment with some new ideas & techniques on a series of works on paper. The process itself was very spontaneous. I tend to work on a variety of projects at once and jump around from piece to piece. So over the course of a couple weeks I spent a lot of time working and reworking new ideas to create this series.

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1xRun: What is unique about this latest work?
Greg Gossel: I think the great thing about this series is the loose & experimental feel. The spontaneous process of working out new ideas on each piece gives the series a lot of energy.

1xRun: Describe this series in one gut reaction word.
Greg Gossel: Raw.

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1xRun: When did you first start making art?  What was your first piece?
Greg Gossel: I’ve been drawing/painting my whole life, but first started showing my work in a gallery setting in 2007.   The first piece that sticks out in my mind is a large scale mixed-media work I created in 2005 while going to school for design.

1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? How about currently?
Greg Gossel: The first artist who’s work really inspired me was Robert Rauschenberg. I also found a lot of inspiration early on from the work & processes of artists such as Warhol, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, and Basquiat. As for now, there are too many to name, but off the top of my head I really enjoy the work of George Condo, Mark Bradford, Christopher Wool, Michael Belivaqua, Eddie Martinez, Ryan McGinness, and Leo Gabin to name a few.

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1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Greg Gossel: Yeah most of my work time is spent listening to music. Totally random mix, usually depends on the day. I listen to a lot of hip-hop, new and old… Aside from that, anything from Marvin Gaye to Van Halen to George Jones to Bjork.

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Greg Gossel: That’s a tough one, maybe Julian Schnabel. (For the latter) I suppose I would have to say Rauschenberg as he’s the first artist who’s work I really fell in love with.

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1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Greg Gossel: Most of my collection has been acquired through trading work with friends. I can’t recall the first piece, but I have work from Pedro Matos, Arran Gregory, and David Sollie to name a few.

1xRun: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Greg Gossel: Right now I’m busy working on my upcoming solo show at White Walls, which opens June 14th in San Francisco.

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1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Greg Gossel:  WebsiteFacebook @greggoselart – Twitter + Instaram @greggossel  –

-1xRUN