Glenn Arthur Returns With The Groundskeeper

1xRUN Thru Interview
The Groundskeeper by Glenn Arthur

1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Glenn Arthur: This piece was created for the 3rd Annual Supersonic Electronic Invitational at Spoke Art in San Francisco and the piece is sold but there is still lots of other really amazing pieces here.

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1xRUN: Was this piece part of a recent  theme, series or show that you had?
Glenn Arthur: The painting was for a group exhibition of artists to showcase whatever type of work they wanted to display. I wanted to do something with more of a narrative feeling to it; something that could easily have a back story. I also adore all things macabre, so it was a perfect piece for me to submit to the show.

1xRUN: When was this piece created and with what materials ?
Glenn Arthur: I started sketching the idea for the painting in November of 2013 and finished it in early January of 2014. It was actually my first fully completed painting of the new year. The original piece was made using acrylic on wood.

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1xRUN: Anything you would like us to highlight?
Glenn Arthur: The print release date is on February 5th which happens to be my 35th birthday!

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1xRUN: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Glenn Arthur:  I’ve always had a fascination with cemeteries and how pristine they look, but it’s rare to see someone actually taking care of the grounds, so I created a fantasy type character that secretly grows and places flowers on the graves camouflaged by her cloak that bears the same design etched into the tombstones. Groundskeeper5
1xRUN: How long did the piece take?
Glenn Arthur: A little over a month to paint after the concept was finished.

1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Glenn Arthur: The story that the painting tells could be interpreted many different ways depending on the viewer.

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1xRUN: Why should people buy this print?
Glenn Arthur: Because it’s a piece that I hold very dear to my heart and it’s my birthday!

1xRUN: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Glenn Arthur: Haunting.

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1xRUN: You’ve definitely been staying busy, bring us up to speed on how 2013 wrapped up for you and what’s been going down for you so far in 2014?
Glenn Arthur: I’m a total workaholic and I like to have too much to do than not enough to do. 2013 was an intense year of painting and shows and 2014 is looking to be even more so. This year I plan to work on a bunch of new illustration projects on top of painting for gallery shows so I’ve definitely got my work cut out for me!

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1xRUN:  A recurring theme in your work (that’s also highlighted again in this piece) are hummingbirds, what is the importance or meaning of the hummingbird in your work?
Glenn Arthur: There’s something magical and mysterious about hummingbirds that I absolutely love. They also bring a lighthearted and whimsical touch to my work which can sometimes a little dark. I also love turning them into little characters and friends to accompany the women in my paintings.

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1xRUN: Any reason in particular that you feel that you are so drawn to hummingbirds? What’s the story of how they have become such a muse for you?
Glenn Arthur: I’ve been fascinated by hummingbirds for as long as I can remember, but they’re always here and gone in a flash. I originally started drawing and painting them as a way to keep them around and then they just became a signature in my work.

1xRUN: Any new artists you’ve discovered recently that you have really been impressed by?
Glenn Arthur: I just met a fantastic artist at the LA Art Show. Her name is Jasmine Worth and I absolutely adore her work. It’s dark and beautiful with just a touch of creepy. It’s right up my alley!

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1xRUN: What are your plans for the next 2-3 months as 2014 is getting underway?
Glenn Arthur: I’m working on paintings for several group shows to start off the year and then I’ll be focusing on my next series of paintings for my show at Thinkspace Gallery in August.

CuriouserAndCuriouser

1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Glenn Arthur: WebsiteBlogFacebookInstagram @glenn_arthur_art – Twitter – @glennarthurart

-1xRUN