Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Greg Hausler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Greg, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Two of the most meaningful projects were my solo show in Greensboro, North Carolina, in September 2023, followed by another solo exhibition in July 2024 in Goldsboro, NC. After researching, I discovered that I could reserve a space in downtown Greensboro through the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for a few days to exhibit my paintings. I learned several, invaluable lessons in self-promotion that garnered a television interview, a live podcast interview, and a couple of articles. As a result, after the first show, the Arts Council of Wayne County director asked me if I was interested in a solo exhibition at their gallery. I couldn’t help but say a resounding “Yes”! Who gets to do two solo shows back-to-back?

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I paint on canvases composed of discarded clothing, fabric scraps, and found objects, then layer them with obscene amounts of latex paint. It’s my nature to squeeze every ounce of usefulness out of everything I own, like using an old t-shirt I love but is too worn to wear. Often, even the paint I use is mis-tints or the dregs of cans and tubes. I think about the theme for the work only after I’ve finished bonding the textiles on the canvas. The challenge of painting on an uneven surface helps push that part of the creative process into unexpected directions. This technique is something I have been refining since the 1980s. Painting is a magical, healing alchemy that completely absorbs me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve been painting for about forty years. After graduating with a degree in painting, I expected the world would discover me, and prosperity would follow. The world rarely works that way. Instead, numerous non-creative jobs and raising a family occupied more of my time than painting did. It’s an all-too-common story. Think of an artist of any renown and I bet if you do the shallowest of research, you’ll find that they likely had a “day job” to help support themselves, at least at the start. I have no regrets though as it made me who I am today, and I am convinced that it’s made me a better artist.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There isn’t one thing, there is two. First, the journey of creating every piece of art is its own reward. That’s the solo, self-centering, creative release side. The second reward is sharing the finished work. I love hearing everyone’s interpretation of what they see. It often adds a surprising twist to the “story” I’ve developed for each painting.

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