We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gary Byrd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gary below.
Gary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
No is the simple answer. There is no substitute for life experience and choosing a path that is suitable to one’s personality. I began oil painting for the joy of it; not to put food on the table or pay the rent. I had a very enjoyable career in the Energy business for many years that established me financially and allowed me to meet my obligations.
My previous profession established my work ethic and organizational skills. It also allowed me to hone my artistic skills by providing funds to attend workshops and photoshoots, as well as purchase art supplies.
Once I was financially able to create western art for the art itself, without being hindered by the pressure to “commercially survive”, it was time to go through a new door and focus full time creating Western oil paintings.
Gary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I grew up in Oklahoma where Western art is readily available to enjoy. The Gilcrease, Philbrook and National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museums were (and are) magical places for me. Visiting these places instilled a desire to emulate the great artist’s works on the walls of each.
The Western storylines are timeless and truly American. They tell the good and bad, the ugly and pretty in emotional ways. I am part of that storytelling tradition. Hopefully, viewers find my take on the subject unique.
I want collectors to add my paintings to their home or office and step back in time or remember a past experience when they view them. They should find joy in them until it’s time to pass it along to a relative or new collector.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
It is always exciting to come up with and execute that next painting idea, Coupling that with getting to know other artists and meeting collectors, makes being an artist great fun. It needs to be, because its a 60 hour plus per week endeavor (if not, it may be a hobby).
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
It is not for me to judge the choices of others, but I personally find the concept of NFTs to be soulless crap. The stuff of cocktail party braggadocio by inheritance brats to impress each other with their ability to throw away money.
Contact Info:
- Website: garybyrdfineart.com; garybyrdart.com
- Instagram: gbyrdart
- Facebook: Gary Byrd; Gary Byrd Fine Art
- Linkedin: Gary Byrd
- Youtube: Gary Byrd Fine Art
Image Credits
All images Copyright Gary Byrd