We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zach Grear. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zach below.
Zach, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
It’s funny, the word “professional” never entered my consciousness. I just knew that, in my early 30s, I’d ticked a few boxes that–supposedly–were the keys to fulfillment: climbing the ladder in my retail career, new title, getting salaried, getting benefits, etc. However, I also knew that I was angry and anxious all the time at my job. It was a very toxic-“throw someone under the bus”-work environment that I had internalized as “just the way it goes”. Around that time I read “Just Kids” by Patti Smith and was absolutely inspired. Again, it wasn’t so much about being a “professional” artist. It was simply the idea of PRIORITIZING my art and my craft. Of putting my talent–my passion–first at all costs. Once this mental shift happened, I immediately began mentally divesting from my job. Instead, investing more energy and time into my art. All the sudden, the more I put my art out there, the more I began discovering and interacting with other artists. I even began relating to co-workers in a new way, finding out that many of them too were creatives. It’s like an entirely new world opened up. Of course this world of artists has ALWAYS been there–it’s just that my focus, my priorities, at the time didn’t allow me to see it. But once I found this world, I knew I could never go back.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Zach Grear is a self-taught artist inspired by Queer erotica and tattoo iconography. He uses markers and collage to alter found imagery, specializing in vintage gay porn magazines he used to shoplift as a teen. His artwork also includes portraits of his personal heroes along with peers in the contemporary Queer art scene. In 2018 Zach teamed up with the popular IG account @theaidsmemorial to release The AIDS Memorial t-shirt. Since its release it has been worn by such notables as Shirley Manson of the band Garbage, actor Alan Cumming, and Drag Race alumnus Milk.
Zach has also launched an apparel line called QUEER THEORY, intended to boldly claim Queerness in an accessibly way through hoodies, t-shirts, and totes.
Zach currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
So much of supporting artists is a shift in thinking. First and foremost, dead artists don’t need your money! Society must recognize the value of LIVING BREATHING artists that are working all around the world. Which brings me to my second point: making art is work. It takes energy, time, money, and emotion. Society doesn’t teach any of this which is why, to this day, people are shocked when artists ask for money for their work. Most of the things we take for granted by buying at a big box retailer–clothing, furniture, accessories–you can get from an independent artist that I guarantee makes much more interesting work. If you’re not at the place where you can monetarily support, share their work! Look around at a local level. Seek out those artists, learn their names and follow them on social media. Check out art shows, even if you’ve never heard of the artist.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Living my most authentic life. Pursuing my art and my creativity at all costs. But most of all I want other creatives, especially Queer creatives, to know that they can do it too. This life is yours, you just have to say yes to yourself. And there’s a whole world of amazing artists that can’t wait to discover your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: zachgrear.com
- Instagram: @zachgrear
Image Credits
Portrait of the artist by Travis Chantar.