Today we’d like to introduce you to Torrey Gleason

Hi Torrey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Art has always intrigued and inspired me, and the process of creating it has been so important in shaping how I view the world. I think in many ways, I’m still exactly where I started. I mean, I still finger paint. I try to be curious about things. I try to find the magic in things. Even the ugly things. I feel lucky to have had supportive parents and encouraging teachers along to way that made it possible for me to do this as a career, but I can’t imagine any world where I would not be making art.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I’ve always been interested in art and design and known that’s what I wanted to do. I think my path has been much more linear than most. I got my BFA from Southeast Missouri State University, and from there immediately went to grad school at Indiana University, where I now teach. But although my path has been linear, it hasn’t always been smooth. I think everyone experiences artist block or drops in motivation at some point, and there are so many factors outside our control – personally, I’ve had a lot of health issues that held me back from creating what I wanted to create for a long time. I think sometimes the bumps in the road end up being helpful, though. They can change your perspective and change how you go about your work when you’re able to get back to it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I love to try new things and I’m always experimenting in the studio. I’ll go through phases where I’m really into painting or digital work or photography for a few months at a time. That being said, for the past few years I’ve been focusing on collage. I love the tactile, personal element, and it’s been a fun way for me to show my hand in the work as an artist, which can sometimes be tough in the graphic design space.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

I think watching anyone who is a creative in some way (visual arts or otherwise) who is passionate about what they do and enjoys the process helps get me excited about making. Christine McConnell, Micarah Tewers, and Annie Atkins are a few that I always find some sort of inspiration in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.torreyelizabethart.com/s-projects-basic-1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrey_elizabeth_art/