Meet Gus Gruner | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gus Gruner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gus, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’d say it was less of a thought process and more of a gradual movement towards turning a passion into my job. The mindset was, “work slowly and naturally and things will fall into place.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a painter. A painter using mixed media practices to formulate abstractions that relate to my mountainous surroundings Vail, CO) and urban past (New York). Most of my work can be found in the middle of these two strong and starkly different influences I have grown with.

The truth is, I never intended to be a full time artist. I always made art, but never considered it as an occupation. After a lifetime of graffiti writing I moved to Vail and picked up a paintbrush. A few years later, exploring new mediums and developing, I was blessed with a community of friends that guided me in the right direction. Starting off small at community markets gave me the time and confidence to keep moving forward slowly but consistently.

Not having an artistic educational background has had its ups and downs, but for me has seemingly opened up use of various materials in a liberating fashion. Not being subject to or pushed towards the classical approach of the way materials are ‘supposed’ to be used has in the past allowed me to explore many different avenues.

Often times in the art world there seems to be a need to tell a story of overcoming or exposing personal struggle and making art to share this outlook. As useful and honest as that approach can often be…. that is just not me.

I create because it is an inherit part of my nature. Its fun, its freedom, and can be an agent that generates new thoughts a ideas once in eyes of the viewer. That is good enough for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As the Denver has the closest Art supplies stores to Vail, I am down there frequently.

Hands down my favorite restaurant is the Reckless Noodle House. A Vietnamese inspired cuisine with big bold flavors not often found in this part of the nation. As a big dive bar guy… The candlelight tavern.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shout out goes to my supportive family and all of my thoughtful friends who have guided me into place during this unpredictable pursuit.

Website: www.guscontemporary.com

Instagram: gus_contemporary

Image Credits
Charles Townsend Bessent Charlestownsedphotography.com Andreas Bauer